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A review by shelves_by_sim
A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
I knew the moment I saw this books covers, that I had to read it. And I am so glad I did! This story was absolutely gorgeous! It had everything I love, dark and gloomy - almost gothic - vibes, very slight touch of dark acedemia and lots and lots of weird and absolutely enchanting folklore. I love how these university students set out on an expedition for the king, in search of a magical river, and half of this story is basically told on a boat ride - it gave me that sort of tarzan/anaconda research journey feel and I loved it.
I really loved the magic system in this book too, how all magic comes from aether and aether originates from water, how certain people can manipulate this aether known as magic. I really thought this was so different and I just loved it. I also really enjoyed the fact that the book was based heavily on German folkore and so we got completely different "wild folk" with strange names and I died for all of it! I did not expect this book to have a murder mystery in it either, it was such a surprise and I loved it.
As for Lorelei, I love her character. Yes, in the beginning she comes off as this woe-is-me sort of character but I loved watching her grow. I also love the whole sapphic romance in this book and Lorelei gave me such Anna Lightwood vibes - with the whole different/tom boy thing she had going on. Sylvia did irritate me a little in the beginning and I feel like after such an amazing journey through this bewildering world, the ending could have been expanded on a little more - it felt a little underwhelming and there were some plot points that could have taken a completely different direction. That being said, still absolutely enjoyed every second of this book!
I really loved the magic system in this book too, how all magic comes from aether and aether originates from water, how certain people can manipulate this aether known as magic. I really thought this was so different and I just loved it. I also really enjoyed the fact that the book was based heavily on German folkore and so we got completely different "wild folk" with strange names and I died for all of it! I did not expect this book to have a murder mystery in it either, it was such a surprise and I loved it.
As for Lorelei, I love her character. Yes, in the beginning she comes off as this woe-is-me sort of character but I loved watching her grow. I also love the whole sapphic romance in this book and Lorelei gave me such Anna Lightwood vibes - with the whole different/tom boy thing she had going on. Sylvia did irritate me a little in the beginning and I feel like after such an amazing journey through this bewildering world, the ending could have been expanded on a little more - it felt a little underwhelming and there were some plot points that could have taken a completely different direction. That being said, still absolutely enjoyed every second of this book!