A Study in Drowning

By: Ava Reid

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

An instant Indie and #1 New York Times bestseller!

“Achingly atmospheric and beautifully sharp, A Study in Drowning will draw you in from the first page.”—Rory Power, New York Times bestselling author of Wilder Girls

Bestselling author Ava Reid makes her YA debut in this dark academic fantasy perfect for fans of Melissa Albert and Elana K. Arnold.

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.

Part historical fantasy, part rivals-to-lovers romance, part Gothic mystery, and all haunting, dreamlike atmosphere, Ava Reid's powerful YA debut will lure in listeners who loved The Atlas Six, House of Salt and Sorrows, or Girl, Serpent, Thorn.

©2023 Ava Reid (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Saskia Maarleveld's brisk narration sweeps listeners into an atmospheric setting that blends fantasy and reality. Maarleveld portrays the dissatisfaction and resentment of literature-loving Effy Sayre, whose gender is holding her back at architecture school.... Maarleveld animates all the characters, whether human or fairy. Most notable is her portrayal of Effy's caring fellow student, Preston, who partners with her in a literature project involving mysteries about the past. Maarleveld builds their attraction as it blossoms into romance." (AudioFIle)

Not what I expected

I couldn’t vibe with this one yall. I tried but there was hardly a plot, the characters were flat and although I loved the message it was boring.

Loved it!

I originally had trouble getting into the story, mostly because I get distracted so easily, but also because the narrator’s accent was soothing to me. I made myself stick with it and pay attention tho, and I’m so very glad I did. I loved the way she gradually unpacked Effy’s (sp?) trauma and background in an entirely unforced way. There was intrigue, there was drama. The expression and effects of her past were so impactful and relevant to the present part of the story. The way that Reid uses her words were very impactful to me from a literary and from an emotional standpoint. Overall, a very well written and interesting story with multifaceted characters (literally lol). Great if you want something with a slightly slower pacing/feel, if you like dark academia, and an impactful story with meaningful expression around it.

I enjoyed the read!

The narrator hooked me into the story right away. I enjoyed the mystery unfolding and I couldn't wait to see if my guesses were correct when the story concluded.

ripples in a tar puddle

Wicked, wonderful, dark, and healing.
This one brought me into its world and resonated on a deep level like few can. I'm going to buy a paper copy for my bookshelf so I can re-read and let others borrow and reliah as needed. Thank you!

The writing style

I loved how the author didn’t conform to the standards that the main character had to be swept up by a strong handsome prince of sorts and instead showed how stereotypical it is

This book got me excited about reading again

So it’s been a while since I was excited to read a book. It took a couple chapters to get into, but once I did, it was very relatable and a very easy listen. The narrator did a good job and the story is pretty basic but cute and fun to listen to. The biggest issue I have with the story is that the FMC AND MMC have a relationship that “develops” but there’s no slow burn or immediate excitement when they got together. It was kind of meh. It was actually quite refreshing that they were two people with trauma who fall in love and validate each other. I know some of the reviews say there’s no character development, but I would disagree. Sure, it’s not a complete 180 but they learn to stand up for themselves regardless of who they are or who their families are. I know there are waaayy better books out there. But this one was definitely a cute one to get me back into feeling the excitement of finishing a book.

Meh

This was a waste of a credit for me. The story is fine but the narration just wasn’t for me. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and had a hard time following her narration. I think the place names and her accent made this harder to follow than reading the actual text. I wound up grabbing a copy from the library to really give it a chance and I was glad I did- much more enjoyable and easier to follow.

Wonderful

It was too hard to read, but I got right through the audiobook. Great work I loved it!

folktale meet dark academia

super cute romance with an interesting ending. myths and folktale, a mystery, and light student "rivals" to lovers in this gripping fantasy novel that highlights grief and coping skills and just a great easy read.

So unexpected

I wasn’t sure what this book would be about but it was a delightful read. Synopsis/ no spoilers: the fairy king is real and has always called to Effie. Effie is the only woman in this architecture college but is invited to a house to rebuild it. There she becomes a different person and finds out the truth above her favorite author.