Thank you to HarperTeen & NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

I have read all Ava Reid’s works and I can say that this one easily has become one of my favorites.

There are times when I’m writing reviews in which I am more eloquent than others and my literature masters’ self comes out but I can’t seem to fully grasp how to explain how much and what I liked about this book. I’ll probably come back later with a more concise review but for how here are the incoherent thoughts:

Despite the “modern” aspects to this story (cars, phones) it felt historic, folkloric and truly magical. The dark gothic academia setting was truly marvelous. The mirroring of Effy’s (the MC) story and the MC in her favorite novel was a lovely plot device for me — especially when considering the great “mystery” of the story. (No spoilers)

Ava’s descriptions of the magical instances and the settings coupled with the character interactions was hauntingly wondrous. I even appreciated the difference in cadence and pacing this book has compared to their other works (which makes sense considering it’s YA). I LOVE absolutely LOVE a creepy house and things that aren’t quite right. The history in the story behind the house and how that unfolds really pulled my attention. Gothic houses and fairy tales = a happy MK.

For the characters: I could go into heavy detail about how much I adored Preston & Effy’s interactions but I won’t because I do not want to spoil it for anyone who reads it. I could also describe how sorrowful Ianto’s character made me feel too…but I’ll let you discover for yourself.

I wish words weren’t failing me because this story was truly something magical to me.

Ava Reid’s writing is something special.

Thanks to NetGalley and TOR for graciously letting me read an advance copy.

This, quite simply, is a work of genius. Everything is so rich: the characters, the world, the descriptions (oh, the descriptions!!). I believe this book will make a statement in YA literature about women standing up, being heard, and being their truest selves.

This was a mystery piled on another mystery. I felt like the first part of this story was mired in secrets. Secrets about Effy and what happened to her at school and in the past, secrets about the national hero, secrets about a book. There were just so many secrets and the answers started coming very late in the story.

The pacing for me was a little off. I struggled through the first part of the book to understand the world. Once the main characters started finding clues and answers the story really took off. I could not put it down once I hit the 70% mark.

What really worked for me was the gothic atmosphere. I felt damp and waterlogged the entire time I was reading this. The author did a great job of creating an atmosphere of inequality between men and women, and showing how that inequality impacted the young women. I felt quite a bit of anger toward the men which I think was the point.

The ending really took this book from an okay read to a read I was invested in.

No profanity. One closed door scene. Does contain some descriptions of grooming by older men and nude photographs.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for this opportunity to read,rate and review this arc which will be available Sept 19,2023!


Oh MY GAWD. This book was gothic, dark academia, sweepingly romantic and girl empowerment all rolled into one damned good story. Effy Sayre, the main character doubted herself so much but she found her voice. It has a fairytale in it too which just made me swoon. Trigger warnings should be heeded and please be a responsible reader on your own TWs.

I am buying every iteration of this book.

"That was the cruelest irony: the more you did to save yourself, the less you became a person worth saving."
A Study in Drowning is a darkly beautiful and thematically rich tale about trauma, autonomy, and survival. It combines elements of gothic horror and dark academia, set in an intriguingly realized secondary fantasy world that appears to be loosely inspired by historical England & Wales. There is a grand geopolitical conflict going on in the background of this book; there may or may not be ancient magic shaping the tides of war. But this book isn't about any of that. It's a smaller-scale sort of story, about a regular young woman, doing everything she can just to get through every day.

Reid's writing absolutely stuns: I highlighted something on nearly every page. I was in tears within the first quarter of the book. This is definitely not the type of book that every single person will love; I actually think the audience will be pretty specific, but that specific audience is going to adore this.

Effy is a soft protagonist, an anxious protagonist. A protagonist who can't trust her own mind or instincts. She's for the traumatized and mentally ill girlies. Her journey isn't about saving the world, defeating her enemies, or becoming really strong and badass. It's about learning to trust and advocate for herself, to let herself be vulnerable, and to dare to reach for the life she truly wants. "You don’t have to take up a sword. Survival is bravery, too."

In A Study in Drowning, the Fairy King is real and he is dangerous - however, he's also a metaphorical representative of the predation of men. Extrapolating from this, you can read the novel as an allegory for CSA, which I believe is definitely intentional as it's a theme the author has tackled in their work before. Read with care for TWs. Reid doesn't flinch from the ugly layers, both institutional and interpersonal, that combine to strip women and girls of their autonomy while simultaneously holding them culpable for the actions of the men around them.

"But stories were devious things, things with agendas. They could cheat and steal and lie to your face. They could crumble away under your feet."
This novel also perfectly marries its threads of institutional misogyny and sexual violence with an authorship debate inspired by the Anti-Stratfordians, a collective term for those questioning the true authorship of works attributed to Shakespeare. This fictionalized authorship mystery ends up being the perfect vehicle for Reid's themes, tying together every layer of the story brilliantly.

My only problem with this book- which I have to knock off half a star for - is that it pinged a very particular pet peeve of mine. I can't stand a mystery where the answer is so obvious it's staring the characters in the face, and the characters are supposed to be very intelligent, but they somehow just totally fail to even consider the clear answer as a possibility for a ridiculously drawn-out length of time. Come on! Just give me a fake reason why they think it couldn't be that person, then double back and subvert it. It makes me want to scream and it breaks my suspension of disbelief.

If this were just a mystery story, that would be a much more significant mark against it. Luckily, A Study in Drowning has SO much going on that I was able to forgive it for what I consider to be slightly lazy mystery writing. This is a book that I actually wish I could read with an English class and spend hours dedicated to dissecting, because there are just so many little things I want to highlight and pick apart that would make a simple book review unwieldy: the motif of smudged ink, the role of prejudice and preconception, the themes of national and personal memory and how both can be rewritten. This is a book you can really sink your teeth into.

Pick up this gorgeous novel for lush prose, a brilliantly cynical look into publishing and academia, dark but poignant themes, sinister gothic magic, and a heart-wrenchingly sweet romance.

This was my first introduction to Ava Reid's writing and I was impressed. I can see why so many people love her writing. A good ya pick for lovers of dark academia. I’ll most likely be checking out her other books now.

I have never related to a main character so much. Effy is extremely understandable and I feel like she had experiences many of us can relate to. And Preston was a breath of fresh air as far as male characters go. I seriously enjoyed every second of this book, it is definitely my favorite read of 2023 so far. I will recommend this to anybody and read any other book Ava Reid comes out with. The writing is incredible

4 ⭐
I do think the book delivered everything it promises and more! I was immediately captivated by the writing as I could vividly imagine the setting and atmosphere. It captures the dark academia and fairytale aesthetic perfectly. It did take me a bit to adjust to the plot but I grew to like it more as the story progressed. I especially liked how themes of sexism + sexual trauma were explored and portrayed.

Effy as the main character was easy to understand and root for throughout her journey of self-discovery and healing. I could feel her pain and suffering so deeply it was difficult to read sometimes. I most of all loved seeing Effy grow to recognize her strength and stand up against those who have taken advantage of and undermined her abilities.

Preston took longer to warm up to as I didn’t feel much depth from him in the first half of the story. So I wasn’t all too convinced of their romantic relationship as it felt a bit rushed in the beginning. But as they had moments of vulnerability with each other and Preston’s undeniable care and support for Effy, I began to root for them in the end.

Ava Reid’s A Study in Drowning is a mesmerising book that weaves together several genres to deliver a haunting, feminist, and thought-provoking story. At its core, it's a dark academia tale about a young woman named Effy Sayre who is the only female student in the architecture department of a prestigious university. Effy is socially isolated and dealing with traumatic hallucinations of the Fairy King. Her struggles are compounded by the rampant sexism and institutionalised misogyny present in academia, which pushes her to the brink of expulsion.

However, when Effy applies to redesign the Hiraeth Manor, the estate of her favourite author, Emrys Myrddin, she's unexpectedly chosen for the job. She travels to the manor, located in a treacherous part of the country, only to find a dilapidated house that is still reeling from a recent drowning.

As Effy delves into the mystery of the manor and Myrddin's work, she finds herself entangled in a web of romance, rivalry, and danger. The book masterfully blends horror, mystery, romance, and paranormal elements to deliver a thrilling read that keeps you guessing until the end.

But what makes A Study in Drowning truly unique is its powerful feminist themes that explore the pervasive effects of sexism and misogyny on women's lives. Effy's struggles are a microcosm of the larger issues faced by women in academia and society at large, and the book does an excellent job of highlighting them in a bold and empowering way.

Overall, A Study in Drowning is a beautifully written and deeply affecting book that will stay with you long after you've finished it. It's a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining story that delivers on every level.

A huge thank you to Ava Reid, HarperCollins Children's Books, HarperTeen, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Reading A Study in Drowning is much like getting caught in a riptide; all you can do is wait to see when the water will let go of you. In simpler terms, this is one of the best books I've ever read. While I have not read Reid's other works (but will be getting copies asap), this novel has cemented her as one of the best fantasy authors writing today. She does a beautiful job of writing a upper-YA that never feels too juvenile or too adult. The book has so much going on: dark academia, fantasy, coming-of-age, horror, and romance. It is no small feat to tackle that many facets but Reid makes it all work, even fell necessary.
But more than that, A Study in Drowning is unafraid to stare back at the reader and force them to reckon with truths they hold dear. Like Effy's belief that fairytales are real, the novel begs for belief. Belief in fairies, in stories, and in women. I am not new to the idea of women's contributions to literature being undervalued 0r even completely stolen (i.e. Zelda Fitzgerald). Despite Effy's world being completely foreign, her pain is so tangible that it felt healing to see her be believed and come into her own power. There is no other way to sum up how I feel than that I love her. I love her more for her anxiety, her survival, and her courage.
I laid awake after finishing the book, unable to stop thinking about Effy, Preston, and Angharad. While the framing structure of the novel, made me desperately wish Angharad was a real book, one I could sleep with under my own pillow, A Study in Drowning will stick with me for the rest of my life. I wouldn't be surprised if, years from now, I could cite entire passages from memory. This is the book I will be recommending to everyone I know.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy of this book in return for my honest opinions.

Totally got into the story. It is a creepy golic, mystery, romance, historical, fantasy novel! Cool right?

There is just the right amount of everything I live in this book that makes it great. Readers from all genre will love this one!

Highly recommend!

Another beautifully written exploration from Ava Reid of trauma and what it means to reclaim one's agency. The protagonist is far from perfect and how she interacts with the world reflects that, but her arc through the story gains more meaning for it rather than feeling performative.

A dark and riveting tale full of mystery, magic, and a hint of romance. While assuring a remodeling of a recently deceased beloved author, Effy meets fellow university student Preston, who is challenging said author’s legacy. Even though these rivals start out at odds, they manage to work together and uncover layers of twisted secrets and mythical hauntings. This book was full of intrigue and constantly made me question if what I was reading was real or imagined. I absolutely loved the characters of Effy and Preston and the realizations they went through to find the truth - even though it was bitter. I loved the dark academia vibes that it gave while also bringing into conversation some of the worst parts of academia. The Welsh inspired setting added immensely to the plot and I honestly just want more!!

An achingly beautiful tale that deftly combines elements of fantasy, dark academia, horror, and fairytale.

Effy Sayre is the only woman in the architecture department at Llyr's university. It's her second choice, as the literature department doesn't allow females. When her favorite author's family holds a contest to design a new home to honor the late Myrddin, Effy jumps at the chance to get closer to the author of Angharad, the book about a woman who falls in love with the Fairy King, then destroys him. The book has been Effy's primary source of solace and her lifeline in a traumatic first semester of university. Not only does she take comfort in the story's familiarity, but Effy has always believed in fairytales, and is haunted by visions of the Fairy King.

When she arrives at Hiraeth Manor, she finds her task impossible. The manor is crumbling into the sea and Myrddin's son insists that the new home be built on the existing foundation. What's worse, Preston Héloury, a smug student from the literature college, is investigating Myrddin and determined to prove he was a fraud. As Effy and Preston piece together clues from the reclusive author's diaries and letters, they discover both mortal and magical forces are conspiring to keep the truth from getting out.

Reid's prose is hauntingly atmospheric, her world carefully crafted, her characters authentic. This is the type of book that sinks its claws into you, drags you under, and does not let you up for air until the story is finished. Reid explores sexism in academia, the reclamation of story, the strength in survival. Effy is an unforgettable character. She will not be picking up a sword or battling the supernatural, but Reid skillfully portrays a girl whose strength lies in softness. Readers are advised that there is heavy emphasis on sexual assault that occurs off-page, but the effects are felt long after, like ripples on water. Reid purposefully and carefully navigates difficult topics like SA, sexism, power imbalance, and the dark history of publishing. A must-read for fans of dark academia, fantasy, gothic, and mystery, who crave impeccable prose.

A very moving read! Ava Reid's YA debut is just as wonderful as her other 2 books I have read. Readers will find that this will quickly become one of their most favorited books - the prose is amazing, it's thought provoking, and the atmospheric experience enthralled me. This will be on my recommended reading lists here at the library. Five out of five stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me access to this E-Arc!

What a beautiful story. But I strongly believe that this book should not be listed as YA.

This book made me feel cold to the bone. This is the first time I've read a book by Ava and I was completely in awe of her pen. A study in drowning is a very atmospheric story, it's amazing how readers can find themselves in The bottom hundred and Hidraeth with the characters. I love how the author manages to make you feel the cold, the noise of the sea and the stillness of the cliffs.

I adored Effy. I love Preston too but Effy has my whole heart which is something that took me completely by surprise. She is shy, delicate, akward and a bit lost in her mind but she is also a strong, brave and passionate character. Effy has real flaws but it's amazing how much her character grows throughout the book.

The mystery, the gothic vibes, the sweet slow burn romance and the strong feminist twist blends so beautifully in this unforgettable story.

This is a story about a girl who tries to survive, a girl who deserves better, a girl who struggles to understand between what is real and what is not, a girl who only wants to survive a world that keeps trying to destroy her (Did I just quote Leigh Bardugo? Yes, yes I did) who tries her best even when the world tries to crush her. Even when the world tells her it's not enough.

This book is for us, the girls that try to do their best even when the world tries to crush us. Even when the world tells us that we are not enough.

But yes, we are. And fuck the patriarchy. (Shout this like Taylor Swift does in ATW10 cause I highly believe that if Effy were real she would be a swiftie)

4.5 ⭐️

"I will love you to ruination," the Fairy King said.
"Yours or mine?"

Okay, I've no idea where to start because there's a lot going on in this book.
It's a dark academia, gothic, historical fantasy romance with a (murder? you can kinda say lol) mystery.
It’s very atmospheric with beautiful prose and a tender romance.

The story revolves around Effy who's the only female student attending the architecture college after being rejected into the university's more prestigious Literature college. Literature is Effy's passion, but unfortunately due to a lot of misogyny, they don't accept girls.
Trying to make the best of her situation she enters a competition to redesign the estate of the famous Emrys Myrddin who happens to be Effy's all time fav author and recently deceased. When she wins Effy is invited by Myrddin's son Ianto to stay at Hiraeth Manor and design a new house. Upon arrival she discovers Preston - a fellow Literature student, tasked with writing a thesis on Myrddin and a house crumbling around its residents, drowning in neglect and secrets.
Everyone's keeping secrets and Effy constantly feels like she can't trust her own mind. She accidentally discovers that Preston is actually there trying to expose Myrddin as a fraud which pits them even more against each other until Preston proposes a tender alliance - if Effy helps him uncover the truth he will help her get into the Literature college. Can she confront the truth about her childhood hero and can their alliance last?

ASID is a book about a story within a story, it's about haunted mansions, buried truths and finding your voice.
This really is Ava's most romance driven book and the romance is handled wonderfully. ASID is more fast paced than her other works and I loved that. I was barely able to put it down. She found the perfect balance with the descriptions here, previously I found them too long on occasion even with her beautiful prose.
This is by far the best book by AR even with the characters blushing every other page and Effy crying/wanting to cry in every single chapter.

If you love dark academia, rivals to lovers, unreliable narrators, books about books, gothic mansions and mysteries you should check it out, I loved ASID.

Eternal gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

A Study in Drowning, Ava Reid's debut into YA, is remarkable and absolutely captivated me in ways that few books have this year.

Reid's masterful use of vivid imagery and symbolism is nothing short of breathtaking, pun intended with the theme of drowning. At times, I found myself experiencing the same sense of dread and vulnerability as Effy as she tries to exist in a world of Fairy Kings.

A Study in Drowning is a must-read this year. I was only disappointed that some scenes may be more suited for mature YA readers.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is my honest opinion on what I read.

If Ava Reid has 100 fans, I'm one of them. If they have one fan, it's me. If they have no fans, I am dead.

I was honestly so excited and shocked and thrilled to get an ARC of A Study in Drowning. When I heard Ava Reid was releasing a rivals to lover dark academia book, I knew it would be one of my new favorites. What I didn't expect was the absolute masterclass in women needing to fight for their recognition in male-dominated spaces, the power of the truth and unraveling generations of misogyny and lies, and the raw emotion of interweaving real and make-believe.

Effy, our main character, is a storyteller trapped in an architect's body—because that is what society will allow a woman to accomplish. Our setting is a world that reveres writers and storytellers, and Effy's tumultuous life finds purchase and meaning in Angharad, the opus of her favorite author and whose titular heroine provided solace in an otherwise troubling life. Effy is truly one of those heroines that feels immensely relatable—as a woman in an academic setting, as a storyteller trapped in society's expectations. But what I love most about Effy is her belief in her own story, even when her mother, and doctors, and teachers, and other students want to shove her into a little box. She KNOWS the Fairy King is real, and thus the superstitions of the south are real, even if no one believes her. Even when she wants to give up, she is unabashedly herself.

Effy and Preston's relationship feels so real and believable. Preston is a truth-seeker, wanting not just his own academic glory but to find what is real in a world marked by a fairytale. He cares little about the war between his country and Effy's. He just wants to see what is true come to light, and—even before finding romance with Effy—helping her get her fair recognition as an intelligent, thoughtful, and dedicated literature student.

This is not a book about fighting an evil force, or uncovering secrets, or finding true love. This is not a book about academic institutions and those who are controlled by them, or the superstitions that plague rural communities. This is, at its core, a book about how women need to fight tooth and nail to get even an ounce of the recognition they deserve for their work. This is about how men both see women solely as sexual objects, and as minds to exploit for their own professional gain. This is about a woman finding her voice, her worth, her allies, and the strength to advocate for her own peace.

I adore Ava Reid's writing. I knew before I even finished page one that I would give this book five stars, because I just know her writing will always be five stars for me. But what's more is her ability to bring onto paper characters that so perfectly reflect the struggles of being anything other than a man in a male-dominated society. A Study in Drowning is one of those books where I see myself, but I know others will see themselves. Set in what I feel is a unique and atmospheric setting for a dark academia novel, this is one of those books that will stick with me for a long, LONG, time.

A Study in Drowning is a clever and magical YA fantasy that succeeds in creating a moody, atmospheric world for its reader. It taps into several popular trends in YA currently: dark academia, a bit of a cozy fantasy element, fairy tale nods. This is sure to be popular among young readers. A caveat: it doesn't have much crossover for an adult audience, This is squarely a YA book but YA readers - not a problem at all but something to keep in mind for adults who are on the prowl for more "grown up" YA stories.