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A review by cloreadsbooks1364
A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A Dark and Drowning Tide is an adult fantasy book featuring a group of talented people tasked by their king to find the source of magic, led by the impressive Zeigler. Lorelei, a folklorist who has had to deal with discrimination due to her heritage her entire life, is shocked when she, rather than the beloved Sylvia, is selected to co-command the expedition. She is horrified when, at the start of their journey, Zeigler is murdered. The suspects? The other six members of the team.
A Dark and Drowning Tide
By Allison Saft
3/5⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an eARC of this book. It was released on September 17th 2024.
I had a few difficulties with this book:
Firstly, the magic system and the world-building were just not explained well enough, a map at the start would certainly be useful. I will say that the various creatures the characters meet were very thought out, and therefore a great addition.
Secondly, the two intimate scenes between Sylvia and Lorelei seemed extremely out of place, unnecessary and strangely positioned within the plot.
Thirdly, I didn't feel connected to a single character. Particularly Ludwig, Heike and Adelheid seemed very two-dimensional to me.
Lastly, it felt as if this book couldn't decide if it was a murder mystery or not. Lorelei decides to try solve the mystery, but she barely uncovers any information or does anything productive towards it.
The characters were all very ambitious and mostly seemed to dislike each other, which was interesting.
Lorelei was a unique protagonist, though some of her retorts made me so exasperated. She was unnecessarily cruel to Sylvia through the first 60% of the book.
The fight scenes were pretty interesting to read about, and this book was definitely well-written, the style was lovely.
I don't have much else to say. This one didn't quite meet my expectations, unfortunately. I still recommend it to those of you who enjoy slow-burn romance, high fantasy worlds, and angry characters.
A Dark and Drowning Tide
By Allison Saft
3/5⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an eARC of this book. It was released on September 17th 2024.
I had a few difficulties with this book:
Firstly, the magic system and the world-building were just not explained well enough, a map at the start would certainly be useful. I will say that the various creatures the characters meet were very thought out, and therefore a great addition.
Secondly, the two intimate scenes between Sylvia and Lorelei seemed extremely out of place, unnecessary and strangely positioned within the plot.
Thirdly, I didn't feel connected to a single character. Particularly Ludwig, Heike and Adelheid seemed very two-dimensional to me.
Lastly, it felt as if this book couldn't decide if it was a murder mystery or not. Lorelei decides to try solve the mystery, but she barely uncovers any information or does anything productive towards it.
The characters were all very ambitious and mostly seemed to dislike each other, which was interesting.
Lorelei was a unique protagonist, though some of her retorts made me so exasperated. She was unnecessarily cruel to Sylvia through the first 60% of the book.
The fight scenes were pretty interesting to read about, and this book was definitely well-written, the style was lovely.
I don't have much else to say. This one didn't quite meet my expectations, unfortunately. I still recommend it to those of you who enjoy slow-burn romance, high fantasy worlds, and angry characters.