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A review by embersbooknook
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.25
This book was really good.
Not what I expected, in a lot of respects - but thoroughly enjoyable.
While I was able to predict some of what would occur Angharad being the author, Ianto being the fairy king, Myrddin being not awesome, etc. , that didn’t make it any less of a good read.
Effy was initially slightly dislikable in a really relatable way - nervous, anxious, unable to trust herself, processing substantial trauma. Thus seeking a tad flaky at first. However after about 50 pages her character growth really started.
I really enjoyed seeing her character grow throughout this book.
Preston was a really good match for her - overly sensible perhaps, which I enjoyed seeing soften a bit throughout.
It was really nice to see Effy’s degrading options about Argantians slide away as she got to know him.
A reminder that when humans get to know people who are different from them, they are less prone to dehumanize an entire group of people. A reminder we need in the world as often and as much as possible. 🥺🫶🏽
This book was a good exploration of how sexism affects a society in every level, personally, professionally, intimate relationships, etc. I also appreciated how small mentions of colonialism and sexist intellectualism, and militarism/war made it into the book. Ava set up a fascinating world and I very much hope more of these themes and its history are explored in book 2! Overall a good read that I’d recommend and will enjoy revisiting.
Not what I expected, in a lot of respects - but thoroughly enjoyable.
While I was able to predict some of what would occur
Effy was initially slightly dislikable in a really relatable way - nervous, anxious, unable to trust herself, processing substantial trauma. Thus seeking a tad flaky at first. However after about 50 pages her character growth really started.
I really enjoyed seeing her character grow throughout this book.
Preston was a really good match for her - overly sensible perhaps, which I enjoyed seeing soften a bit throughout.
It was really nice to see Effy’s degrading options about Argantians slide away as she got to know him.
A reminder that when humans get to know people who are different from them, they are less prone to dehumanize an entire group of people. A reminder we need in the world as often and as much as possible. 🥺🫶🏽
This book was a good exploration of how sexism affects a society in every level, personally, professionally, intimate relationships, etc. I also appreciated how small mentions of colonialism and sexist intellectualism, and militarism/war made it into the book. Ava set up a fascinating world and I very much hope more of these themes and its history are explored in book 2! Overall a good read that I’d recommend and will enjoy revisiting.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and War
Minor: Cultural appropriation, Colonisation, and Classism
The themes mentioned as trigger warnings are mostly minor mentions. Ava doesn’t write out the full sexual assault that happened to Effy, or the full extent of abuse that Angharad suffered from Myrddin, as the Fairy King took him over especially.
As I always say, I am a sensitive reader and was able to handle this book’s themes.