A review by zoboomafoo9
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

Wowww this was soo good. Loved the theme of women reclaiming their voices and stories. The trauma Effy suffered and the way she moved through the world was so emotional. The way men all around her looked at her was revolting and the survival mechanisms she developed to combat it was so real. She is one of the strongest YA fantasy protagonists I’ve read in a long time, precisely because it’s not in the traditional way. I don’t understand the people saying this was boring and slow just because it didn’t have explosive plot beats. The story moved seamlessly and thrummed with secrets and intrigue. I was riveted by the gloomy environment and reminded a bit of Jane Eyre honestly. The romance was cute and a nice added element to Effy recovering her own body. Really loved this book and may have to reread it to catch little foreshadowing I missed. Be aware it does contain SA, though it is not graphic and happens off the page, it is still emotional to read as she parses through memories of it. 
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