A Study in Drowning

Summary: “Achingly atmospheric and beautifully sharp." —Rory Power, New York Times bestselling author of Wilder GirlsBestselling author Ava Reid makes her YA debut in this haunting stand-alone dark academic fantasy, perfect for fans of Melissa Albert and Erin A. Craig. An instant Indie and #1 New York Times bestseller, now in paperback!Effy Sayre has always believed in fairy tales. She’s had no choice. Since childhood, she’s been haunted by visions of the Fairy King. She’s found solace only in the pages of Angharad—author Emrys Myrddin’s beloved epic about a mortal girl who falls in love with the Fairy King and then destroys him. Effy’s tattered, dog-eared copy is all that’s keeping her afloat at Llyr’s prestigious architecture college. So when Myrddin’s family announces a contest to redesign the late author’s estate, Effy feels certain this is her destiny.But Hiraeth Manor is an impossible task: a musty, decrepit house on the brink of crumbling into a hungry sea. And when Effy arrives, someone else has already made a temporary home there. Preston Héloury, a stodgy young literature scholar, is studying Myrddin’s papers and is determined to prove her favorite author is a fraud. As the two rivals piece together clues about the reclusive author’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 is also an unflinching indictment of institutions that sacrifice young girls on the altar of men’s “genius” and a gripping read that will stay with you long after its final page. Quotes:“Reid wields lyricism, dark academia, and fairy-core elements to eloquently imbue the narrative with originality and depth that ferries themes surrounding grief, gender, and the value of folklore.” -Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Piling invention upon invention, Reid conjures a bleached-bone jewel box of a tale, full of strange treasures and captured bits of dangerous lore. A Study in Drowning is as merciless as a rising tide and as beguiling as a fairy’s bargain.” -Melissa Albert, New York Times bestselling author of The Hazel Wood“Achingly atmospheric and beautifully sharp, A Study in Drowning will draw you in from the first page. A spell-binding mix of magic, myth, and mystery.” -Rory Power, New York Times bestselling author of Wilder Girls “A dark and gripping feminist tale.” -Kirkus Reviews"Lusciously evocative and dripping with verbal texture." -Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books“As always, Ava Reid's worlds feel lived-in and rich in history. This one is also full of myth and superstition, and heavy rains that fall upon crumbling old houses. A rewarding, romantic read, with much to chew on.” -Kendare Blake, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Three Dark Crowns“Haunting and elegantly rendered, A Study in Drowning is a lyrical examination of stories told, cherished myths, and an unraveling of truths held dear. Darkly romantic and unsettlingly eerie, I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come.” -Erin A. Craig, New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows and Small Favors“Drenched in atmosphere, and as wondrous and haunting as a dream half-remembered. A Study in Drowning is a love letter to stories—and to everyone silenced or forgotten in their retelling. Effy and Preston are spectacular leads, tenderly drawn and sure to win readers’ hearts as they’ve won mine.” -Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic “This is one of those books that makes you remember why we read in the first place. A Study in Drowning takes dark academia to magical new heights. Reid is a singular, extraordinary talent.” -Sasha Peyton Smith, New York Times bestselling author of The Witch Hunt“In A Study in Drowning, Reid questions the idea of stories, who writes them, and who they are for. Between heart-wrenching discoveries, lush worldbuilding, and prose as beautiful and cruel as the sea, she delivers an answer I won’t soon forget. I could read this book again and again - absolute perfection.” -Courtney Gould, author of The Dead and the Dark "Ava Reid's YA debut is a deft exploration of strength in survival that's as nuanced as it is quietly impactful and delicately romantic. There is a healing quality within her works that makes A Study in Drowning feel like not just another breath of fresh air, but a necessary one. It's a read that should have a permanent space on your shelves and in your collections immediately.” -Kalie Barnes-Young, Barnes & Noble at the Grove, Los Angeles CA "A Study in Drowning is everything I’ve ever wanted to read: dark academia, romance, mystery, and a powerful story of a survivor, one I can hold close to my heart because Effy feels so real. Addictive and brimming with atmosphere, Ava Reid weaves a striking tale that will sweep readers away to a harrowing sea.” -Bridey Morris, RJ Julia Booksellers, Madison CT “A Study in Drowning is a brilliant novel that's part fantasy, part dark academia, part modern gothic, part horror fairytale, and altogether too gripping to put down. A gothic that manages to be both breath of fresh air and the familiar claustrophobic feel of the walls closing in around you, A Study in Drowning is an undeniable testament to Ava Reid’s mastery of their trade.” -Brittany Smith, Barnes & Noble, Greenville SC “Lyrical, incisive, and tragically beautiful, this book will haunt your dreams. Reid delivers in every way—--from the atmospheric house by the sea to the achingly hopeful romance to the examination of power, gender, and control, A Study in Drowning ruins and rebuilds you.” -Vaishnavi Patel, New York Times bestselling author of Kaikeyi “A dark and tender YA debut from the lyrical genius Ava Reid. A Study in Drowning is a beautifully eerie story about the myths we are told, the people we admire and what happens when the truths we hold begin to unravel. I am in awe of Reid and her storytelling abilities. You are going to need this book in your life!” -Joseline Diaz, Kepler’s Books “Both haunting and tender. Set amongst crumbling cliffsides and a raging sea, this atmospheric story will settle in your bones. Romantic, beautifully written, and powerful.” -Rachel Griffin, New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches“Lyrical, moving, and sensitive, A Study in Drowning is a magically romantic tale, filled with writing that will sweep you into a whimsical and gothic world. I’ll recommend this beautiful and thoughtful book over and over again.” -Isabel Ibañez, author of Together We Burn“Incandescent, tender, and fierce. A Study in Drowning is a deftly woven mystery, brimming with lyrical writing and compelling characters who will steal your heart. This is a story that lingers, long after the last word.” -Rebecca Ross, bestselling author of Divine Rivals "A Study in Drowning is everything: a dark fairytale, a tender romance, a haunting historical mystery, and a quietly furious tribute to the people whose stories have been stolen from them. I absolutely loved it.” -Alix E. Harrow, New York Times bestselling author of Once and Future WitchesAuthor Bio: Credit: Author Image 1 Ava Reid is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning, A Theory of Dreaming, Lady Macbeth, Juniper & Thorn, and The Wolf and the Woodsman. Her books have been published in over fourteen territories. She lives in the New York area. Follow her on Instagram @avasreid and find her online at tumblr.com/avasreid.