I really wanted to love this book, and there was a lot about it that I did really like, but unfortunately it didn't quite tip over into the love category. There was so much that was so well done, but something about the world-building didn't feel quite right to me. That is, it didn't feel that grounded? I just wanted it to feel more real and fleshed out, but alas.

Thank you Netgally & the publisher for giving me this book to review in return for an honest review!
3/5
This cover is GORGEOUS and it super captivating. This is one of the reasons I wanted to read the book.
At times I was very interested in this book but most of the time I was very bored reading it. I didn't realize it was an adult book because it read more like YA (which I don't mind). Everything concerning "fantasy" or "folklore" felt extremely rushed like the author couldn't wait to stop writing about creatures, monsters, folklore stories etc so we can go back to Loreli's plain demeanor. Those elements were important to the story and to the world we were *trying* to build. Also, the book was murder mystery, folklore, dark academia, fantasy, magic & gothic. It was A LOT to keep up with.

The romance in this book is very limited as the two main characters hate each other and then they randomly love each other near the end. I didn't feel giddy while watching their relationship develop. I really wish we got Sylvia's POV somewhere throughout this book because to be honest she was the more likable character in my opinion. The group of friends was very hard to keep track of and the whole quest was one big circle so it was a waste of time. There was no big "feel good" end goal.

I honestly went 90% completed and had to DNF. I couldn't even force myself to finish the last 10%.

Allison Saft delivers a spellbinding tale of intrigue, magic, and self-discovery in her captivating novel, 'A Dark and Drowning Tide.' Set in the embattled country of Brunnestaad, the story follows Lorelei Kaskel, a sharp-witted folklorist seeking adventure and purpose. The narrative kicks off with an enthralling expedition, as Lorelei joins six peculiar nobles on a quest to locate a legendary spring endowed with unimaginable power. The kingdom's ruler, in a bid to solidify his reign, covets this uncharted source of strength. For Lorelei, this quest presents an opportunity not only to prove her mettle but also to fulfill her ambitious dream of becoming a naturalist, venturing into unexplored lands only found within the pages of books. However, the expedition takes a sinister turn when Lorelei's beloved mentor is found murdered in her quarters aboard the ship. With her fellow travelers as prime suspects, each harboring their own motives, Lorelei finds solace only in her academic rival, Sylvia von Wolff. Taking charge of the expedition, Lorelei must navigate treacherous waters, both literally and figuratively, to uncover the truth and prevent further bloodshed. While contending with shape-shifting beasts and enigmatic dangers hidden in the shadows, Lorelei and Sylvia are forced to work together, despite their growing attraction and past rivalry. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they unveil shocking revelations about their leader, casting doubt on the pursuit of justice and the kingdom's worthiness of salvation. Saft masterfully weaves a rich tapestry of suspense and fantastical elements, immersing readers in a world where forests shift ominously at night and rivers conceal lurking dragons. The author's lyrical prose vividly portrays the vivid landscapes and creatures that inhabit Brunnestaad, captivating readers with her imaginative storytelling. However, it is the nuanced characters that truly shine in 'A Dark and Drowning Tide.' Lorelei's fiery temperament and quick wit make her a relatable and compelling protagonist, while Sylvia's gallant demeanor adds depth and complexity to their evolving relationship. Saft masterfully explores their emotional journey, intertwining personal growth with the unraveling of the central mystery. 'A Dark and Drowning Tide' is a gripping tale that seamlessly blends fantasy, mystery, and romance. Saft's ability to create a world teeming with magic, suspense, and moral dilemmas is truly commendable. This novel is an absolute must-read for fans of atmospheric and character-driven narratives, leaving readers eagerly anticipating Saft's future works." In conclusion, "A Dark and Drowning Tide" is a mesmerizing and enchanting novel that transports readers to a world of treacherous beauty, where the pursuit of truth intertwines with self-discovery. Allison Saft's skillful storytelling and compelling characters make this book a captivating read from beginning to end.

This book reminded me of when I started reading fantasy. I loved everything about it, from the fantasy, fairytale and mystery, it was just so fun to read and easy to get lost into.

This book! It did not disappoint. I loved every bit of it! The academic rivalry between Lorelai and Sylvia, and the slow burn! It was so good. I have nothing but good things to say about it. This is dark academia done right. I love how Lorelei and Sylvia realize they have no one to rely on but each other, and it’s the beginning to the most amazing slow burn ever! I was literally giggling and kicking my feet. I loved this book, thank you so much to the author for sending me an advanced copy! Any book Allison Saft writes, I’ll definitely read! If you love gothic fairytales, dark academia, folklore this is definitely the book for you.

A Dark and Drowning Tide is a sapphic dark academic rivals to lovers romance, inspired by German folklore. This is a true slow burn between the two main characters who by the way have such amazing banter! They kept me on my toes with their sharp tongue.

Great character development and plot driven story with a side of magic, mystery and a quest that will capture you from the beginning.

I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an E-ARC

3.5/5 star
thank you net gallery and the publisher for the e-arc
i was immediately captivated by the cover and the description for “a dark and drowning tide” i love stories from a character that part of the outcasted (i had no idea represented the jew until i went to read other ppl reviews) and i love the tension of academic rivals to lovers. the vibe setting of this book was so perfect to read for those rainy gloomy gray days. (those that loved “a study in drowning” will probably love this book)

i really wished this book was multiple pov. since it’s from loreli pov we can tell her dislike to basically all the other characters which leads to my dislike of all the characters and her in general. i would have loved to read from sylvia cuz we can tell she never dislike lorelei and also how she felt of the other characters were much different.

i really like how folklore centric this book was and how threw in the different stories. i was frustrated with all the mythological creatures that shown up without much description or background knowledge to them. i had to google many of them for more context. im not a huge fan of having to constantly pause to search things up myself when i read so around way through i just gave up. oh this creature appears, oh ok cool i guess it’s dangerous.

from the description i thought the romance would be more forward and main focus along with the solving of the murder. it’s not sadly we see them together on screen often but i wouldn’t consider it romantic, their relationship didn’t build much until almost near the end. i love the political side of the story dont get me wrong but even that wasn’t as well explained and i would myself decently lost as i continued to read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of A Dark and Drowning Tide. As a fan of rivals-to-lovers and dark academia-esque fantasy, this was an enthralling read. Though it took me a little bit to fully settle into the text and get acquainted with the characters and settings, once I was, I simply couldn’t put the novel down. The novel’s strongest point is definitely the romance between Lorelei and Sylvia. Slow burns can be a tricky thing, riding the line between dragging out or resolving too quickly. For me, the slow burn was executed spectacularly, keeping me invested throughout the novel. I also particularly liked the way fantasy was invoked with this novel, both through the inclusion of folktale and the world-building itself. My only qualm is the incompleteness of the world-building. The magic system is never fully explained, making it unclear what Lorelei’s abilities are supposed to be and what their extent is. Additionally, though there is a lot of political intrigue referenced throughout the novel, I would have liked some additional exposition to really contextualize the characters and their actions. Regardless, this was a fantastic read, and I’m eager to see what Saft writes next!

I believe this is going to be one of those books that I recommend to everyone that I meet who expresses any interest in anything involved in it (sapphics, fantasy, academic rivals to lovers, folklore, Jewish main characters, and so much more) because it is absolutely amazing. At the time of writing this review I have only read one other book by the author, A Fragile Enchantment, which I would also recommend to a lot of people (also I own a copy of another of her books, Down Comes the Night, but I have yet to read it). These two books are very different in terms of the setting and the overall aesthetics of the book, but if you liked one of them, chances are you will like them both.
A Dark and Drowning Tide is Allison Saft’s adult debut, all of her other books so far are YA, which changes the way that she writes romance compared to a lot of other adult fantasy writers that I have read. That’s a good thing, by the way, because it’s the ability to write a good, convincing, swoony romance even if the sexual part is partially taken out of the equation. That’s not to say it’s not there, but the dynamic is a lot stronger than it would have been if that was the only thing the characters relied on. Also the world itself is very far from being free of prejudice, but there are no forms of homophobia in the world or within its structures, so I am therefore going to assume every single character is queer until proven otherwise.
The way that folklore and stories of creatures were woven into the narrative was really well-done, and it seemed both like a way to explain the world to others and show how Lorelei is invested within her job as a folklorist and researcher– she sees the world through the lens of what she studies, and that is the very core of anything (good) in the dark academia genre.

Through beautifully lyrical prose, Saft has crafted a queernorm fantasy world that is dripping with magic, fairytales, and horror.

We enter this story with Lorelai, a brooding folklorist whose knowledge of the world's folklore drives the story and expands our perception of events and characters. Central to her experience is her Jewish-inspired religion and the persecution she faces from the individuals around her and greater society.

She is part of an academic excursion to find the truth about the source of all magic, and is joined by other students including her rival Sylvia, who is both parts idyllic princess and traumatized soldier. I see this is marketed as a "dark academia gothic romance;" but be warned that, while the setting is indeed dark, academic, and gothic, it is not set at a school, and romance is the B plot.

In addition to the themes of grief, identity, justice, and power, what I think Saft does best here is create tension. The murder mystery, impending civil war, and wlw yearning really kept me hooked. I believe this is her adult debut, and it does read a bit younger, but that did not bother me.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the advance reader copy! This review was posted on Goodreads on Dec. 3, 2023 and will be posted on Instagram at a later date.

★ ★ ★ • 3

“Lorelei almost admired the cruel, stark justice of those fairy-tale worlds. There was good, and there was evil. Those who were rewarded and those who were punished. But she would never be the pitiable girl in the blood-red cape or the golden-haired orphan who charms a prince with her fragile beauty. She would always be the goblin forcing maidens to spin straw into gold. She would always be the Yeva in thorns.”

To start off, thank you so much to the publisher and author for providing me with an ARC to review. The cover was what immediately drew me to this book, but what I really stayed for the sapphic academic rivalry…

A Dark and Drowning Tide is a murder mystery on the backdrop of a heavily-European influenced regency era-style fantasy continent. There’s folklore and magical academia sprinkled in, but first and foremost this book is about racial/ethnic discrimination, political corruption, imperialism, antisemitism, and systematic oppression. On top of that, it soon becomes clear that the conquering/oppressive country is based on Germany and the main character Lorelei experiences racism and discrimination due to the fact that she’s a Yeva (the fantasy equivalent of Jewish). Goes without saying… These are some tense topics with a very real world implication and could be potentially triggering for some readers.

Outside of that, I would also disagree that A Dark and Drowing Tide is a romance at all. There is a relationship between the characters Lorelei and Sylvia towards the end of the book, but it’s not at all centric to the storyline and for reasons I’ll get into… Was not what you’d assume based on the summary alone. What was, however, refreshing is that heteronormativity did not exist in this book. It was not at any point presumed that any character was just, straight and several supporting characters were in same sex relationships.

There were two things that made this book a three star read as an opposed to a four star read for me, because I could clearly tell that the author has solid writing. Firstly, A Dark and Drowning Tide has an extremely dense and detail oriented plot from the beginning. In part one, I took no less than 20 annotations per chapter. There was just so much to keep track of between: names, appearances, motivations, relationship with other characters, academic position/occupation, brief but important interactions, countries, languages, clues etc. It was a lot, and definitely not something that can be skimmed at any point or read inattentively. Secondly, I did not not like Lorelei (nor Sylvia for that matter).

I wanted to root for Lorelei, I really did but… I couldn’t. Lorelei just isn’t an endearing character. Though she’s justifiably cynical over the discrimination and unfairness she’s faced, it colors her attitude towards and every interaction with every single character. She’s inherently jealous which feeds into a massive inferiority complex that she uses to excuse being verbally abusive with. There’s also a sense that for all she hates Sylvia for appearing to squander enviable opportunities, but that Lorelei would immediately trade places with her if that were possible. On top of that, Lorelei holds a great deal of condescension towards… Yes, every single character (which does include her mentor, only friend, love interest, expedition team, and even extends to the Yeva people). She consistently makes comparisons between other characters and stories/folktales; several times saying Sylvia is essentially a foolish storybook princess, Heike to Rapunzel, Ludwig to a fox based on a specific folktale, Johhan to a boy in some story about cruelty after he kills the Lindworm, and Adelheid to Snow White in a moment where she’s mistaken to be dead.

Another frustrating part of Lorelei’s personality is that in addition to all of those things, she refuses to acknowledge that other people have problems too, and though not the same as hers... She seems to be of the opinion that their problems’ existence in some way invalidates her own problems. As a result Lorelei continually acts as if other people don’t have any hardship because they don’t face the same inherent discrimination that she does, and so she’s generally awful towards everyone. In any instance she can, she turns suffering and trauma into a competition. Every time a character opens up to Lorelei about something painful they went through she immediately snaps something dismissive and becomes defensive (things like… grieving a dead relative/friend, childhood neglect and abuse, personal insecurities and anxieties, family pressure, potential domestic violence, dire circumstances that will likely result in death via murder by spouse).

Simply, Lorelei had a lot of irredeemable qualities so on her own she’s not particularly likable. Now, Lorelei with Sylvia? That dynamic was so incredibly toxic. A lot of the ways it was toxic can be inferred based on the portrayal of Lorelei’s general behavior/attitude, but that doesn’t cover the way she had no respect for Sylvia in any capacity and acted accordingly… Even going so far as to betray her without a second thought the moment it benefited her to do so. Of course, they get past that (because Sylvia decides to forgive Lorelei). But should they have, really? I didn’t think so.

By the end… The mystery is solved, Lorelei got what she wanted, most of the expedition has died… And nothing has really changed from the beginning of the novel. The antisemitism is never dealt with, and Lorelei no longer aspires to improve things for her people. It’s just over. The uncaring king rules, the people of the oppressed regions are still oppressed, the coup attempt is defeated, and Lorelei and Sylvia are together… Sort of.

This is my favorite kind of book: a book about the stories we tell to shape our individual and collective reality.

The frame story here is that of Lorelei Kaskel, a Yevanish (i.e. Jewish) student fighting to survive in a (vaguely medieval Germanic) country that sees her people as no better than vermin. Tall, dark, and embittered, Lorelei leans into her moniker, the Viper, out of both self-preservation and a healthy dose of spite. Through vicious perseverance, she is named the head of a royal expedition to find the Ursprung, the source of all magic, along with the six noble heirs of the lands recently unified into the country of Brunnestaad. However, the expedition goes sideways almost immediately when her mentor is murdered. The only person Lorelei can trust to find the killer and complete their mission is her academic rival, Sylvia von Wolff, whose pale beauty and knightly virtue are as infuriating as they are compelling.

I knew from the first page that I was going to love this book. Allison Saft employs the sort of lush descriptive prose that completely immerses readers in the world and its cultures. And the folk tale-esque setting of old world forests teeming with dark creatures promised that perversely delightful blend of whimsy and violence. Even better, Lorelei’s snarky inner commentary and salty interactions with Sylvia were delicious from beginning to end. I normally hate teenage romantic angst, and there was a literal boatload of it over the course of this book. But the personalities and motivations of the characters were so vivid (even when you hated them) that it kept me eagerly turning pages. The resolution of the mystery also delivered that perfect moment where you absolutely knew the culprit but also did not see it coming.

My one quibble is that the writing got a bit overwrought at times. For example, the fade to black sex scene was hilariously bad in timing and execution. I also desperately wish that YA writers would stop repeatedly describing the sky as “bruised purple.”

TLDR: Spinning Silver meets Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries, the dark academia edition, now with extra lesbians! Highly recommend!

Thanks to Del Rey and NetGalley for an advance copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

OMG well that's how I feel about Allison Saft books in general.

Her adult debit did not disappoint. I loved the 2 main characters and it was such a magical world.

The slow burn was so good and the relationship was just beautiful.

Lost a star because the story was very confusing at points.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy!
I really enjoyed this sapphic romance, and it had incredible fairytale/folklore stories throughout that i absolutely loved.
The MC is Jewish, and I really like the representation. The world building was fantastic, and I was really drawn in.
Overall I thought the book was great, the end was a bit abrupt for me, but maybe I just didn’t want to close the book on this fascinating world.

Such a good read. Literally kept me guessing the whole time. Kinda dark academia kinda murder mystery. Lorelei was absolutely everything.

Allison Saft continues to make me fall in love with her books and A Dark and Drowning Tide was no exception. I love these dark worlds that she creates and the way her characters are written. It leaves you wanting too dive head first into the words and not stop until the book is over. Another great additional.

This is some of the best sapphic enemies to lovers I have ever read. I am a devoted fan of Saft, and I would say that this may even be my favorite work of hers. She has a unique ability in the fantasy space to set her characters on a journey we haven’t seen before. While A Dark and Drowning Tide has its share of court intrigue, the center of the plot is a scientific expedition that gives ample opportunity for tensions to build and sparks to fly.

This review was made possible via an ARC through NetGalley

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft is a strong entry in the Sapphic romantic fantasy catalogue. Lorelai and Sylvia are two young academics who share the goal of going on an expedition to find the source of magic but are often at odds due to their differing personalities.

The synopsis alone made me crave this book but the cover? The prose? Everything about it screamed dark fairy tales and the book absolutely delivers. The prose hangs on poetic, lush descriptions much like Saft’s other works while recognizing the negative treatment of Jewish people in fairy tales through Lorelai’s POV as well as the unflinching way real life Jewish people were treated in Europe historically.

Opening with a bang, the book makes it clear that Lorelai has negative feelings towards Sylvia while also painting Sylvia as incredibly attractive, kind, and maddeningly gallant. The class differences and how Lorelai and her people are treated by the expedition group and the larger society they live in are a further obstacle between them.

Lorelai’s distrust of others is given quite a bit of emotional and thematic weight while Sylvia’s honest and charismatic nature plays against that same distrust to create a compelling romance that builds steadily.

The expedition to the Urspring, a place of incredible magic, hits a roadblock when Ziegler, the head of the expedition and Lorelai’s mentor, is murdered and leaves Lorelai in charge to find her mentor’s murderer while also continuing the search. The Urspring is to be used as a political tool and the dialogue and character interactions among this small group reveals the moving parts of the noble families in charge of the various territories brought together into one country.

I would recommend this to readers looking for Sapphic romantic fantasy, expeditions to find sources of magic, and fans of fairy tales. I would not recommend this to readers looking for romance to be the main plot.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

Though I knew the ages of the characters, they read about that age, and there was a sex scene, I was very surprised to finish the book, and find out that it was Adult. I'd been assuming it was teen due to the tone, and I think a book like this has a lot of easy crossover in such. I did really enjoy the Judaism that played such a large role in it, and there were parts I identified with-- the city verses rural, where cities were generally "safer" to be, and how it can feel at odds with others yearning for different times. I also really liked the complicated friendships between most of the travelers who'd grown up together.

Lorelei I did like and her rivalry with Sylvia felt very believable, as did her entirely too slow realization Sylvia was genuinely deeply into her. However, I felt more interested in the lowkey romance between Heike and Adelheid-than Lorelei and Sylvia- not enough to give up Lorelei as a main character, but finding their situation more catching of my interest.

The murder mystery. . . I'm not sure if I was reading into it too much, but it felt as if a different suspect was being primed for the readers, only to be actually, fullheartedly trustworthy. Little clues were dropped, but a red herring that served to. . . be only that. Or maybe I was overthinking, but I found myself truly hoping it had been them, even though it would have completely changed the book itself. I think I might have enjoyed it more? Discussion that were had were still good though.

I also liked the deconstruction of war heroes. It was brief, not gone into very much, but I think it'll be important for the next book, if there's to be a companion book. If there is, I look forward to reading it!

For the most part, I really enjoyed this book a lot. There's a thick air of gothic charm over the entire book, especially when coupled with the murder mystery element. Where this book shines the most, though, is the main character, Lorelei. She's stubborn and grumpy and prickly and a little dumb and I love her a lot. Her relationship--from hatred to reluctant allies to something like friends to something like more--with Sylvia is an absolute joy. I will say that I wish the other characters around Lorelei were a bit more fleshed out. It's not that they weren't to a degree; it's just I felt like they could've used a bit more to really make them stand-out, despite not being the main focus.

I especially loved the exploration of culture and power and how easily the majority can demonize and villainize the minority. I think the magic, too, was interesting--magic is based solely through water and the way that manifests and works in the world is very fascinating.

My biggest issue was that I felt like the murder mystery portion lacked a little something and that the ending was a bit too abrupt. I read another comment that mentioned that the story would've been a bit more interesting if the book focused more on the political intrigue lurking in the background and I agree. Especially because while the motive for the murder made (sort of) sense, given how much focus is placed on it in the story, it needed a bit more to really be satisfying.

Also, this is just a minor thing, but while I did like the inclusion of fairytales in the book itself, there were times when they popped up during a moment of tension and I really wish they wouldn't have. It sort of bled a bit of urgency out of the moment. Not entirely, but enough that it took me a little out of the story.

Overall though, I feel like this is a fun read for Sylvia and Lorelei's relationship alone. Definitely worth picking up if you appreciate some sapphics being hopeless and a little dumb (affectionately, of course).