Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a literary review and analysis of a book we don't know and didn't read. This book is definitely giving a lot of dark academia vibes and is asking the question over and over again about myths and magic and how real they are. The writing in this book is lyrical and beautifully done, but the story really fell flat since so much was being held back for the mystery which made me feel left out in the cold.

The twist in this story felt obvious to me, but that was okay and a nice conclusion to some of the main conflict. Honestly, the best part of this story were our main characters. Effy and Preston are unique characters and their backstories and interactions grew on me so quickly within the story. Overall, as with all dark academia books it felt pretentious, but there were some great moments within the greater story that were worth reading.

Effy Sayre has always believed in fairy tales. Haunted by visions of the Fairy King since childhood, she’s had no choice. Her tattered copy of Angharad—Emrys Myrddin’s epic about a mortal girl who falls in love with the Fairy King, then destroys him—is the only thing keeping her afloat. So when Myrddin’s family announces a contest to redesign the late author’s estate, Effy feels certain it’s her destiny.
But musty, decrepit Hiraeth Manor is an impossible task, and its residents are far from welcoming. Including Preston Héloury, a stodgy young literature scholar determined to expose Myrddin as a fraud. As the two rivals piece together clues about Myrddin’s legacy, dark forces, both mortal and magical, conspire against them—and the truth may bring them both to ruin.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

God damn I love dark academia books so much, each time I finish I am shoved into a reading slump. Hallppppp, this one shoved me over the edge again.

A Study in Drowning was beautifully atmospheric, haunting, and heart wrenching. While I did guess the 'gotcha', I don't feel let down by that, it was a twisty ride to figure out, and every word was well-written. Ava Reid delivered the dark academia book of the year (though it's descried as gothic mystery and rivals to lovers romance). I did not get a chance to read Juniper & Thorn -- surprise, surprise it's still on my TBR pile-- but I'll be rushing over to it, knowing Ava will deliver as she did with this gem.

I know I usually START by gushing about the [insert any male MC here] but, I want to keep Preston a surprise, he's too precious not to.

If you loved Atlas Six, House of Roots and Ruin, The Dark Window, and/or The Night Circus… I found pieces alike scattered though A Study in Drowning, and hope you will too. It was a delight.

I would like to first thank NetGalley and HarperTeen for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I greatly appreciate it!

In the aesthetic sense, “A Study in Drowning” was absolutely perfect for this season of my life—I, too, have been reading a dead man’s letters for scholarly reasons. I could very well understand and feel empathy for the main character’s inordinate attachment to her favorite author, and how much she depended upon his words. I saw so much of myself in her affection, and even in her grief when expectation finally clashed with reality.

Once I got past the dark academia clichés, i.e., the ribbons in the hair and the wool clothing, “A Study in Drowning” was riveting. It contained gothic elements, mixed with the accents of the weird and fantastical. The “scholarly” passages were genuinely relatable and inspiring, making this book, in my opinion, a powerful advocate for women in academia. I highly recommend this story for its profound message, intriguing plot, and for its entertaining value.

Ava Reid does it again. I loved the dark academia vibe that still maintains the somewhat fairytale atmosphere that I've seen in her other works. I can see her inching her way up the list of authors I will read no matter what as I type this review.

Amazing book, this was refreshing and new, definitely the one to look out for. The story is original and different. Love the characters and their traits .

First, thank you to @Netgalley for the ARC! This book will hit shelves on September 19, 2023.

“A Study in Drowning” by Ava Reid is a Young Adult novel that might just knock you sideways with its atmosphere. 200 years ago, the world Drowned. The cruel ocean devastated humanity. Now, those left behind fear nothing more than a second Drowning, which might be held at bay by magic woven by Storytellers who have passed into saint-like repose.

Effy Sayre, avid fan of Llyr’s national author Emrys Myrddin, wants to study literature. The problem? Her university only accepts male students into the literature program. Instead, she’s settled on architecture, and even there she’s the only female student. When the opportunity comes to design a house in tribute to the late Myrddin, which includes the opportunity to travel to his home at the bottom of the country by the sea, how could she say no?

Still, everything is not as it seems. Effy walks a fragile line between reality as she knows it, and a terrible fantasy that lurks constantly in her periphery. Visiting the home of her idol isn’t what she hoped it would be. Secrets and trauma rise to the surface there while she tries to keep her head above water.

—

This book was so promising. Lyrical and atmospheric, it really did take my breath away. I would absolutely recommend it, with the caveat that it deals with sexual trauma pretty heavily.

Unfortunately, I felt like Reid didn’t quite stick the landing on this one. It brought my rating to 3.5 stars, but imo it was worth the journey!

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Considering the above line, I have to be honest: I have middling (lol) feelings about Ava Reid. I really did not like Juniper & Thorn, but this type of novel sounded way more up my alley than that one, and I wanted to give it a try.

What I'll say first is that Ava Reid is excellent at world-building. There is no question that she is a talented author, and really knows how to slide you straight into her world. Even when I didn't like Juniper & Thorn, I was wholly engrossed in it. It did take me about 20% of the book to really fall into A Study in Drowning, but once I was in it, I flew through it. I am a fast reader, but I did read 80% in about 2 hours, so that's really saying something. I could barely look away.

The characters themselves interested me, but I did not love any of them. Thoughts on Effy: she blushed/flushed way too much. I actually related to her quite a lot - the anxiety, the fear. She was filled with self-doubt and was constantly worrying about what she did or said. I think a lot of people will relate to Effy. But ... wow, did she blush/flush every 5 paragraphs.

I will say I guessed the answer to the mystery at the 34% mark - it actually drove me bonkers that it was SO CLEAR what the answer was, and that they did not immediately see where this was all leading. At some points, I wanted to reach through my kindle and shake them.

In the end, A Study in Drowning is an incredibly interesting book. I think a lot of people will enjoy this creeping, gothic fantasy.

I was ecstatic when Netgalley approved my request for this book because Ava Reid wrote my favorite book of 2022, Juniper and Thorn. This book is Reid's YA debut so it is not quite as brutal as their other book, but it was still a 5 star for me.

This is a dark academia story following architecture student Effy who lives in a Welsh inspired country. Effy finds herself questioning all she's held dear and her grasp on reality after the opportunity to redesign the house of a recently dead author takes her far into the south, where myths are not always make believe.
This book contains themes of mental health, absent parents, predatory men, and how stories help us not feel alone.

The start of this book was a little hard for me to get into. Effy starts off as a very timid character, and the world building opened up in very slow layers making it hard for me to understand what was going on at first. The fictional country of Llyr, where this story takes place exists with one foot rooted in reality and one in fantasy. This leads to an interesting conflict of always questioning if the fantastical is real or all superstition.

While some parts of this book were predictable, I was questioning Effy's perception of reality up until the climax of the book. That tension combined with a softly growing romance and Reid's beautiful and lyrical writing made this a very enjoyable read.

Thank you to Netgalley for letting me read and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My appreciation to Net Galley for the ARC.

I love it when I find an author like Ava Reid who writes with such a distinct style. Her blending of internal & external worlds of the character is what gets me everytime. The theme of escaping one’s own destruction is pretty consistent with Juniper & Thorn—not as dark and intense so don’t worry if it wasn’t your cup of tea.

What I love:
- strong internal dialogue and backstory of female characters;
- so happy to explore yet another dark and twisty fairytale/folklore character.
I was hoping that Reid wouldn’t tone it down so much for the YA debut and I think it’s just right;
- the immersive experience every time I start reading;
- Reid does not load up her story with a millions characters like a lot of other fantasy fiction. I really like getting to know the characters, where they’re from, their prejudices, fears, worries etc.
- the last line of the book 🩵 he’s not such a skeptic after all.

What I did not love as much:
- not sure what role Wetherwell plays in the book;
- there could be more build up to the ultimate climax with Ianto/Angharad i.e., what happened all those years, their relationship. I really just wanted to know more about what keeps them at Hiareth.
- I don’t know why I always expect the resolution to not be so normal after such a fantasy-filled tale. This might a personal preference. But maybe magic and reality can blend even more?

Can’t wait to see what Ava Reid writes next!!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC copy of this book to read and review. All of these thoughts and comments are my own.

I loved the gothic/haunted house vibe this book gave. I think this book is a fun read for many reasons.

Mystery✔️
Ghosts✔️
Enemies to Lovers✔️
Dark Academia✔️
Twists✔️

This story was beautifully written and I love how it shows the female lead (Effy) as soft in the beginning but after everything that happened; she becomes this strong character. I think Preston also made a great character. I like how he adapted to how Effy is and ended up believing her in the end and also had her back. I think their romance was cute.

I think this book makes you question who you are and whether or not you seen what you actually seen. The characters were good and the plot was interesting. I think a lot of people will enjoy this book. It’s a fast-pace and fun read.

4 stars!

This one was not for me. I was enjoying it to the halfway point, but then the book took a dark turn that I wasn’t expecting. There are multiple trigger warnings that readers should be aware of. Also, I would argue that this is more new adult versus ya. That being said, I think there are many other readers that will not be bothered by the dark tone and find this book very enjoyable. For that reason I am giving it 4 stars.

A Study in Drowning is a beautifully written, dark, romantic fantasy. I loved absolutely everything about this book: the magnificent world building, the complex characters, and the intriguing mystery. Ava Reid does a great job with her main character, Effy, who suffers from depression and is constantly questioning her reality. The reader, like Effy, is left wondering what is real and what is fantasy. Ava Reid's ability to transport the reader to Hireath Manor and the Bottom Hundred is magical. From page one, I felt that I was on the journey with Effy. I thoroughly enjoyed Effy and Prestons' relationship, which develops beautifully throughout the book.

A Study in Drowning will easily be one of the most talked about books of 2023. Whether or not one enjoys fantasy, they will fall in love with this book. I will most certainly be reading more by Ava Reid.

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Ava, you are a visionary. This book was stunning and such a beautiful portrayal of what it's like to live day to day with PTSD and trauma, set amongst an overcoming love story. I can not even begin to tell you all my love for this book and for Ava. Ava is easily one of my favorite authors and I can not wait to see what comes next. To put into words what this read was like for me would be almost impossible.

Ava has a way of pulling you into a story so much that you just don't want to leave. I wanted to be there with Effy and Preston and find out the secrets of Myrddin too. This gives everything and more. I never wanted to leave. While many topics were covered that were heavy, Ava does it with ease.

I can not recommend this enough, but do be aware of the triggers!

“There was an intimcy to all violence she supposed.
The better you knew someone, the more terribly you could hurt them.”
With a gloomy, gothic atmosphere and a mystery that goes back years, Ava Reid intricately weaves a beautiful, thought provoking, feminist story that is relatable and a wonderful read.
The story revolves around Effy Sayre, a woman plagued by hallucinations and accused of sleeping with her professor. She is the only student in the architecture college, even though she dreamed of studying literature, but she wasnt allowed to.
Effy applies for a redesigning of her favourite author's home and she meets Ianto, his son and an insufferable scholar, Preston Heloury who has ulterior motive for studying Myrddin's works.
A study in Drowning was real page turner for me. I loved Effy and I was pleased to see how Reid gave an insight in the problems women face in daily life, the obstacles they face when they want to succeed and the affects harassment has on their life. This book is scary, full of supense,itense and a very amazing read. The writing is beautiful, captivating and enga9ing. Ava Reid created characters that felt real and her worldbuilding is incredibly rich and detailed.
I am entranced by this page turner.

I was able to read an arc of A Study in Drowning via Netgalley, many thanks!

Possible spoilers ahead for the book,

At first I wasn't sure about the main character Effy, but the more I read and the further her character was explained the more I saw how important a character like Effy is to young girls, especially young girls who fall into category of upper YA books (Effy is 18). The struggles she faces as a woman in academia and how men treat her are so realistic to what a lot of women still face in traditionally male dominated sections.
The more the story grew, the more Effy grew as a character, she wasn't some frivolous and silly little girl (a huge theme that is played throughout the story), she wasn't the typical "strong female lead" that appears in many YA books, she is more soft spoken and hides into the shadows, but part of her story is learning to use what her strengths are to prove that she is worthy of being where she is.

I think the twists at the end of the book were so well done and had excellent build up. Im stilling thinking about final paragraph hours after finishing the book.

This was my most-anticipated read of 2023, and it absolutely blew me out of the water (no pun intended). Ava Reid is, simply put, a top-tier storyteller, and I will read anything they write.

The main character, Effy, is a shining reminder that you don’t have to pick up a sword and rush into battle to be brave. She was strong in subtle, sometimes unseen ways, but her strength was inspiring. I found myself questioning what was real and what wasn’t alongside her. As soon as I become convinced that one thing was one way, something would happen and I’d question everything all over again. The book’s mystery had many layers and kept me on my toes from the first page to the last.

The slow bloom of Effy and Preston’s relationship sucked me in and left me wanting more (simply because I can’t get enough of them). Ava’s books always leave me with lingering thoughts, feelings, and questions, and this one was no different. The ghost of this book will live with me a long time. A stunning, spectacular YA debut!

Thank you to HarperTeen, Books Forward, NetGalley, and Ava Reid for an ARC of this book.

This is an achingly beautiful and haunting book. Ava Reid is just the most gorgeous writer; hers stories are so evocative and immersive. I felt suffocated and drowned, yet offered a lifeline by the very words that dragged me under. Being in Effy’s head and she struggles with what is real and what isn’t and what that means is heartbreaking. Her journey and development throughout the book is fantastic. And I loved Preston too. Their romance is so sweet, and he is just amazingly understanding and supportive.
The mystery and tension are woven throughout, never leaving you able to feel at ease. I knew what the reveal would be, but I think we’re supposed to figure it out before the characters.
Again, the writing is just so beautiful. There are absolutely some difficult passages, so be kind to yourself as you read.

Some fav lines:
“The only reason anything matters is because it ends. I wouldn’t hold you so tightly now if I thought we could be here forever.”
“But if fairies and monsters were real, so were the women who defeated them.”

4.5 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a requested copy to review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you netgalley for this arc. First of all, Preston 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶 what held this story together was the ship. Preston and Effy’s growth throughout the story was beautiful ✨. Though, while the writing style was pretty, I struggled staying entertained at times. I wish it was a little more exciting. Some of the scenes came off very slow. I have to say, I enjoyed Juniper and Thorn more, but the ship in this one was so cute. Preston is best boy and Effy is superior girl- we love to see it. And I really liked how the story ended.

Effie has always seen things that no one else can see. The most common of her hallucinations is the Fairy King. After a childhood of horror and nightmares, she is finally put on medication to eliminate these bizarre hallucinations. Now as an adult, Effie is an architecture student who dreams of being a literature student at a college where only males are literature students.
When the opportunity arises to head South, into the lands where people believe in the fae, to build an architectural dream of a house for Effie’s favorite deceased author, she jumps at the opportunity to prove herself.
Once Effie arrives, she is surrounded by mystery and people who try to warn her of the Fairy Kings manipulation.

This book had me gripped from the very beginning, it is a slow and mysterious read. I found myself frustrated at Effie and her hot-headed behavior, but we all need those types of characters to remind us to be patient and keep our eyes open. Watching the relationship between Effie and Preston develop was so intriguing and I love that Effie is a strong girl who is out to make a path for herself and fight for her future, no matter who… or what, gets in her way. Go Effie!

I love a good book that has you wondering what is real and what isn’t, @avasreid does such an amazing job in this book and with her prose-like writing, ugh, I couldn’t get enough! What is the Fairy King? Is he real? Is he a metaphor for her trauma?

Reid's Gothic-mystery follows Effy, a first-year student at the college of architecture, who longs to be a literature student where she can spend more time with Emerys Myrdden's work. His stories are her only light in a world where she feels that she's drowning. When she wins a contest to redesign her favorite author's manor, she journeys south and meets up with sort of academic rival Preston.

The mystery was haunting, echoing themes of fighting misogyny and coping with life after sexual assault. Effy's world was harsh but buffered with privilege, also touching briefly on colonialism and the obscurity of searching for truth.

I especially enjoyed the romance with soft, gentle Preston, and how as Effy has to deconstruct the pedestal she'd built for Myrdden she finds a way to value herself.