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A review by readwithria
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
A Study in Drowning is an atmospheric, dark YA debut that takes its premise and runs with it.
While it’s technically a fantasy novel, I would categorize this as more literary in feel than a typical fantasy book. I think that it’s important to know that ahead of time, because my incorrect expectation definitely impacted my experience with the book.
Ava Reid’s writing is, as usual, so beautifully lyrical. There are so many quotes that I highlighted, and I can’t get enough of their dialogue. I think that given the themes of storytelling and truth in this book, that lyricism was very well used and a necessary element of the story.
The pacing was slow and deliberate, which is not what I usually like but it definitely was needed to build the level of tension that Reid achieved. If you like a fast paced book this is definitely not that, but for all the slow burn readers out there this will be right up your alley.
The characters in this were intriguing, and I’m sure that many people will absolutely love them, but it took me until about halfway through the book to fully feel connected to them. The first half of the book felt a bit… maybe disassociated is the right word? A little off, not quite 100% there. For reference, it took me a week to read the first 52% and a day to read the last 48%.
This book is beautiful, and there’s lots of things to love about it, but it wasn’t what I usually look for in a book that I love. I think that lots of people will really enjoy it though. Ava Reid’s YA debut will enthrall its ideal reader, I’m just not quite that person. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
While it’s technically a fantasy novel, I would categorize this as more literary in feel than a typical fantasy book. I think that it’s important to know that ahead of time, because my incorrect expectation definitely impacted my experience with the book.
Ava Reid’s writing is, as usual, so beautifully lyrical. There are so many quotes that I highlighted, and I can’t get enough of their dialogue. I think that given the themes of storytelling and truth in this book, that lyricism was very well used and a necessary element of the story.
The pacing was slow and deliberate, which is not what I usually like but it definitely was needed to build the level of tension that Reid achieved. If you like a fast paced book this is definitely not that, but for all the slow burn readers out there this will be right up your alley.
The characters in this were intriguing, and I’m sure that many people will absolutely love them, but it took me until about halfway through the book to fully feel connected to them. The first half of the book felt a bit… maybe disassociated is the right word? A little off, not quite 100% there. For reference, it took me a week to read the first 52% and a day to read the last 48%.
This book is beautiful, and there’s lots of things to love about it, but it wasn’t what I usually look for in a book that I love. I think that lots of people will really enjoy it though. Ava Reid’s YA debut will enthrall its ideal reader, I’m just not quite that person. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, and Alcohol