I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Study in Drowning
by Ava Reid
Series: A Study in Drowning #1
Series Rating:
Published by HarperCollins on September 19, 2023
Genres: YA Historical Fantasy, YA Romance Fantasy
Pages: 384
Format: Audible Audiobook, Hardcover, Kindle, Paperback
Goodreads
Bookhype
BookBub
Storygraph
Get Your Copy at: Amazon
An instant Indie and #1 New York Times bestseller!
Bestselling author Ava Reidmakes 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 readers who loved The Atlas Six, House of Salt and Sorrows, or Girl, Serpent, Thorn.
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid is set in a world where things aren’t as they seem.
Will Effy Sayre get to make her dreams come true by redesigning the house of her favorite author?
Effy Sayre
Effy Sayre has been dealt a bad hand from the moment she was born. Her father died before she was born, her mom is not really present to take care of her, and her grandparents tried their best. It doesn’t help that she has been deemed to have mental problems as well when she talks about seeing the Fairy King. Effy is in college and trying to live a normal life, but the college she wanted didn’t want her. Instead, she went to the second-best school, which isn’t what she wanted. She has endured so much and has more to endure at college.
I have to say, Effy is a strong character, even if she doesn’t quite see it yet herself. Effy grew from just staying in the background to trying to make people believe in what she knows.
Preston Héloury
Preston Héloury is a citizen of both Llyr and Argant because his mom and dad are from both countries. He just wants to study and get through his first year with no problems. Preston is the first person Effy meets when they are both at the author’s house in their hometown. Preston seems to be mostly a loner character who does end up growing much like Effy by the end of the book.
I like Preston and how he brings out the good in Effy and helps her not depend on some of the pills she is always taking. Preston is good for Effy.
The Romance and Story
Effy and Preston’s story is a one-sided enemies-to-lovers romance set in a dark academia world, with a mystery and a fantasy twist. I loved being in this story and seeing how Preston and Effy’s love unfolded. The mystery part to me was pretty cool, and I couldn’t believe all the twists and turns that they ended up going through to get to the reveal. I have a feeling that Preston and Effy will make it through anything after this one.
Four Stars
My rating for A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid is four stars. I do recommend this book to anyone who likes books with lots of twists. Ms. Reid wrote a book in a setting I don’t usually read, but I wanted to try it because the summary intrigued me. The author does an awesome job of transporting me to Llyr and all the different towns Preston and Effy end up going to. I can’t wait to dip my toes back into this world.
A Study in Drowning
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
Baroness’ Book Trove is an Amazon affiliate, meaning if you purchase something from Amazon, this blog receives a tiny percentage of the sale. This helps cover the website costs and a few giveaways.
About Ava Reid
Ava Reid was born in Manhattan and raised right across the Hudson River in Hoboken, New Jersey, but currently lives in Palo Alto. She has a degree in political science from Barnard College, focusing on religion and ethnonationalism.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2026 Goodreads RC
- 2026 Romance Book Reading Challenge
- 2026 TBR Jar RC
- 2026 Young Adult Book RC
Leave a Reply