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A review by anns_storybound_sanctuary
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I really struggled with my rating. Over all the world, the idea, the motives really spoke to me, but the writing/narration wasn't for me. It felt too predictable. Also the characters sometimes felt a bit like a token character.
What I liked:
Effie coming into her power in the end.
The world building
The general concept
How patriarchy is included in this world making it relatable.
The inclusion of trauma and PTSD and not including a happy ending where Effie has overcome it. But as she is dealing with it, beginning to heal, she becomes stronger
What I didn't like:
The writing
The secondary characters
The predictability of the story
The black and white portrayal of men in the story
The constant use of water as imagery. I get that it is a symbol for her trauma, which is dictating her life. But for me it was too much.
The characters felt to tokeny sometimes.
Effie coming into her power in the end.
The world building
The general concept
How patriarchy is included in this world making it relatable.
The inclusion of trauma and PTSD and not including a happy ending where Effie has overcome it. But as she is dealing with it, beginning to heal, she becomes stronger
What I didn't like:
The writing
The secondary characters
The predictability of the story
The black and white portrayal of men in the story
The constant use of water as imagery. I get that it is a symbol for her trauma, which is dictating her life. But for me it was too much.
The characters felt to tokeny sometimes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment