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

gripping, dark, mysterious and riveting

I loved this book. I want to thank the author for her gorgeous writing. She is a talented storyteller, conjuring vivid images of beauty, dizzying landscapes, terrible and beautiful characters. Thank you.

Great! Narrated beautifully, love her accent

Narrator had a beautiful accent and voice, and it was enjoyable to listen to, the book was fantastic also. One of my more favorites from this year. I read half and listened to half

SA!

Strong ptsd from SA warning. Very emotionally heavy. The fae aspect is fun to fritter out, but there not enough lightness in the story to not have you feeling hallow once it’s over.

*Could* be useful if you’ve experienced SA and need a story to latch onto about overcoming your fear and frustration.

Riveting

Great book, beginning to end. It was a different and unexpected book, like Ava Reid’s other works. It’s a dark fairytale. An atmospheric mystery in dark academia full of forbidden knowledge and poetic metaphors. Definitely not for a person who’s bored by inner dialog and internal struggles or doesn’t find beauty in poetry. I don’t think this book needs any trigger warnings. But the book takes place in a universe similar to ours. Maybe in their own version of our 1950’s - 60’s? Women have to fight to get into certain colleges that previously only admitted men. And sexism is everywhere. Our main character spends a lot of her time in fear. In being told she’s crazy. In being snickered at by boys who also desire her. She isn’t taken seriously by anyone. Not by herself, family, other students, and faculty. So when she stumbles into a mystery while on school time, she struggles to believe the evidence. And moreover, that she might have a part to play in the mystery. And being the uncertain person she is, she is not sure if she wants to run for her life or if this is what she’s been waiting her whole life for.

so glad I finally read this book!

I picked up this book 4 separate times after buying it. Each time I would get like 2-3 chapters in & then put it down and read something else. this time I stuck it out and I'm VERY glad I did! once the book got going I found it very hard to put down. great narration & plot building! I truly loved trying to think critically along side effie & preston as they investigated a Caer-Isel national author & his writting! absolutely love that both the main characters are strong and independent with truma in very different ways. the balance between them is exactly what you would want for either character. the image of the fairy King was like no other! I loved reading a story I truly felt like I had never heard before. so many times we get the same idea told from a different perspective but this time it was truly a world all its own with characters all its own. I'm pretty good at guessing endings but this one had me stumped. I was so pleased with the wrap up! I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick trip to another land where magic & scholarly logic go hand in hand! enjoy!