A review by ashthigs7
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

There was just something missing for me in this book. I don’t know if it’s the weird mix of pre-modern (years like 191 AD, horse drawn carts, faeries and “Sleepers”) and modern (Effy’s pink pills, coffee, cars) or what, but it was like the book couldn’t make up its mind. Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia did a much better job of marrying more modern aspects with pre-modern (only way I know how to describe it). I just don’t know what was missing here. I did love Preston’s character. There were some darker/sadder moments with Effy. I understand what Ava Reid was trying to accomplish, I just don’t know if her style of accomplishing it is my taste.  
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