A Study in Drowning Collector's Deluxe Limited Edition

"A Study in Drowning" by Ava Reid is the kind of book that can be put there with the classics. It's a read where every page has a subliminal message that you have to take a moment to think to understand what the author and her character are trying to convey.and for that, I do not think some people would appreciate it.This is not a true fantasy despite the made-up worldThis is not a romance despite having a romantic relationship in itThis is a woman's journey towards regaining her power and control over her life when her choices were taken from her in so many different ways.The book is a captivating gothic fantasy that weaves a dark and intricate tale of mystery with elements of romance and the supernatural. Set against the backdrop of a Welsh-inspired cliffside estate, the novel follows Effy Sayre, a young architecture student, as she embarks on a journey to redesign the dilapidated Hiraeth Manor.The manor, with its decaying grandeur, and the water surrounding it become characters in themselves, mirroring the tumultuous emotions and hidden depths of the story's protagonists. Reid's narrative is a masterful blend of folklore and academia, challenging the reader's perceptions of reality through its atmospheric descriptions and hauntingly beautiful prose.We can argue that the book delves into themes of institutional sexism, the power dynamics within academia, and the struggle for one's voice against the silencing forces of society, however, it is Effy's personal struggle and Reid's exploration of the relationship between author and reader that picked my interest.⚜Genre: Urban Fantasy???⚜Theme: Gothic with romance⚜Targeted audience: 16+ (although this is stated as YA, it is not suitable for younger audiance)⚜Characters: Effy, Preston, Ianto, Angharand, the water⚜Representation: mental/emotional disorder⚜Pace: medium⚜TW: child abandonment/neglect - s€xual @ssault - attempted m¥rder - forced imprisonment⚜ tropes: medium-burn, one bed⚜ POV: one-sided third person⚜ spice 🌶⚜ rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟⚜standalone: yes⚜Ending: resolved

I absolutely adored this book. It masterfully wove subtle clues throughout its narrative, captivating me with its poetic language. Often, I found myself setting the book aside to ponder the beauty and depth of certain sentences. The plot gradually builds momentum, culminating in a satisfying climax about three-quarters of the way through. This payoff beautifully ties together all the subtle hints and questions that had been lingering in my mind. I've already ordered the next installment and eagerly hope there are more to come. The hints for the next book were tantalizing, not a cliffhanger, but rather a seductive invitation to continue the journey. Thank you for such an engaging read.

Wow was I blown away and sucked into this story. It was heartbreaking and too many can identify with it. I loved the story arc and the ending has left me reeling with theories. This story will not be leaving me anytime soon. Effy is the survivor in all of us. I loved that the romance was a subplot and didn't overshadow the other elements in the book. There are so many take aways that I could reread this multiple times and walk away with a different felling, and to me that's what makes a good story exceptional. Very well done.

Beautiful edition! I have to say this is the prettiest book I own.

Wow this is SO PRETTY!Would you like a book to tell you exactly what it would feel like for a woman in the institutional world of dark academia?The true under belly of just how unfortunate she’d be treated and viewed. Of the world we’re perceived in and how the world perceives us in return. A Study in Drowning does just this. The sharp parchment and rolled scrolls of this is no where near as pertinent as the house on a cliff with a girl just trying to survive vibes. Showing us bravery is more than picking up your armor and marching to battle.Our main character Effy is a uniquely serene and soft girl who is just trying to get by as best she can. That there’s a certain beauty to that way of survival. Sometimes it’s better to remain. Remain still. Remain running. Or remain hidden. I think the author did a spectacular job of giving us a book that shows such beauty in an antiqued world. Our flawed mc comes out endearing through the twists and turns you see throughout this book!

"She didn't know what Effy was escaping from... She didn't know what it was like to drown."Ava Reid's beautiful writing about what it feels like when you're drowning - and in over your head - had me questioning if what the character was thinking was real or if it was imagined. The character questions this often thoughout the book, appearing fragile and broken.I enjoyed reading about a young woman who finds herself in a world made for men. She has to learn to stand up and fight for herself, much like the character in the novel she has read a hundred times.The themes are somber, heavy, and weigh her down, often causing Effy to run and hide in fear. Her thoughts spiral, as she tries to decipher if the strange things she keeps experiencing are really happening, and she needs to find a way to escape from them.The weather, the water, and the sky are perfect symbols for what Effy is feeling on the inside. As she discovers more about herself throughout the book, and the author she admired so much growing up, the weather changes. It becomes foreboding and dangerous. A clue to the treachery and lies that have been carefully crafted around one sad and haunting story.

This was a sweet story. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it since I haven’t read this style before. But I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed it. It is a beautiful book with the printed edges.

The pages are beautiful!! Such a stunning design! I haven't read the book but it so beautiful!