A Reader's Guide to Books and Reviews

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

Series:
A Study in Drowning #1

Genre:
Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Gothic, Historical Fiction, Fiction, the Fae, Mystery, Romantansy, Dark Academia, Mystery Thriller, Magical Realism, Enemies-to-Lovers, Fairytales, High Fantasy

Publication Date:
September 19, 2023

Pages Numbers:
378

Read Date:
November 30th, 2024

Date Finished:
December 1st, 2024

Rating:
DNF @ 60%

Blurb:

Effy Sayre has always believed in fairy tales. Haunted by visions of the Fairy King since childhood, she’s had no choice. Her tattered copy of Angharad—Emrys Myrddin’s epic about a mortal girl who falls in love with the Fairy King, then destroys him—is the only thing keeping her afloat. So when Myrddin’s family announces a contest to redesign the late author’s estate, Effy feels certain it’s her destiny.

But musty, decrepit Hiraeth Manor is an impossible task, and its residents are far from welcoming. Including Preston Héloury, a stodgy young literature scholar determined to expose Myrddin as a fraud. As the two rivals piece together clues about Myrddin’s legacy, dark forces, both mortal and magical, conspire against them—and the truth may bring them both to ruin.

Review:

I bought this book because I was obsessed with the sprayed edges. Beautiful books settle up on their shelves, waiting for the next reader to take one down and settle nicely in a corner to read. While the sprayed edges lured me to read this book, this book was not a favorite. I loved the premise, characters, and world-building, but there was something missing; maybe the plot twist at the beginning just didn't wash right over the story. 

I may try to come back to this book again later next year.

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