buuvmonster's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Tragic, healing and very poetic.
I love the authors descriptions and metaphors. And the voice actors voice was the perfect mix of enchanting yet tense.
I love the authors descriptions and metaphors. And the voice actors voice was the perfect mix of enchanting yet tense.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Violence and Sexism
Drowningkorpney's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Sexual assault
Moderate: Sexual violence
Minor: Child abuse
cellia's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Confinement, Car accident, Sexism, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Adult/minor relationship
alisoncummins13's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
5.0
To cover so many topics and do so in such an expert way is a real feat!! I’m not a big fantasy/dark academia person typically, but this book was awesome. It tackled so many big ideas (sexism, trauma, legacy) and did all of that with poetic prose. I read this book sort of on a whim, and I’m so glad I did. On paper, this book seems like it would be very mediocre and boring. But I found myself interested all the time, even at the supposed mundanity of the protagonists’ initial goals. The whole thing was just really grungy and lovely all at once, and I think that’s very impressive and makes for a super compelling story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Sexism, Adult/minor relationship, Gaslighting, and Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
katiemcgregor's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.5
My main problem with A Study in Drowning is that it's predictable. I figured out the main "plot twist" very early on in the book so the big reveal only served to fill in the gaps. That being said, the vibes were immaculate and I loved the unreliability of Effy's perspective, the academic rivals, and the Welsh influences (idk what it is about Welsh-inspired fantasies but I eat them up). It's been a few years since I read The Wolf and and the Woodsman but I liked the pace of this much better as well.
I wish certain parts of the story were given more time and that it wasn't so predictable but the uncanny vibes were impeccable so this was enjoyable overall.
I wish certain parts of the story were given more time and that it wasn't so predictable but the uncanny vibes were impeccable so this was enjoyable overall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Panic attacks/disorders, and Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Xenophobia, and Sexual assault
Minor: Abandonment and War
kaiiyo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Such a beautiful and respectful depiction of trauma and healing. Came at a very fitting time in my life and provides a powerful message about grief and the ways it manifests. The way dissociation and anxiety are written feel like one of the most accurate and compassionate portrayals I've seen.
Yes sometimes overcoming trauma is all bloody knuckles and determination but just being alive is also a testament of great strength ❤️
Yes sometimes overcoming trauma is all bloody knuckles and determination but just being alive is also a testament of great strength ❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Mental illness
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, Classism, Colonisation, Sexual assault, Abandonment, Child abuse, and Sexism
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Sexual content
amelianotthepilot's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
A gothic fantasy full of feminine rage.
It has everything of a classic gothic novel: a female who’s maybe mad or uncovering something, a spooky house with a spooky man, and a mystery to keep her there with a sprinkle of romance.
I overall really enjoyed this story. I loved the characters and the spooky gothic house. The water and drowning imagery was also delicious. I loved the feminine rage and depictions of the female experience.
The plot was a bit obvious towards the end and the last two chapters of wrap up were boring. There were a lot of quotable lines but also an equal amount of cringey pompous lines. I loved the world building but at the same time for a stand alone novel it seemed unnecessary for a personal success plot. It followed the main character and her struggles not a political or societal change.
It follows Effy who is the first female architecture student at this university. She enters a competition to build a house in memorial for her favorite author who has recently passed away. She is invited to the house to discuss and finalize her plans only to get there and see how truly messed up and spooky the current house is. The house is on the cliff which could be swallowed by the sea at any moment. Will Effy, the creepy man owner of the house, and the other male student researching there survive or succumb to the house?
It has everything of a classic gothic novel: a female who’s maybe mad or uncovering something, a spooky house with a spooky man, and a mystery to keep her there with a sprinkle of romance.
I overall really enjoyed this story. I loved the characters and the spooky gothic house. The water and drowning imagery was also delicious. I loved the feminine rage and depictions of the female experience.
The plot was a bit obvious towards the end and the last two chapters of wrap up were boring. There were a lot of quotable lines but also an equal amount of cringey pompous lines. I loved the world building but at the same time for a stand alone novel it seemed unnecessary for a personal success plot. It followed the main character and her struggles not a political or societal change.
It follows Effy who is the first female architecture student at this university. She enters a competition to build a house in memorial for her favorite author who has recently passed away. She is invited to the house to discuss and finalize her plans only to get there and see how truly messed up and spooky the current house is. The house is on the cliff which could be swallowed by the sea at any moment. Will Effy, the creepy man owner of the house, and the other male student researching there survive or succumb to the house?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Death of parent, Sexism, Abandonment, Physical abuse, Gaslighting, and Adult/minor relationship
btwnprintedpgs's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A Study in Drowning is an impeccable study in world building - the writing is atmospheric and full, while also filling you full of dread. It was definitely one of those books where you think, "I'm not happy to be here, but I'm intrigued. Proceed." The uncomfy feeling that sat on my chest through this story made it harder to read, but the writing made it hard to look away. It was an interesting reading experience for sure.
While I loved the premise of the story and the tidbits of magic and horror that we get, I feel like much of the problems the characters run into are solved too easily. Need to find proof of something? Go from point A to point B and tada - it's right there waiting for them. A lot of things felt too convenient which often pulled me out of the story.
Additionally, the romance felt too quick. Effy is so rude to Preston when he, objectively, has done nothing to actually offend her. They weren't rivals, really, Effy was just a classist B who needed someone to yell at since everyone else was a misogynistic a-hole. I didn't like her a lot because of that, and their declarations of feelings came much too fast when that was the base of their relationship. It was not for me, honestly.
I did love the overall message. It didn't feel preachy - in fact, it felt magical and I loved that. The way Ava Reid weaved together the story and connected all the dots at the end was absolutely brilliant and I almost wish we could've scrapped the whole romance plot for more depth into the magic of the world.
All in all, this was a solid read, but the stakes for the obstacles they faced (other than a few obvious big ones) felt so low and too easy. I wish there was a bit more meat to those aspects, but enjoyed the book as a whole.
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3.5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5
TW: misogyny, sexism, sexual harassment, sexual assault, grief, injury detail, PTSD, mental illness, emotional abuse, blood; mentions death of a parent, abandonment, adult/minor relationship, xenophobia
eARC gifted via NetGalley by HarperTeen in exchange for an honest review.
While I loved the premise of the story and the tidbits of magic and horror that we get, I feel like much of the problems the characters run into are solved too easily. Need to find proof of something? Go from point A to point B and tada - it's right there waiting for them. A lot of things felt too convenient which often pulled me out of the story.
Additionally, the romance felt too quick. Effy is so rude to Preston when he, objectively, has done nothing to actually offend her. They weren't rivals, really, Effy was just a classist B who needed someone to yell at since everyone else was a misogynistic a-hole. I didn't like her a lot because of that, and their declarations of feelings came much too fast when that was the base of their relationship. It was not for me, honestly.
I did love the overall message. It didn't feel preachy - in fact, it felt magical and I loved that. The way Ava Reid weaved together the story and connected all the dots at the end was absolutely brilliant and I almost wish we could've scrapped the whole romance plot for more depth into the magic of the world.
All in all, this was a solid read, but the stakes for the obstacles they faced (other than a few obvious big ones) felt so low and too easy. I wish there was a bit more meat to those aspects, but enjoyed the book as a whole.
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3.5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5
TW: misogyny, sexism, sexual harassment, sexual assault, grief, injury detail, PTSD, mental illness, emotional abuse, blood; mentions death of a parent, abandonment, adult/minor relationship, xenophobia
eARC gifted via NetGalley by HarperTeen in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Grief, and Misogyny
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, and Blood
Minor: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Adult/minor relationship
malisac16's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Abandonment and Bullying
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
booketofbooks's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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
4.5
1 heard a lot of hype about this book and for me, it did not disappoint. As a fan of faerie- lore retellings, I should mention that I am the target demographic for this book. Ava Reid's writing style also happened to work for me, and I really appreciated her commitment to certain thematic elements and the inclusion of literary devices throughout the book.
Our FMC, Effie, is a young college student who's feeling unmoored.
Although this is a magical alternate universe, men are still men-ning, and she has to settle for a position in Architecture since Literature is off limits to women. After her (male) supervisor assaults her, she feels even more dejected as she becomes the subject of gossip and rumors. A glimmer of hope arrives in the form of a competition. The winner will develop the blueprints to rebuild the home of the nation's beloved author, who is recently deceased and also happens to be Effie's favorite. The fictional author's work is an epic poem about a mortal woman who loves the Fairy King but ultimately must save herself from him. Effie has a personal connection to the Fairy King, but she doesn't trust her own memory after years of being gaslit by the adults around her, and she self-medicates to deal with the lasting effects. After arriving to the grounds of the home, she meets the volatile son of the author, as well as Preston, a student who is a rival of sorts. He has a suspicion that Effie's beloved author is actually a fraud. They team up to find out the real origins of the story and discover the secrets of the mysterious home and its owner.
From the outset, I was really captured by Ava Reid's word choice. Her description of the surroundings may be tedious to some, but to me, her writing is so specific and masterfully deliberate. I was reminded of Spinning Silver, and the love story paralleled that of Divine Rivals, so if you're a fan of those, add this to your TBR. Although there were a few explanations at the end that seemed a tad convenient, overall I enjoyed the book. Do check trigger warnings, as the book discusses SA, mental health, and trauma.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Abandonment, Sexual assault, and Sexism