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A review by littleredmacks
A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
The world in this book was beautifully crafted, and the lore and fairytales woven into the narrative were captivating. I found myself more intrigued by the legends and backstory than the actual barely there plot itself.
While I can appreciate the sapphic romance and the broader themes of antisemitism explored in this book, the characters, especially Lorelei, felt incredibly flat. Lorelei came across as a two dimensional character who seemed to be nothing but anger. While I understand that she had a lot to be angry about, nobody is that one dimensional. Even in her inner monologue, when she describes Sylvie, there's a sense of bitterness ('like of course she's effortlessly beautiful') and it become quite repetitive. I was hoping for moments of vulnerability, joy or passion, but instead the entire story felt clouded by her anger, especially as the book is told from her POV.
I was more than halfway through the story and still didn't feel any real connection between Sylvie adn Lorelei and was completely uninvested in the aforementioned barely there plot. The expedition was lackluster and considering there was so much depth to the backstory I found myself disappointed in what I was being given.
Ultimately, I switched from the physical book to strictly audio just to finish the story. While the world building and writing style were so well done, the lack of emotional depth and connection left me disappointed in this story. I felt like I couldn't even properly appreciate it when the two FMCs get together.
While I can appreciate the sapphic romance and the broader themes of antisemitism explored in this book, the characters, especially Lorelei, felt incredibly flat. Lorelei came across as a two dimensional character who seemed to be nothing but anger. While I understand that she had a lot to be angry about, nobody is that one dimensional. Even in her inner monologue, when she describes Sylvie, there's a sense of bitterness ('like of course she's effortlessly beautiful') and it become quite repetitive. I was hoping for moments of vulnerability, joy or passion, but instead the entire story felt clouded by her anger, especially as the book is told from her POV.
I was more than halfway through the story and still didn't feel any real connection between Sylvie adn Lorelei and was completely uninvested in the aforementioned barely there plot. The expedition was lackluster and considering there was so much depth to the backstory I found myself disappointed in what I was being given.
Ultimately, I switched from the physical book to strictly audio just to finish the story. While the world building and writing style were so well done, the lack of emotional depth and connection left me disappointed in this story. I felt like I couldn't even properly appreciate it when the two FMCs get together.