Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the e-book copy!

I have enjoyed this author's releases as each new one feels more unique and intriguing than the previous one. I also was excited to see this was Saft's adult debut as I felt the shift would suit her themes well. A Dark and Drowning Tide is about academic rivals Lorelei and Sylvia on an expedition when their mentor is suddenly murdered. The pair reluctantly team up to solve the murder and uncover secrets not only about themselves but the world around them. The first half of this book had me, I was into the banter between the main two and was curious to see how they would get along to complete their journey. However, I felt once the mystery aspect kicked in, the book felt boring. I expected since this book was juggling mystery with fantasy and romance that one would falter among the rest. However, I think since this book has been leaning into romance marketing it felt like that at least should have been strong. Lorelai and Sylvia were great characters on their own but romantically involved they felt stilted. This book would have been better if the development of the relationship had more time. Outside of that, I think this book delivers on atmosphere and lyrical writing so if that's what you like you won't be disappointed.

Magic. Monsters. Murder. If you're looking for a sapphic murder mystery with a quest for a magical spring, this might be a good fit for you. I like this author's writing a lot and typically feel immersed in her books but I feel like this one would have benefitted from being a bit longer with more detail or the same length with a little less going on. I also think if it was in Sylvia's POV or a dual POV I might have liked it more, because I found it hard to like Lorelei. This is a slow burn romance between academic rivals and it gives gothic, dark fantasy vibes perfect for the chilly spooky autumn season. The folklore is interesting and it's overall a pretty quick read. I'd recommend if you like sapphic romance, murder mystery, and folklore!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a digital ARC of this title from Del Rey via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Beautiful prose. Enjoyed the unique setting, characters, and gothic vibe given in the book. Will be purchasing for library.

4 stars! That was a good read. It was captivated in this mix of gothic elements, romance, and mystery really pulled me in. The writing is atmospheric with some tension built throughout the story. The main characters which is the protagonist, are complex and well-developed. The book is a beautiful blend of romance and dark fantasy! This a late review as I forgotten I also have physical copy as well!

3.5 stars
Sapphic romantasy? Yes, please! I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect as well. The world building kind of thrust us into the middle of things so it took me a while to get situated. I had high hopes for all the romantic and sexy vibes but that was kind of the side quest of the story. Either way, Saskia Maarleveld knocked it out of the park and kept me listening!

I loved this dark academia- ish sapphic romantasy! This book was amazing the characters were well fleshed out and I really loved them right away. The beginning of the book took me a little bit to get my bearings but once I did I could not put down this beautifully written fantasy. This book is very atmospheric and it kind of gave me spellshop vibes. This was my first book by this author but won’t be my last. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

Loved this book, loved the vibes, the vibes alone could carry it but i really enjoyed the story itself. I felt like at one point the characters kind of blended together a smidge but other than that would absolutely recommend for autumn time vibes!

I really enjoyed this one! I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it based off the synopsis alone, but it’s a great fall read!

The wonderful magic of this book was a treat to read!

A Dark and Drowning Tide is part cozy fantasy, part dark academia, and part murder mystery.

The slow burn grumpy/sunshine reads rather like a romance novel, but it’s thrown into a setting of unique magic and magical creatures. It was such a fun read, and I really suspected everyone at some point or another.

I didn’t mind the genre crossing, but some readers will wish for more or less romance vs murder mystery.

One think I wasn’t expecting but completely loved was all the folklore built into the science of the world. All the stories were so fun and reminiscent of fairy tales to teach children about right and wrong. I loved them, and I hope we eventually get a fairy tale book that contains all the stories from this book and more.

A great read! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy to read and review. All opinions are my own.

The sapphic dark academia mystery we all deserve.

Lorelei Kaskel has once chance to secure the only future that will give her the freedom she yearns for. Of course, that's if she can get through this expedition first... and survive Sylvia von Wolff's irritating presence. Their goal? The Ursprung. A fabled spring that can give the worthy ultimate power.

Backed by the King of Brunnestaad, who wants to use the spring to secure his reign, Lorelei and the other members of the expedition set out to find the spring. But when tragedy strikes and Lorelei's mentor is murdered, it's left to her to find out which member of the expedition is behind the murder and to stop them before someone else pays with their life. And of course, the only one she thinks is innocent, the only one who could help her discover the culprit, is her nemesis: Sylvia.

Can Lorelei bury her disdain for Sylvia long enough to save the expedition? Or will the secrets that come to light cause her to abandon everything she stands for?

This was an absolutely brilliant novel. I was completely enraptured from the moment I started reading. Saft creates such a rich, fantastical world full of diverse creatures. Despite it's heavily fantastical nature, Saft's real world inspirations are also evident. Germanic lore penetrates every inch of this tale like the names of the magical creatures and the various tales of folklore that are interspersed throughout the story. Lorelei and her people are also clearly inspired by the Jewish. The stereotypes the people of Brunnestaad believe about the Yeva are many of the awful, hateful stereotypes that have been believed about those Jewish descent through the years. And the attitude of people, most notably Johann, one of the members of the expedition, leaves little to the imagination. It's a very much Nazi like attitude. The treatment of her people is very much a major plot point for Lorelei, often influencing her interactions with others.

But this is not a society without hope. We see this easily in the counter attitudes of characters like Sylvia. Sylvia yearns for a better world and isn't afraid to work toward that goal. I really loved the way Lorelei's inherent darkness and her self prescribed villainy contrasted with Sylvia's pure light. Lorelei is cynical, sees the worst in people and the world at all times. Sylvia is a fairytale heroine to the core, full of whimsical wonder and hope for a better future. They are the ultimate grumpy-sunshine pairing.

I also loved the detail that every single folkloric tale began with the same phrase. It was a brilliant way to bring all the tales from the different countries that make up the newly unified Brunnestaad together. It was a great way to show that despite their differences, these people shared a common background, as evidenced by their similar stories.

This was my first introduction to the work of Allison Saft and I can promise you that it will not be the last. Brava and well done.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

A wonderfully atmospheric Sapphic fantasy romance! I liked Lorelei’s snarky narration, and the dynamic between her and Sylvia. I would have liked a little more clarity on the magic and political systems. Perhaps I missed some details, but I think I would have enjoyed the quest aspect more if I had a better understanding of the world and the magic system. Definitely had some interesting political commentary and power dynamics, and I liked seeing how Lorelei navigated her role in the system. The romance plot was really poignant and I enjoyed seeing them grow. I will definitely look for more from this author in the future!

5/5 Stars

A stunning and whimsical sapphic, dark academia, enemies-to-lover’s novel with a murder mystery and magic, Allison Saft's A Dark and Drowning Tide is a beautiful blend of fantasy, romance and political intrigue.

Saft's writing was stunning in this novel, intertwining various topics that all helped to progress the story. Once I picked this book up and the story got going, I couldn't put it down. It is filled with tension and banter that allows for the development of both Lorelei and Sylvia.

Speaking of: Lorelei and Sylvia had some of the best character development I have read in a standalone book like, ever. This is one of my first sapphic reads, and I am so glad I requested this book. Lorelei holds Sylvia in such high regard throughout the book, with their relationship slowly blooming into a beautiful flower.

The exploration into political power and influence within a world of magic led to a fascinating tale, built around the murder mystery narrative, adding suspense with fantastic world building. I cannot recommend this book enough!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Allison Saft's A Dark and Drowning Tide is a captivating tale of adventure and intrigue set in a richly imagined world. While the initial chapters proved a bit challenging for me to connect with, I found myself quickly drawn into the intricate world-building and captivating storytelling.

The inclusion of folktales and fables within the narrative adds depth and richness to the setting, bringing it to life in a way that few authors can achieve. The only minor drawback was the difficulty in pronouncing many of the names of people and places, which occasionally interrupted the flow of the reading experience.

The length of some chapters presented a minor challenge, as it was often difficult to read more than one in a single sitting. However, this did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. Saft's writing style is both evocative and engaging, and the characters are well-developed and relatable.

The central plot, revolving around a group's perilous journey, is genuinely thrilling. The inclusion of a romantic element adds a layer of complexity and emotional depth to the conflict, enhancing the overall reading experience. While the ending felt somewhat rushed and choppy in parts, it does not detract significantly from the overall quality of the novel.

In conclusion, A Dark and Drowning Tide is a beautifully crafted tale that will appeal to fans of fantasy and adventure. Despite a few minor flaws, Saft's imaginative world-building and engaging storytelling make this novel a truly memorable reading experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! This book is the perfect mix of adventurous fantasy quest, academic rivalry and murder mystery. The writing made this book so easy to read and it was hard to put down. The romance is perfectly mixed in with the rest of the story, an important component but the world building and quest could live on their own without it. I loved seeing all the characters interact and how their stories were intertwined. I’m giving it four stars because the pacing at the beginning was a little off and I got lost a few times with the world building and what role each character played. Overall, this is a great read and I highly recommend it!

A Dark and Drowning Tide is a haunting and disturbing exploration of the depths of the human psyche. With her signature atmospheric prose, Saft weaves a chilling tale of obsession, madness, and the destructive power of grief.

The story follows a young woman who becomes obsessed with a mysterious figure she encounters on a beach. As she delves deeper into his life, she becomes entangled in a web of secrets and lies that threatens to consume her. Saft's portrayal of the protagonist's descent into madness is both terrifying and compelling, capturing the insidious nature of obsession with chilling accuracy.

What sets A Dark and Drowning Tide apart is its exploration of the themes of grief, loss, and the destructive power of the mind. Saft delves into the emotional turmoil that her characters experience with sensitivity and understanding, offering a poignant and relatable portrayal of the human condition.

In addition to its emotional depth, the novel also boasts a compelling plot, engaging characters, and beautifully written prose. Saft's writing style is both lyrical and haunting, drawing readers into the world of her characters and making them feel as if they are experiencing their journey alongside them.

A Dark and Drowning Tide is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and dark fiction. Thank you so much to the publisher for my ARC!

This book took me a little bit longer to get into initially, but once I did I really enjoyed the murder mystery aspect of it wrapped up in a grumpy/sunshine, rivals-to-lovers romance and this gorgeous, ethereal, folkloric fantasy world. It really was just a whole vibe. I really love the main character, Lorelei, was and all her bitter sadness, and how much she grows in the story but also stays the same, and watching her detective skills unfold. It was an enjoyable story—I love reading anything by Allison Saft.

A Dark and Drowning Tide was absolutely delightful from start to finish! Allison Saft has such a talent for beautiful prose, complex characters, exciting story, and beautiful romance. I loved all of the folklore in this book, it was so fun to read the stories and see how they helped me get a sense of the world. Lorelai was delightful as a main character too. Her prickly personality felt so understandable considering all of the prejudice she's been forced to live with, and I thought it was beautiful how her hardened exterior foiled so well against Sylvia's sunshine personality. Still though, the characters did not lack any depth despite their dynamics. Sylvia was beautifully written as well, and I wanted them to get together so badly!! When they finally did, it was so satisfying as a reader. The payoff was excellent.

I feel like I'm just kind of rambling, but I could truly list every part of this book as something I loved! The cast of characters was so fun to love (and hate, in some instances) and their complicated relationships and personalities kept me invested the whole way through. The adventure of the story added to its ambiance and stakes. I'm such an avid fan of Allison Saft, and this book of hers has only solidified that even more! Highly recommend!

Allison Saft is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors for exquisitely written romantasy. With A Dark and Drowning Tide, Saft ventures into more adult romance and this time a sapphic rivals to lovers romance takes center stage in this beautifully written and atmospheric fantasy standalone that I practically inhaled. No one is giving as much as she is in terms of fantastic worldbuilding, propulsive conflict and romances that will have you on the edge of your seat. Lorelai is a tortured character shaped by her lived experiences and the way that her Jewish-coded identity is treated in this fantasy world. When her mentor chooses her to help lead a group of spoiled but powerful aristocrats to find a magic spring, the source of power in this world, she must step up to the challenge while also dealing with her academic rival, the beautiful and irritating Sylvia. Within the first two chapters, Lorelai's mentor is murdered--by one of the very people she is leading and she must continue her mentor's work while also finding out who killed her.

The main mystery makes you keep turning the pages while also wanting to know the results of their quest. Lorelai is a folklorist which leads to wonderful passages of her pausing to tell you fairytales of this world and I would read an entire book just centered on the different factions and empires in this world. The point of this quest is to help the king but is he even worth helping? The conflict was delicious and oh my goodness...the pull that Lorelai feels for Sylvia was so intense. I absolutely adored them and this world.

No one is doing it like Saft and I will officially be reading everything and anything she chooses to bless us with.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sapphic academic rivals to lovers? Folklore?! YEARNING???

A Dark and Drowning Tide follows folklorist Lorelei and her academic rival, the ethereal Sylvia Von Wolff. They hate each other, obviously, totally insufferable to each other. Nothing else. Unless.

When the King sends Lorelei, Sylvia, and a cohort of nobles on an expedition to secure his reign, things quickly start veering off plan and of course the pair of academic rivals must work together to solve the mystery, chart the course, while still hating each other, of course. Like I said, nothing else!

This was a well-fleshed out folklore-esque fantasy that drew me in with its vivid character development (primary and secondary characters) as well as the slow-burn-yearning-filled romance element. I appreciate that this, in my opinion, is truthfully a slow-burn romance that did not dominate the entire plot, especially because the folklore in this is just incredibly cool. The creatures, magic system…it’s dark, gothic, and gritty, while whimsical and soft at times.

“You’re like something out of a nightmare. And you, Lorelei thought despairingly, are resplendent.” Let’s go lesbians.

Also could not stop picturing Hunter Schafer as Sylvia that’s all I have to say. 4 stars!

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for the advance copy, this was such a fun read!

The vibes were immaculate and the dark, swirly folklorist tale of my dreams. A slow start, but once we got going it was GOING. Unputdownable, the mystery and dreamy atmosphere, the yearning beneath the rivalry. I'm so used to rivals-to-lovers being stiff and unbelievable, but I felt the ache between Lorelei and Sylvia. It was palpable and added a much needed layer to the story. This felt like the mature older sister of Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Fairies, for the expedition and ethereal vibes, but obviously Saft stands alone. I'll be thinking about that ending for the foreseeable future...