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A review by confessionsofabibliophile
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This is my first Ava Reid story, and it probably won't be the last! This book was not like others I had read, they mixing fantasy, paranormal, as well as hinting on psychological, with a tad of romance. It did start of very slow, and the time period I had questioned due to the rules and systems within the university. As I went through reading, you are made uncertain if it is fantasy/paranormal or mental health. The main character, Effy, has had it rough! I won't go into detail, but I felt bad for her throughout the book. I wanted to scoop her up and give her the biggest cuddle. She ironically reminded me of another character by the same name, from a UK TV show called Skins. With everything going on, how men and boys made her feel. How she thought of herself in a man's world. The psychological stuff behind the main character. When looking at Ava Reid's IG, she did a character map of who she pulled inspo from for her Effy, and there she was in all her smeared eye-liner glory, Effy Stonem from Skins. It felt good to know my brain wasn't just imagining the parallels.
The story takes place in thesouthernn part of Llyr. The difference between the North and South is like night and day. It follows along similar stereotypes as in today's times, the North, wealthy, educated, and experienced. The south, poor, illiterate, and believe in myths and lore and superstitions, like a characte, The Faery King. Effy finds herself in the bottom hundred after the death of her favourite writer. She is entrusted to rebuild his estate, while the entrance of another main character, Henry, whom I knew right away who he was; is there to disprove or prove the dead writers'
authorship.
They go on this journey uncovering the mystery the old manor has had locked way for years. When the path is finally discovered, I was semi surprised. I had a feeling the stuff that was uncovered was a thing. I just didn't realise a few things. Sorry for the extreme vagueness. I am trying very hard to keep this spoiler free.
Romance does spark, but it also talks about forced romance, my take from it, sort of grooming, but both girls are 18, but the men are DRASTICALLY older 30s+. Sexualising of women is a huge running theme. I found myself wanting to punch a couple of male characters in the face. The theme is that women are either weak and only good for the home life or that we are harlots and temptresses which hook and ensnare men in a trap, with just one look. Really had me flabbergasted, but the end is what made me realise why these themes were used.
Come the last two chapters, it had left me wanting a bit more of the story, the aftermath, I wanted that. The build-up was great, a bit slow, the climax hit, and then I was left wanting to know more and seeing where it all took them. Which is why it isn't a 5☆.
The story takes place in thesouthernn part of Llyr. The difference between the North and South is like night and day. It follows along similar stereotypes as in today's times, the North, wealthy, educated, and experienced. The south, poor, illiterate, and believe in myths and lore and superstitions, like a characte, The Faery King. Effy finds herself in the bottom hundred after the death of her favourite writer. She is entrusted to rebuild his estate, while the entrance of another main character, Henry, whom I knew right away who he was; is there to disprove or prove the dead writers'
authorship.
They go on this journey uncovering the mystery the old manor has had locked way for years. When the path is finally discovered, I was semi surprised. I had a feeling the stuff that was uncovered was a thing. I just didn't realise a few things. Sorry for the extreme vagueness. I am trying very hard to keep this spoiler free.
Romance does spark, but it also talks about forced romance, my take from it, sort of grooming, but both girls are 18, but the men are DRASTICALLY older 30s+. Sexualising of women is a huge running theme. I found myself wanting to punch a couple of male characters in the face. The theme is that women are either weak and only good for the home life or that we are harlots and temptresses which hook and ensnare men in a trap, with just one look. Really had me flabbergasted, but the end is what made me realise why these themes were used.
Come the last two chapters, it had left me wanting a bit more of the story, the aftermath, I wanted that. The build-up was great, a bit slow, the climax hit, and then I was left wanting to know more and seeing where it all took them. Which is why it isn't a 5☆.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Mental illness
Moderate: Gaslighting and Classism
There is kind of grooming acts in book, but the girls involved are 18. But the men are 30s+