A review by booksandbongs
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

dark emotional mysterious

• 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

5.0

“I was a woman when it was convenient to blame me, and a girl when they wanted to use me.”

🌊REVIEW🌊

A Study in Drowning is a standalone dark academic fantasy novel by Ava Reid. 

This book was beautifully written, and the lyrical prose was absolutely stunning! The gothic atmosphere and mystery of the story were truly enchanting. I felt like I was walking through the decaying mansion with Effy and Preston. 

The romance was a slow burn but so sweet and it felt very natural. I loved the tenderness and vulnerability of the two MCs. 

I loved how Reid uses water as a reoccurring motif for grief. I also really liked how Effy slowly comes into her own female rage as the story (and her character) develops. 

The story touches on a lot of heavier topics - the ways men hold power over women, living in survival mode, and how trauma and grief can overtake someone’s life.

This is my first book by Reid but it most definitely will not be my last - here’s to my first five star read of 2024! 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️