lizzye33's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Medical trauma, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Confinement, Cultural appropriation, Blood, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Death, and Mental illness
Moderate: Classism, Confinement, Cultural appropriation, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
Minor: Torture, Sexual assault, Gore, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Cursing, Child death, Car accident, Body shaming, Animal death, Alcoholism, Adult/minor relationship, War, Terminal illness, Religious bigotry, Kidnapping, Violence, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Rape, and Domestic abuse
booksbydann's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
What a beautiful story. But I strongly believe that this book should not be listed as YA.
This book made me feel cold to the bone. This is the first time I've read a book by Ava and I was completely in awe of her pen. A study in drowning is a very atmospheric story, it's amazing how readers can find themselves in The bottom hundred and Hidraeth with the characters. I love how the author manages to make you feel the cold, the noise of the sea and the stillness of the cliffs.
I adored Effy. I love Preston too but Effy has my whole heart which is something that took me completely by surprise. She is shy, delicate, akward and a bit lost in her mind but she is also a strong, brave and passionate character. Effy has real flaws but it's amazing how much her character grows throughout the book.
The mystery, the gothic vibes, the sweet slow burn romance and the strong feminist twist blends so beautifully in this unforgettable story.
This is a story about a girl who tries to survive, a girl who deserves better, a girl who struggles to understand between what is real and what is not, a girl who only wants to survive a world that keeps trying to destroy her (Did I just quote Leigh Bardugo? Yes, yes I did) who tries her best even when the world tries to crush her. Even when the world tells her it's not enough.
This book is for us, the girls that try to do their best even when the world tries to crush us. Even when the world tells us that we are not enough.
But yes, we are. And fuck the patriarchy. (Shout it like Taylor Swift does in ATW10, I highly believe that if Effy were real she would be a swiftie)
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexual harassment, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death and Sexual content