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bzliz 's review for:
A Study in Drowning
by Ava Reid
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this book. Reid did a great job foreshadowing the twists at the end. I got a little bit of whiplash when a television was mentioned though. It didn’t really fit with the vibe of everything else. Other than that, I really liked the world building. It felt like perfect dark academia where everything is mysterious and hazy, perfectly underscored by light horror tones.
It seems like a lot of people don’t like Effy but I did like her. She’s dealing with a lot of trauma and I thought it made a lot of sense that she initially lashed out at Preston. He lacks privilege just like she does- though his is xenophobic rather than sexist- which lets her feel free to speak out more which leads to her personal growth. Preston was sweet though and I love that he always tried to put her at ease by giving her physical space, unlike some other men Effy knew.
I’m excited to read the second book soon!
It seems like a lot of people don’t like Effy but I did like her. She’s dealing with a lot of trauma and I thought it made a lot of sense that she initially lashed out at Preston. He lacks privilege just like she does- though his is xenophobic rather than sexist- which lets her feel free to speak out more which leads to her personal growth. Preston was sweet though and I love that he always tried to put her at ease by giving her physical space, unlike some other men Effy knew.
I’m excited to read the second book soon!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Xenophobia
Minor: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Death of parent