A review by elaichipod
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

dark mysterious slow-paced

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

3.0

I thought the settings and vibes of the book were very unique, but I just could not bring myself to be interested in the storyline. It was painfully slow, and almost nothing happens in the first 13 chapters. All the action is packed into the last 4 chapters. 

The second that Ianto was introduced, I immediately knew he was going to be the Fairy King. It was almost too obvious. And once we learned that Blackmar had a daughter, it was very clear that Myrddin was the one who took advantage of her.

I have conflicting feelings about Effy because everything that she has been through in academia is very real, but I just couldn't look past all the disparaging and racist comments she would make towards Preston. I understand that she must have felt like Angharad was the only thing she had for herself, but her cruelty to Preston after he took "her" books was unprecedented. Honestly, Preston felt like he was just there. Effy could have handled the story line largely by herself. Also, I was surprised he was so logical all the time because I assumed that a literature student would be open to different perspectives and opinions. Every time he shut Effy down, I was a bit bothered. Another issue I have is how the Fairy King was defeated so easily. Effy using the mirror was just a stroke of luck essentially. The word mirror was used so many times that it felt like it would be important later, but it wasn't something that fell in place properly.