A review by imskylow
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This is an allegory of what it’s like as a young woman being taken advantage of by an older man. It’s about healing and trusting yourself, learning you aren’t alone and that it isn’t your fault. This book is a lightly fantastical, dark academia with gorgeous imagery of the sea, the rain, and the feeling of drowning in trauma (without necessarily being specific). There’s romance but it’s slow burn. I really liked the plot and the over all cold, wet, and dreary vibe to it but the story wasn't exceptionally gripping or intense. It was more poetic and symbolic than anything. I'm not sure I would have liked it as much if I hadn't listened to the audio book and had the names pronounced for me. Listening also helps the story progress a bit quicker than it would have taken reading the text.
If you have the patience to work through the book, I recommend. Just don't expect a fiery and intense romance. 
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