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A review by kaiyakaiyo
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
this book starts a bit slowly but man did I soon feel like I was imprisoned in a rotting house on the sea… “mad” wives locked away… sublime climatological events… the Gothic TM!!!! Reid took NOTES on gothic classics and passed this practical with flying colors methinks
Effy is deeply, sadly relatable: scared, often cowed by the incredibly shitty hand she is dealt, but empowered by genuine love and support, and her commitment to never backing down from her dreams. Preston was almost uncannily perfect as a love interest, and frankly I need me a literature freak like dat. hinge isn’t working so maybe i gotta start hanging out in the bookstore looking ready to Have Discourse
I liked this a lot, and am very interested in reading Reid’s other work. I didn’t realize this was YA until I’d already started it, but I would call this a really good example of YA writing, maybe towards the end of YA and into New Adult (is that still a thing)? the themes are very timely imo for 17-20 year olds moving into higher ed and the workforce, and something I think would’ve really resonated with me at that time. as a 26 year old, they still ring quite true for me as a person a bit beyond those years, but still able to remember the simultaneous freedom and fear inherent in being a newly “adult” woman. you’re on your own! but that means you’re on your own. a terrifying and exhilarating time of life, and a vulnerable time to those with power over you or your future. great read
Effy is deeply, sadly relatable: scared, often cowed by the incredibly shitty hand she is dealt, but empowered by genuine love and support, and her commitment to never backing down from her dreams. Preston was almost uncannily perfect as a love interest, and frankly I need me a literature freak like dat. hinge isn’t working so maybe i gotta start hanging out in the bookstore looking ready to Have Discourse
I liked this a lot, and am very interested in reading Reid’s other work. I didn’t realize this was YA until I’d already started it, but I would call this a really good example of YA writing, maybe towards the end of YA and into New Adult (is that still a thing)? the themes are very timely imo for 17-20 year olds moving into higher ed and the workforce, and something I think would’ve really resonated with me at that time. as a 26 year old, they still ring quite true for me as a person a bit beyond those years, but still able to remember the simultaneous freedom and fear inherent in being a newly “adult” woman. you’re on your own! but that means you’re on your own. a terrifying and exhilarating time of life, and a vulnerable time to those with power over you or your future. great read
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Sexual assault and Xenophobia
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, War, and Injury/Injury detail