A review by madlysoph
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I loved this book. Ava Reid is so masterful at creating strong themes that are embedded in every piece of the story. Everything fits so well. I don't feel like I have the right words to describe this book and how beautiful it was. 

I love Ava's style of worldbuilding, with this world being a new one for her and fascinatingly crafted. The intense connection Effy feels to Angharad is so relatable, being so in love with a book because it is both beautiful and makes you feel seen in a way nothing else has that you revere the author just a bit beyond reasoning. 

I loved the symbolism throughout the story, the themes of drowning, water, and women are all woven together masterfully. I really enjoyed how everything unraveled. Effy and Preston have a tender romance that is so fun to watch slowly develop, a well-done rivals-to-lovers romance. This book is about wronged women, the men who have wronged them, and getting what they deserve. 
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