My Review│A Study In Drowning by Ava Reid
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Title: A Study In Drowning by Ava Reid
Published: September 19, 2023
Genre: YA Fantasy
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About the Book: A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid is a dark academia YA fantasy following Effy Sayre, a student who wins a contest to redesign the estate of her favorite late author, Emrys Myrddin. Set in a decrepit, coastal mansion, Effy encounters a rival scholar, Preston Héloury, and both uncover secrets, misogyny, and dark magic.
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My Review: I attempted to read this book last year but it wasn't right for my mood at the time and I dnf'ed. But recently I was overcome with a need for something a little different and decided to give this a second chance. I'm so glad I did because I enjoyed this immensely (and am currently listening to the audiobook for A Theory of Dreaming as I type).
If I had to relate A Study In Drowning to a mood, it would be a dark and rainy afternoon, rainfall cascading down a window as you calmly overlook gothic style buildings that are equally haunting yet enchanting. It also feels like the literary form of "you should never meet your heroes."
I enjoyed this book for several reasons, the first being the protaganist Effy Sayre. ended up loving this book for how layered and emotionally honest it feels, especially through its protagonist, Effy.
Effy is such a compelling character because she isn’t always easy to like. She’s navigating a world shaped by sexism and exclusion, and the way that experience manifests in her through bitterness, defensiveness, and even moments of judgment. I appreciated that the story doesn’t shy away from showing how oppression can shape someone in complicated ways, including internalized prejudice. What made her journey so satisfying, though, is that she grows. She reflects, she changes, and she takes accountability.
The setting is everything I love about dark academia. The crumbling atmosphere of Hiraeth Manor, the focus on literature, the eerie presence of Faerie lore, and that constant sense of something just beneath the surface all come together to create this haunting, immersive vibe. The mystery surrounding Emrys Myrddin kept me fully engaged, and I genuinely enjoyed unraveling the truth alongside Effy.
And then there’s Preston. I adored him. He’s thoughtful, kind, and grounded in a way that balances Effy so well. His commitment to truth over tradition made him stand out, and I loved how he supported Effy even when they didn’t always agree. Their romance is soft and slow-building, but it felt incredibly genuine.
Overall, this was a beautifully written, atmospheric read with a strong emotional core, a compelling mystery, and a romance that quietly steals your heart. Definitely a five-star read for me.
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