A Study in Drowning

De: Ava Reid

Narrado por: 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

Reseñas de la Crítica

"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.

Enjoyed the mystery of uncovering Angharad

It took me a while to get into this book as the build up is slow, but once it got you hooked you can't put it down. I greatly enjoyed not knowing what was real and what wasn't, being eager to find everything out just as much as Effy and Preston.

Interesting

It took awhile to get into the book. It was t until at least chapter 5 I’d say. But ever since it was interesting. I wanted to know what was next. It would have been nice to have more than 1 reader especially for the lines between the main male and female dialogue. However, still a good book.

Women encouragement and empowerment

Loved the narration. This was a beautiful story. not overwhelming but so so moving in the end.

lyrical and unique

surprisingly, it was the negative reviews that made me take the plunge. Many of us want to read a unique world without bs tropes and excellent lyrical writing, along with damaged characters and deeper meanings layered into main story line. loved it. just go for it!