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dundiesbooks 's review for:
A Study in Drowning
by Ava Reid
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was intense. A story of dark structures (physically and metaphorically), navigating them and finally empowerment through breaking free from the clutches of those structures.
It took me a minute to warm up to the main character, but I did. I didn't know beforehand if the dark vibes would be for me, even though I was intrigued, which lasted through the whole book, thanks to the masterfully crafted and long sustained mystery. I appreciated the darkness of the story for the most part. Then sometimes it got *really* dark and I found it hard to keep reading, because at points it had me literally tensing up, feeling uncomfortably and even a little sick. Although this was probably the intention, it was definitely a challenge for me.
There were a few small things bothering me, like food and drink almostalways being associated with strange circumstances (I know, a weird thing to say and definitely a very personal and minor thing..) as well as the romance lacking just a smidge of substance to be believable all the way through - though I did like it. Other than that I am impressed with the way this story pulled me in, had my gears turning and eliciting idea after idea, finding themes and allegories, which does not happen to often, since I'm usually more of a "coming along for the journey" type of reader. A solid, very engaging book. I will definitely read the second one.
It took me a minute to warm up to the main character, but I did. I didn't know beforehand if the dark vibes would be for me, even though I was intrigued, which lasted through the whole book, thanks to the masterfully crafted and long sustained mystery. I appreciated the darkness of the story for the most part. Then sometimes it got *really* dark and I found it hard to keep reading, because at points it had me literally tensing up, feeling uncomfortably and even a little sick. Although this was probably the intention, it was definitely a challenge for me.
There were a few small things bothering me, like food and drink almostalways being associated with strange circumstances (I know, a weird thing to say and definitely a very personal and minor thing..) as well as the romance lacking just a smidge of substance to be believable all the way through - though I did like it. Other than that I am impressed with the way this story pulled me in, had my gears turning and eliciting idea after idea, finding themes and allegories, which does not happen to often, since I'm usually more of a "coming along for the journey" type of reader. A solid, very engaging book. I will definitely read the second one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment
Minor: Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Blood, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail