Ever heard of "backpack fantasy"? (Shoutout to Zana who enlightened me). At first, I had a little laugh at how oddly specific it is but then I found out Tolkien and T. Kingfisher are part of the crew, so apparently, I've been into it this whole time without even knowing.

Fast forward to A Dark and Drowning Tide, and it seems that we can go even more niche: I’m a folklore-inspired backpack fantasy murder mystery romance with a splash of dark academia stan because sentient forests that rearrange themselves at night, fantastical wildlife and botany, and a hiking buddy who’s your rival but also annoyingly charming checked all the boxes I never knew I had.

So yeah, Allison Saft is now firmly in my top new author discoveries for 2024, and I’m ready to add every book she has written or will write in the future to my TBR pile. This book had some of my favourite tropes, premise settings and rep:

• Grumpy cynic/sunshine optimist
• Slow-burn academic rivals to reluctant allies to lovers
• Forbidden romance vibes
• Childhood friends group cast where everyone is in love with each other
• One bed/tent
• Fantasy adventure expedition/quest filled with nature and magical flora and fauna
• Murder mystery
• Sapphic romance
• Jewish-inspired rep
• Tortured yearning
• Abundance of German folklore and fairytales
• Unique magic system

Lorelai our self-sabotaging and aloof FMC, and Sylvia, our secondary FMC who is a ray-of-sunshine naturalist and basically Newt Scamander and Steve Irwin’s lovechild, make for an unforgettable duo.

Moreover, I cared not just for the main characters but also for the morally grey whodunnit supporting characters, who all had realistic motivations and desires. Sure, some are more insufferable than others but there are some fabulous trope subversions. Plus, there are multiple female friendships and queerness is normalised amongst multiple characters.

Notably, I always appreciate immersive world-building that doesn't bog me down with clunky info dumps and that's exactly what I got in this book. Set in the German-inspired kingdom of Brunnestaad, this tale swept me away on a magical expedition through vast rivers, enchanted forests, snow-capped mountains, magical secret springs and charming small villages. On top of that, it introduced a unique magic system and hinted at some deliciously devious political scheming. I found the style of prose really suited to my tastes, lush and descriptive yet refreshingly free of flowery excess.

Nonetheless, it’s not all whimsical escapades. The story also tackles serious themes like anti-Semitism and prejudice. It’s a fantastical journey that navigates both a mesmerising world and the complexities of the human experience, explorations of loneliness and belonging as well as imparting timeless lessons about respecting and revering the natural world. As a nature and wildlife enthusiast myself, I was pretty smitten!

For the ultimate experience, go in with as little knowledge as possible. The story, with its clever twists and incredibly unique characters and magical creatures and beings, is best enjoyed with a fresh perspective. Trust me, you’ll want to savour every surprise as it unfolds. Highly recommend!

My heartfelt thanks to NetGalley & Daphne Press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Dark and Drowning Tide encompasses all the elements desired in a grumpy x sunshine, rivals-to-lovers narrative. This story is a murder mystery set against a dark academic backdrop, filled with atmospheric tension. The narrative follows a courageous group on an expedition to uncover the source of magic in their realm while simultaneously investigating a murder that occurs along the way.

I found the writing style captivating and poetic, skillfully blending various folklore and tales that held my attention from the start.
The sentient forest, enchanting waters, and folklore intricately woven throughout the plot enhance the immersive world-building. The vivid descriptions of scenery, characters, and folklore were delightful and added depth to the narrative.

The slow-burn romance between Lorelei and Sylvia evolves from animosity to heartfelt love. Their initial fierce animosity & contrasting personalities intensify the romance as it gradually transforms into a sincere love story.

While the beginning is somewhat slow, the story truly gains momentum after the murder takes place. I highly recommend this book to fans of dark academia and slow-burn romance.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"There's time." Sylvia cradles her jaw, a fond smile playing at her lips. "I want you however I can have you. I want you brutal, and I want you tender, and I want you at your best and your worst. Saints. I want you, Lorelei, and I..."

Allison Saft’s debut novel is a masterful blend of fantasy, heart-pounding mystery and dark magic. From the first page, this book pulls you into a world brimming with secrets magic and danger, making it impossible to put down.

The story follows Lorelei, a folklorist, who goes on an expedition with six young scholars in a dark academia adventure. One night their professor gets murdered and together with her long time rival Sylvia, she has to find the murderer, before one of them is next.

Saft’s wordbuiling and magic are well thought of. I love the folklore and the slow-burning rivals-to-lovers relationship. She has a talent for creating suspense. The 5 others crew member all have a motive to be the murderer and you keep guessing who it is untill the very end. The world-building is detailed and immersive, with a strong sense of history and lore.

I really loved the characters and growning relationships. Lolerlei and Sylvia’s banter was everything. This book was beautiful and moving. I’d love for Allison Saft to write more adult books. CAN NOT WAIT for what she writes next.
I can only say that this is a 2024 must read!

"Go on, then. Far be it from me to distract you." Sylvia smiled beatifically.
"Wonderful! Then please be quiet." Lorelei had half mind to shove her into the river, but she complied.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me a copy for a honest review.

Such a great read for the colder months because the atmosphere and gothic-ness (is that even a word?!) are perfect for the spooky season!

I loved the slow-burn Sapphic romance that was really well woven into the plot alongside the mystery and super interesting academia. I was impressed by how well-written the folklore was as well, it was a realy treat!

Some sections were a *little* tough to get through, but it may just have been my mood at the time of reading so take that with a pinch of salt!

"Good sense tended to flee wherever Sylvia von Wolff went."

I love this. I loved that this book contained an engaging mystery and complex emotions that were brought forth and showcased Saft's writing style and craft. This was a gothic fantasy with academic rivalry and romance that I was looking for.

I understand that readers may feel that they have jumped into the deep end with the quick and sudden immersion into the world's landscapes and politics, but Saft manages to bring you along with immersive descriptions and an complex insight into one of the main leads. Saft continuously manages to create a rich gothic atmosphere and grand descriptions throughout the story. This is not just limited to the story's descriptive nature but also the dialogue and action in the story is as strong.

I loved that the cast characters featured in this story were full of personality, emotion and motivation. It was enjoyable to see each of their characters, in particular the main academic group, have distinct characteristics. Nobody bleeds into each other and instead it was smooth for the readers to follow each character and attempt to work out the mystery (if you are like me and can't help but try and create your own hypotheses). The complexity of the characters can only be felt through reading the story yourself, the emotions and development of characters flows so smoothly with the pacing and action of the story.

If you are like me and the sapphic romance was an additional enticement to read the story, prepare for yearning. I do not wish to spoil anything about it, but I found the yearning and craving to be so satisfying. It is a slow build, but in a way its also not - but that it as much as I want to say.

Overall, if you are looking for a gothic mystery and romance that features writing showcasing heavy descriptive imagery and a gripping cast of characters that I would suggest you pick this up!

Thank you to Daphne Press for a copy of the book, I am voluntarily leaving a review.

When I first read the blurb of ‘A Dark and Drowning Tide’, I was immediately intrigued. A lush, sapphic fantasy romance with a murder mystery? Right up my alley. But, after finishing the book, I was left feeling a bit disappointed. There were some aspects I really enjoyed, but overall, I was expecting more from this “enthralling” story.

Let’s start with the plot. I have to say, I quite liked it. The murder mystery and the academic rivalry between the characters were engaging, and I appreciated the gloomy, dark atmosphere—perfect for a cozy autumn read. The ‘wildeleute,’ creatures in the book inspired by folklore, were such an interesting element, though I wish they had played a bigger role in the story. I also would’ve liked to see more different wildeleute. The world-building was whimsical and rich, but with a dark twist, which I enjoyed. However, the folklore aspect sometimes felt a bit random, and I found it slowed the pacing down.

The language in the book might throw some readers off at first. Saft uses a lot of German-inspired words like ‘wildeleute’ and ‘ursprung,’ which takes some getting used to. I’d recommend looking up these terms to fully grasp the world. It makes the book harder to get into, but after a few chapters, things started to flow better.

I liked the academic setting, especially seeing each student have their own specialty. It added a nice dynamic to the story. But when it comes to the characters, I struggled. Lorelei, the main character, didn’t appeal to me. She felt one-dimensional—mostly just mean and angry, which made it tough to connect with her or the other characters. I understand that she has trust issues, and I did appreciate the subtle commentary on her background, which drew from a fantasy Jewish heritage. But overall, I just didn’t find her compelling. Sylvia, however, was a standout for me. She was the only character who felt consistent and true to herself throughout the story.

As for the other characters, I didn’t feel like I got to know them well. The story focused more on the quest and the romance, leaving little room for deeper character development. The mystery, too, felt underwhelming. There wasn’t enough investigation, and when the killer revealed themselves, it felt rushed and underdeveloped. I just didn’t feel the stakes were high enough. It was also hard for me to guess who the killer was because I just didn’t know these characters and their motives.

And now, the romance. I picked up this book expecting an academic rivalry with a slow-burn sapphic romance. The academic tension was definitely there, but the romance? Not so much. In the first half, it was nearly non-existent. I love a good slow-burn romance, but this one felt forced. Lorelei and Sylvia didn’t seem to like each other much, and the few hints of attraction we got—a flush of the cheeks here, a racing heart there—weren’t enough to convince me. It did improve in the second half of the book, but even then, it never felt quite right to me. All of the sudden everything happened so fast that it just wasn’t believable anymore.

As I’ve mentioned, the second half of the book picked up, and I found myself enjoying it more. But overall, this one just wasn’t for me. If you’re into a lighter fantasy with a touch of folklore, this might be more your speed, but I was left wanting more.

Would I recommend it?

I’d say it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re into lighter fantasy with a dash of folklore and don’t mind a slower start, this might be worth picking up. The atmosphere is perfect for a gloomy, autumn read, and the world-building is beautifully done. However, if you’re hoping for an intricate murder mystery or a well-developed romance, this might not hit the mark. It wasn’t quite for me, but if the vibe of the book appeals to you, it could still be worth a try.

I think this book hit the romantasy nail right on the head- the romance aspect doesn't drown out the fantasy, it felt natural and contributed to the storyline rather than being just thrown in there. I was the tiniest bit lost with the world building in the first half (but that could definitely be because I picked it up during a bit of a reading slump) but as soon as the action picked up I'd wrapped my head around it a bit more and loved the magic system.
Genre wise, this is part dark academia, part sapphic romance, part murder mystery, all wrapped up in German folklore and a bit of court politics. The characters were well written and really did the whole 'they all hate each other but also are they all in love' thing perfectly. Lorelei and Sylvia are a really fun take on the grumpy x sunshine trope and I loved that our MC was the moodier one.
Overall I rated this a 4.5 stars, I can really see this being a big book this year!

I have no words to describe how much I adored this, it took me a bit to fully start understanding the world but i honestly couldn't put it down once i did.
The word building and atmosphere in the book felt so vivid, i adored reading every part of the characters journey especially those that dealt with magical creatures.
I adored Lorelei she's fierce, judgemental and overall my favorite character in the story. Her whole journey in the book made me sob and giggle. I loved seeing her fight for what she believed in and discover new things in her life. Her love for stories is something so relatable.
Sylvia was such a delight to read about, she's so fierce and stubborn and i adore her, her and Lorelei together made me swoon.
The romance was extremely cute even in the parts i wanted to take the characters hand, made them sit in a corner and go talk!!

I especially love the parts were they talked about the world's magical creatures and how they studied them, i wasn't expecting to love the academia part as much as i did.


I honestly adored A Dark and Drowning Tide and i really recommend picking it up when it comes out on September 17th.

𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦: 𝚀𝚄𝙴𝙴𝚁. 𝚂𝙰𝙿𝙿𝙷𝙸𝙲. 𝙴𝙽𝙴𝙼𝙸𝙴𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚂. 𝙵𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈. 𝙼𝚈𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚈. 𝙽𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙳𝚄𝙻𝚃.
📖ᴀʀᴄ 🏳️‍🌈⁠ - 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟭𝟳, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒⁠

"𝘼 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙥-𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙠𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙪𝙥 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙧'𝙨 𝙢𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙝𝙞𝙘 𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚."

𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬:⁠
Now, this was some complicated love because Lorelei Kaskel was very sharp-tongued and it was rather frustrating how conscious she was of the veil things that she said and their impact. The book was not hard to get into because it already kicks in with the sapphic angst but at some point, it was just plain hatred. The number of times she was stung though, I claim justice especially that backtrack she pulled on Sylvia von Wolff. That was very foul.

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦:⁠
If I remember correctly, they're all in their mid-twenties but the angst was very teen-angst, so violent. It is very easy to choose Sylvia as a favourite character because she seemed the most kind. I liked how open she was to everything but that also made me mad because at some point, I was like, "Girl, come on. This can't be it." The drama between the other characters was intense and rather weird for people who knew themselves since they were kids. And that Johann guy, very weird dude. My curiosity about how all would end had me going through this one real quick. A sapphic HEA, thank Mother Mary.


𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.

I absolutely loved this read. I was hooked from page one and read almost half of the book in one day.

Lorelai and Sylvia's bickering and banter was everything to me. It was clear that they both respected one another but Lorelai had an affliction of thinking everyone hated her for her patronage. Being born Yeva meant she was subjected to a lot of criticism and violence and so she struggles with thinking that someone like Sylvia could think of her as a friend, let alone anything more.

I loved the twist towards the end when Lorelai discovers the truth of what happened to Ziegler, her mentor who was murdered on their journey finding a source of magic for the king, and the lengths she goes to to protect Sylvia even when it could mean destroying their happiness.

I can't wait to read another book by Allison.

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft is a great blend of folklore, fantasy, murder-mystery, dark academia, slow-burn romance between academic rivals who become allies. An ideal cozy blend for the coming Autumn season.

The story follows Lorelai, a folklorist, who embarks on an expedition with six nobles to find a magical body of water, told through old fables, that could potentially benefit their King’s reign. But things take a dark turn when her mentor is mysteriously murdered, causing suspicion and tension within the group.

I went into this book not knowing much, except that the cover of this book is just stunning! And honestly, that was enough to get me started. The writing is beautiful, descriptive without feeling overwhelming. I particularly enjoyed the Jewish-inspired world-building, which addresses themes of anti-semitism through Lorelai’s heritage.

The one thing I wasn’t keen on was the romance between Lorelai and her academic rival, Sylvia. It is a slow-burn, extremely slow…… and while I enjoyed the build up, I still found their connection (partially Lorelai’s) quite frustrating at times. Lorelai has issues :( She is super self-sabotaging and insecure, and has a lot to figure out, which leads to her constantly flip-flopping between love and hate, making it difficult to grasp her true emotions. She’s often confused about her own desires, which adds complexity but also made me want to shake her a little.

Overall, for those who love slow-burn rivals to lovers in a dark academic, folklore, fantasy setting, I definitely recommend a read!

This was kinda a huge struggle to read omg? I really wanted to love it, the setting and the folklore just seemed like something id enjoy but i just … didn’t.

I think I’ve come to realise I do not like ‘cosy’ fantasies - idk something about the way they read and make me feel just doesn’t click.

I didn’t particularly enjoy reading from Lorelai’s pov either - it just felt like a slog and idk it was just hard reading from someone so negative?

I did actually like sylvie and how their relationship grew. Sylvie was super interesting to read about and I liked the rivals to lovers aspect.

But yeah this book unfortunately was not for me!

I’m really sad that this book wasn’t my cup of tea, but I do feel people will love it!

I found that personally it took about half the book to lose that new book feeling and to get into it, and then when I did get into it it was close to the end. I also didn’t like the main characters, so I’m sad to rate this so low but I will still recommend - Emily Wilde but dark academia vibes.

I feel like i have to be in a certain mood to enjoy this book and right now is not it. Maybe more in the upcoming colder months where i can appreciate it properly

I’m so excited to share my review for the amazing A Dark & Drowning Tide by Allison Saft today! 💖 Thank you so much to the lovely Black Crow PR & Daphne Press for my stunning proof copy!! 💖

I have been so excited to read this!! I adore Allison Saft’s writing style so much, it is so lyrical and enchanting! Everytime I read a book of hers, I cannot put it down!

Speaking of being enchanted, I fell in love with the worldbuilding in this story! I really enjoyed how we got snippets of it in Lorelei’s folklore tales as we go through the story. It’s such a clever way to get the reader to really feel part of the world and to also understand the characters and their motivations even better as they parallel really nicely!

And the academic rivalry between Lorelei & Sylvia?!? I LOVED IT 😍 The banter between them and how they each tried to annoy each other but they have to rely and trust each other to get through the voyage - like you don’t even want to know how much I was giggling and kicking my feet with these two!

Plus, the side characters were so dynamic and fun too! Ludwig needs an honorary mention here because he was so funny, I loved him 😂 All of the betrayals, secrets and alliances with this group were so exciting and made for such a twisty murder mystery! And then having the treasure hunt for the spring as well really heightens the pressure and suspense! The twists in this story were so insanely good that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this book! (And special shout out to my mum for listening to all of my yapping because I’ve noticed that when I love something I do not shut up about it 😂)

A Dark & Drowning Tide is a captivating and spellbinding read and has the perfect autumnal vibe! It was such a pleasure to read this!

3.5 ⭐

When Lorelei Kaskel, a fiery folklorist, joins an expedition to find a legendary spring with the power to save a crumbling kingdom, her hopes of proving herself are shattered by the murder of her beloved mentor. With suspicion falling on her eccentric team, the only person she’s sure is innocent is her academic rival, the captivating Sylvia von Wolff. As Lorelei reluctantly teams up with Sylvia to solve the crime and find the spring, they face magical dangers and uncover dark secrets about their mentor that force Lorelei to question if saving the kingdom—and her growing feelings for Sylvia—is worth the cost.

Murder mystery ✅
Sapphic romance ✅
Grumpy X sunshine ✅
Slow-burn academic rivals ✅
Fantasy expedition ✅
Jewish-inspired rep ✅
Tortured yearning ✅
One "tent" ✅

Saft's writing is both engaging and graceful, weaving a sense of magic and wonder without being over the top. Readers quickly connect with her well-developed characters, feeling deeply invested in their journeys.

By the end of the story, I found Lorelei to be a particularly compelling character. Her development throughout the book is both satisfying and authentic, showing her growth without losing the essence of who she is. Her struggles come across as genuine, and her motivations and actions are easy to understand, making her journey both relatable and engaging.

Although I enjoyed the story overall, I found myself occasionally bored and wishing for more romance. Given that the book is marketed as a romance, I expected a greater focus on romantic elements, which were disappointingly sparse.

!Thank you so much to NetGalley for sending me an ARC!

I was completely drawn into the mystery of this story, unable to crack the whodunnit ahead of the reveal but enjoying trying to puzzle it out anyway. Lorelai is an abrasive character, formed partly through the world she lives in, one that’s dangerous to her people and wholly unwelcoming. She has had to grow more resilient over time to hold her own amongst the people who loathe her for who she is and to succeed in completing her education. She’s brave and clever but rightfully doesn’t trust easily. She is therefore somewhat adrift on the ship when tragedy strikes, and stubbornly tries to move ahead alone with her plans. It’s safe to say she’s very different to Sylvia von Wolff, a gentle, beloved woman who views the world with endless fascination and curiosity. Their personalities clash and tempers flare, and emotions are running high - no matter how much Lorelai tries to suppress her own feelings.

Surrounded by vicious, unlikeable colleagues, and unknown danger, this book takes us on a ride both in the plot and the various destinations. We encounter various mythological creatures along the way, and I enjoyed learning more about them. There’s a lot of hostility in this story, so it’s lacking in any warmth, but it’s full of intrigue and keeps you guessing so it’s one I enjoyed and I’m sure others will too. It’s darker than A Fragile Enchantment, the other Allison Saft book I’ve read, or so I felt when reading it, but that definitely made it interesting!

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

Allison Saft’s A Dark and Drowning Tide masterfully blends intrigue, adventure, and complex character dynamics, set against a backdrop of a deeply magical yet politically charged world. At its heart, this novel is a slow-burn sapphic romance nestled within a murder mystery, all wrapped up in an expedition that seems doomed from the start.

The protagonist, Lorelei Kaskel, is a prickly, brilliant folklorist who is navigating not only the treacherous journey to a fabled spring but also the shadow of her murdered mentor. Her quick temper and sharp wit make her a refreshingly real character, but also one that is hard to fully embrace. Her academic rival, Sylvia von Wolff, is her foil—graceful, composed, and maddeningly beautiful, a figure whose internal world we can only glimpse from Lorelei’s perspective.

The murder mystery element is tense and engaging, with Lorelei’s fellow travelers, all eccentric nobles, acting as both potential allies and suspects. Each character brings a unique blend of motive and intrigue, and while the story keeps you on edge, the real magic lies in Lorelei and Sylvia’s evolving relationship.

The romantic tension between Lorelei and Sylvia, framed by their academic rivalry, is a slow-burning delight. Saft excels at writing longing and emotional distance, but the lack of Sylvia’s perspective feels like a missed opportunity. Given the layers of emotion implied through Lorelei’s observations, a dual point of view could have added more depth and nuance to their dynamic. Sylvia’s yearning, in particular, feels like it’s simmering just beneath the surface, but we never get to dive into it directly, which left me wanting more insight into her character.

The world-building is immersive, if a bit disorienting at first. Readers are thrust into a kingdom teetering on the edge of political collapse, where King Wilhelm has only recently united neighboring lands through war. The kingdom of Brunnestaad is rife with unrest, and the magical landscape, filled with shapeshifting beasts and dragons lurking in rivers, is both enchanting and deadly. While the magic is beautifully woven into the fabric of the story, the political stakes feel slightly underdeveloped. There’s a sense that Saft intentionally leaves some threads unresolved, which aligns with her theme of surviving in a broken world—but for readers invested in the broader geopolitical implications, it might feel like unfinished business.

Lorelei’s emotional growth is gradual and believable. Her cold exterior, shaped by her past and the harshness of the world she inhabits, softens in ways that feel earned rather than rushed. However, her aloofness can make it hard for readers to fully connect with her at times, especially in the early stages of the novel. The chemistry between her and Sylvia takes time to catch fire, and while I enjoyed their later interactions, the initial spark of attraction felt a bit flat compared to what you might expect from a rivals-to-lovers arc.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its willingness to embrace complexity. This isn’t a story where every problem is resolved neatly by the end. The world Lorelei and Sylvia inhabit is deeply flawed, and while there’s a sense of resolution in their personal journeys, the broader political and magical crises remain ambiguous. It’s a refreshing take on a fantasy novel, where survival and finding personal happiness in an imperfect world take precedence over grand, sweeping victories.

Overall, A Dark and Drowning Tide is a moody, atmospheric novel with rich character development and just the right amount of tension. While it doesn’t tie up every loose end or delve as deeply into its secondary characters and world-building as some readers might hope, it’s a compelling, thoughtful read for fans of slow-burn romance, fantasy adventure, and morally complex protagonists. And if Saft ever returns to this world, I’ll be eagerly awaiting more.

I started off really intrigued by A Dark and Drowning Tide as it sets up the quest to find a magical water source and introduces us to our characters. But while I enjoyed the vibes and world building, I didn't enjoy the story as much as I wanted to. Saying that, if you're in the mood for a magical murder mystery with fairytale vibes, politics, secrets, backstabbing and a lot of angst - you will probably enjoy this one! ⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5 stars rounded up on Netgalley)

I somehow had forgotten from the description that it's not just a quest book but also a murder mystery. I was strangely disappointed by this fact - which I think was definitely a "me problem" I wasn't in the right mood for a murder mystery and so that plotline never really grabbed my attention.

I did really enjoy the fairytale/folklore vibes and the initial group dynamics, there's a bunch of history behind the characters and how they know each other which you learn as you go though the story. Our main character Lorelei is a relative newcomer to the group and so we learn more about them as she does.

I mostly liked how Lorelei's relationship with Sylvia, her main academic rival, developed. However for the rest of the story, I didn't enjoy the central conflict being not knowing who was trying to undermine the group. The story becomes focused on the rifts and secrets between the characters and I personally found that less engaging but I know some readers might really enjoy that aspect.

A Dark and Drowning Tide is out September 17th thanks to Netgalley and Daphne Press for the eARC.

This books involves a murder mystery mixed with some folklore. The book also includes a sapphic romance which was really lovely. The plots is an interesting concept and overall a good read.