A review by chrisnotfromorlando
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

dark emotional hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0

I’ll be thinking about this book for a while, I think. It touches on so many things at once, despite it being a story that feels very small for a fantasy, no dragons or great quests.

It touches on the way men wield their power over women, the way grief and trauma takes hold and slowly etches away at you, what it’s like to live your life in survival mode and feel alone in the world, and much more.

It also has absolutely beautiful prose without ever feeling purple, and some of the most tactile descriptions I’ve ever read. You’ll find yourself lost in the dark academia, gothic setting as if you too were walking through the slowly decaying mansion, wondering if the Fairy King is lurking around the corner.

Oh, and the romance is the cherry on top. A sweet, slow burn that adds just enough warmth to the story.
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