A Dark and Drowning Tide is Allison Saft's first adult novel and a great read. It's a darker historical fantasy in a Bohemia-inspired setting, "Brunnestaad." Lorelei is Yevanisch, an ethnic and religious minority villainized by mainstream culture. The book is written in a tight, limited third person from her POV. Her lived experience of ostracization informs the entire text and at times makes the book difficult to read.

Her greatest academic rival, Sylvia, is a princess from one of Brunnestaad's vassal nations. She's Loreilei's opposite in almost every way: Sylvia is blonde, Lrelei is dark; Sylvia is optimistic and cheerful where Lorelei is cynical and dour; Sylvia revels in fieldwork while Lorelei is confined to folklore; Sylvia chooses not to use her magic but has plenty, while Lorelei has to hide the fact that he has any magical aptitude at all.

The action of the book revolves around their academic voyage to find a source of magic for the king. The themes of the book are all about privilege and power, survival and selfishness. Lorelei is self-loathing and almost completely unable to correctly interpret other people's emotions and motivations. But she's also ferociously intelligent and ambitious, determined to make life better for herself and her people.

I think this book will appeal to fans of the Emily Wilde series who wouldn't mind if that series went a bit darker, or readers of Ava Reid's fantasies.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

1.75/5

I loved the premise of this book: Sapphic dark academia + a quest + water magic + murder mystery? Yes please! However, it felt poorly executed.

It started off really slowly… and continued to drag. To me, Allison Saft’s writing is filled with lush whimsy and sometimes the atmospheric language slows the pace a bit. But that wasn’t the case here. There is just a lot of 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨, and back and forth between the two FMC’s that I think is meant to be banter? Their ‘rivals to lovers’ trope was not established except for a quick summary of something along the lines of ‘She’s my complete opposite and I’ve been competing with her for the past five years’ in the beginning. Though they had quite a few endearing scenes, it didn’t align with their romantic journey so their HEA was not satisfying.

There are also 4 more semi-main characters; and because everything was through the main FMC’s third person narration, it’s hard to keep them all straight. Maybe it would have helped if they own had their own chapters…

Since it was hard to connect with any of the characters, it was also difficult to care about the plot. I didn’t care who the killer was or who got the ‘prize’ at the end. There wasn’t enough magic in my opinion; more politics than anything. The introduction of the creatures like the nixies was fun but also scarce. The action scenes were my favorite but they were few and far between and most of the plot ended up in the last 15% of the book. This made the book feel rushed and unsatisfying.

Also there was not a lot of academia! I think this book was trying to do too many things and ended up falling flat on all of them. If there was a focus on 2 main things, I think this would have been a bigger hit for me. It almost felt like this could be a decent start to a series — even just a duology — but since it is a standalone, this was lacking. Maybe it’s me, but this book did not capture nor keep my attention, so I do not recommend.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the eArc. All thoughts are my own.

A Dark and Drowning Tide: A Novel - Allison Saft

My Review:
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
Pages: 384
Genre: Fantasy
Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, Slow Burn, Dark Academia, One Bed, Murder Mystery

Thank you to @NetGalley, @DelRey and @AllisonSaft for my ARC digital copy.

I’ve added this author to my auto-buy list! This book is absolutely amazing. I could not put it down! Fantasy is my favorite genre and this book checked all my boxes! I’ll definitely be ordering this book to add to my bookshelf!

This book is full of German folklore, forests that rearrange themselves, magical springs and magical creatures. Plus a murder mystery. Plus it deals with anti-Semitism. It has some very dark themes.

I am not going to give any spoilers or more information because I truly feel this book is best gone into blind. It is also the first book that I want to reread. My followers know that is something I never do!

Go get this book and read it! I consider it a must read and one of my favorite from 2024!

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3.5/5
A Dark and Drowning Tide grabbed me from the first chapter. The plot is intriguing, full of fantastical elements and mystery. The characters fell flat for me, and I didn’t really care what happened to them. I liked that the romance was slow burn and didn’t take over the whole story. It’s an easy book to get lost in and the writing is lovely! Thank you to Random House Publishing – Ballantine for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Allison Saft's new sapphic fantasy novel takes you on an expedition riddled with folklore about a magical, fabled spring. The crew of eccentric nobles has little to no interest in dealing with the outcast of the group, and she does nothing to qualm the rough, grumpy exterior or her ultimate utter disdain for her acaddemic rival in particular. A murderer is among their ranks, and it takes their combined skills to not only outwit this person but also to survive the danger lurking within the magical world. Even if they survive this expedition, there's a political war brewing, and everyone has a stake in it. It's easy to either love or hate these characters because of how layered they are. There's always a villain and a hero, but I find most of these characters to be in that gray area.

I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me.

I found the world building in the beginning to be a bit too much to get through, and it took away from my enjoyment of the book. It has great potential for those who don’t mind a bit of rough world building if the story pans out in the end.

I may come back to it and give it another try at some point, but for me it was a miss right now.

I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and wish it the best of luck!

Happy publishing day!
i enjoy this book a lot! I don’t want to give any spoilers but I do enjoy Allison’s writing. I actually have never read anything by her and now I am tempted to read more. She weaves this beautiful and dark atmosphere since the first chapter which hooked me. I’m not exactly sure what stops me from giving this a 5✨ but I am compelled in reading it again (which already says a lot) so have a second opinion! I hope you enjoy it as much as i did🤍

I loved this one. It didn’t take long to grab me with its multilayered characters, enchanting folklore, and a beautifully crafted slow-burn romance. The characters felt so real and layered, making their journeys emotionally compelling. I especially loved the way the romance unfolded—quietly and full of depth. The folklorian aspects of the novel added a magical, haunting atmosphere that really pulled me into the story's world. If you're looking for a book that blends myth, mystery, and romance, this one is a must-read!

thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

2.5. set in a folkloric setting, this story follows a group of nobles alongside our main character, lorelei, in search of a magical spring for the king. i genuinely anticipated reading this. it’s sapphic, fantasy, rivals to lovers– elements that i like, and so i thought i would have liked this more than i did.

many things that happened between characters are off-page (in fact, many things are told, not shown) so we don’t have much insight into the character’s when the expedition starts. it's hard to find the story interesting and care about the stakes or cast because of this. even when we did understand the characters’ motivations, they seemed so archetypal. honestly, my biggest complaint was that it was boring. i felt disconnected from the world, especially because the politics weren’t convincing, either; they were very surface-level, similar to the characters, and read kind of foolish at times.

lorelei’s heritage is yevani, inspired by jewish heritage; it’s especially prevalent in the story as the yevani are persecuted, which mirrors anti-semitism. it’s this element of the story that was well-written and where we could’ve had more expansion. the book as a whole could’ve benefited from an extra, maybe, 100 pages to expand on the world and characters.

now, lorelei as a main character was… sort of tedious. she gives us many short folklore stories meant to mirror/expand on the main events, but instead of seamlessly blending in with scenes, the stories read abruptly at times. sylvia, the love interest, was the only character i liked, though their relationship is not at the forefront. (at least, not at first) i won’t go into much detail, but even this element (their relationship), which i was anticipating, let me down.

i'm also confused about the messaging of colonialism... it was written offhandedly. i think the author should have set up this aspect better, especially since it's such a sensitive topic.

I’ve read and enjoyed two YA books by Allison Saft before and was very excited for her adult debut, and it did not disappoint me at all.

As for the plot was a mix of a journey to find a source of magic and a murder mystery, and I loved it. Germanic folklore is draw from for the world itself and the creatures in it, and I really enjoyed learning about them and the folklore surrounding them. Some of the worldbuilding itself was a bit confusing, but I was enjoying the character dynamics so much I didn’t mind a lot.

Speaking of that, the yearning between Lorelei and Sylvia so well done, and I really enjoyed their interactions. In terms of tropes, they very much embody the grumpy/sunshine one. Individually, both of them are quite complex with Lorelei feeling like an outsider in the expedition group and Sylvia having depth beyond her sunshine exterior.

This was a wonderful adult debut, full of magic and intrigue.

Thank you to Del Rey for the ARC

This is my first book by Allison Saft, but it certainly won't be my last. The writing was very pretty. I love stories that have folklore elements. The cast of characters was wonderful.

This book was absolutely stunning. Allison Saft has not disappointed thus far for me. This is my second book by her and I really enjoyed this rich story that is seeped in folklore and enchantments. I was immediately drawn to our main character Lorelei and her job as a folklorist. We are quickly introduced to the main gang of characters and I love that this story has different types of characters with different backgrounds each bringing a different worldview to the page. I really enjoyed the dynamic between all the characters and how they interacted with each other during this quest that they were embarking on. The plot got going immediately and I was honestly hooked from start to finish.

One of the elements I loved a lot was the addition of folklore tales that were sprinkled into the story. A lot of times Lorelei would recount a folktale from this world and apply its meaning or lesson into whatever the situation that was happening. Sylvia was also a lovely character who studies that mythical creatures in this world and its was so fun seeing the different creatures that we got to see throughout the story. The writing was beautiful as always and I really enjoyed how Saft pulled in themes of cultural struggles, and how certain people are always looked down upon and treated incredibly differently.

The only thing I wish we had gotten more of was just the world itself and the magic system. I would have loved to have died further into the history of this world and how exactly the magic works and who gets to yield it. Overall though I really enjoyed my time with this one. I think its a perfect gloomy day sort of read.

I had such a great time with this book. This was my first time reading Allison Saft but will definitely not be my last. I was immediately drawn into this fantasy world. This is an immersive traveling murder mystery with a lovely slow burn romance. The magic system and creatures were all interesting. Lorelei and Sylvia were both fascinating characters. I loved their antagonistic banter. Saft manages to have them be at odds without being mean which is a nice change from other stories of this variety. They are opposites that really balance each other.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lorelei is the assistant to the expedition to discover the source of magic. The leader and her mentor is murdered on the way there, leaving Lorelei with a mystery and a tight knit group who are sooner to turn on her than work together to discover the truth.
I liked the close-knit cast and the locked room element to the mystery aspect. I wanted more mystery, but I did enjoy the fantasy adventure element once it kicked in.
Lorelei is a compelling protagonist, not easy to like in places, but we slowly learn why she is so standoffish and it’s hard to let anyone in. I also enjoyed her being a folklorist. Some of the fairy-tales she brings in help expand the story, while others felt a little excessive.
Speaking of, I really enjoyed the setting, not only the empire and colonies discussed, but just the atmosphere and vibes throughout the adventure. The cover is the exact vibes given off throughout the entire book.
Not every part of the romantic relationship worked for me, but that’s also me with most academic rivals to lovers stories. I did enjoy these two when they were forced to work together alone; it really expanded on their relationship and had me rooting for them. I will thank the author for making a height difference that doesn’t describe them as ‘teeny tiny person' and 'big strong skyscraper.'
I’m unsure on the ending, especially with how this book discusses colonialism. I enjoyed how each character in this is affected by colonialism in different ways. That being said, the way things are tied in with regards to not only the expedition but how it ties in with the empire, it both felt too perfect and like not enough considering the rest of the book.
I rated this 3.5 stars! A solid fantasy adventure with a mystery and sapphic romantic subplot!

Posted on Goodreads:

3.25/5⭐️

I want to start off with Del Rey really be putting out some of the most gorgeous covers. That’s what drew me to this one. Then I stayed for the sapphic enemies to lovers.

So, what’s the verdict? This was okay. It wasn’t bad, it wasn’t great. This is a character driven book and though that can work well in some cases…something’s missing. Or maybe I missed something. I really wanted to love this one.

I was a bit put off because I was just tossed into this world where I knew nothing about and I felt overwhelmed with finding my grounding. Pair that up with Allison’s style of writing and it took a while to get into. What kept me reading was the dynamic between Lorelei and Sylvia but that can carry so far.

I’m going to mull over this one for a few days.

Thank you netgalley, del Rey and Allison saft for the opportunity to read this novel.

Legend tells of a hidden spring granting untold power. To secure his reign, the king commands an expedition to find it–a perfect opportunity for folklorist Lorelai Kaskel to prove herself. But not everyone wants the expedition to succeed. When her professor is found dead, Lorelai must solve the murder, find the spring, or be blamed for the mission’s failure–and her beautifully eccentric rival Sylvia von Wolff is the only person she can trust. 

A Dark and Drowning Tide has EVERYTHING I look for in a book! Saft’s writing is luscious and descriptive, her rivals-to-lovers romance is well-paced, sweet, and sincere, and the plot feels refreshingly unique, combining folklore, dark academia, action-adventure, and m*rder mystery into an epic page-turner of a story. Sentient forests and disappearing isles are reminiscent of favorites like The Raven Boys and One Dark Window, but ADADT stands on its own, twisting the classic there and back again tale to explore how colonial power influences exploration, science, and discovery. Saft’s worldbuilding is masterful, and the German-inspired kingdom of Brunnestaad feels dangerous in both unfamiliar and uncomfortably familiar ways, as steeped in history and the consequences of prejudice as it is in myth and magic. 

Lorelai, our Jewish protagonist, is angry, afraid, desperate to prove herself worthwhile, and one of the most real and relatable characters I’ve read in fantasy this year. The discrimination she faces is heartbreaking, and is particularly poignant as seen through the antisemitic folklore she herself documents. Where Lorelai’s quick wit and forced standoffishness ground the story, Sylvia’s whirlwind personality and fierce love for magical creatures help it soar, and watching her break down Lorelai’s walls is a genuine delight. Saft’s secondary characters are equally compelling, and their hidden agendas each (in their own way) ask readers to think about duty–to one’s country, one’s people, and ultimately, oneself. 

If you’re a fan of dark academia, epic quests, and sapphic rivals, ADADT is the perfect book to add to your fall TBR. I’m so glad I picked it up, and I think you will be too!

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for sending me this ARC to review in exchange for
my honest thoughts.

"Lorelei knew the shape of a fairy tale: a prison."

I was immediately captivated by this book from the name & cover and it did not disappoint! Sapphic, enemies to lovers, dark-academia, fantasy folklore - *chefs kiss*.

The start felt a little slow and was difficult to get into hence why it's not 5 stars, but after that I was absolutely enthralled with the character dynamics & world-building. I loved the creatures descriptions - anything involving siren/water nymph creatures has me SOLD! Sylvia has my whole heart.

A dazzling adult debut from Saft!

“A Dark and Drowning Tide” follows Lorelai Kaskel, a sharp-tongued folklorist, and Sylvia von Wolff, her academic rival, as they pair up to solve their mentor’s murder whilst on an expedition to find a magical spring for their king.

Saft’s atmospheric writing contributes to her immersive world-building. Her story is set in the fictional kingdom of Brunnestaad, a country heavily inspired by Germany, that is populated by both Brunnestaaders and the Yevani, akin to the Jewish community. Saft tackles problems of nationalism and antisemitism through the perspective of her main character Lorelai, a young Jewish woman whose determination to make a name for herself in being a part of the Ruhigburg expedition stems from her experiences in being “othered”. I really appreciate the Jewish representation and how Lorelai’s rich knowledge of Jewish and German folklore contributes to the reader’s understand of the country’s history, culture, and politics.

I could not get enough of the murder mystery Lorelai tasks herself with solving as well as the sapphic, academic rivals-to-allies-to-lovers subplot! Sylvia is the only suspect that Lorelai can rule out following their mentor’s murder. These circumstances push them to strike a begrudging alliance as they work together to prevent the murderer from striking again. I love the slow pacing of their relationship development as they are forced to confront their feelings while in each other’s proximity. I thoroughly enjoyed occupying Lorelai’s mind during this time. Lorelai is fascinating to follow as she draws on her knowledge of folklore, quick wit, and keen observation skills to find the Ursprung and the killer. At the same time, she is actively fighting against her love for Sylvia by burying her emotions and masking them with self-loathing. I adored watching Syliva break through Lorelai’s stubborn and guarded personality with her unrelenting optimism! They are truly opposites in every sense of the word and complete each other. Nothing was more satisfying than watching them capture the culprit and each other’s hearts!

A Dark and Drowning Tide is another gorgeous books from Allison Saft! In her adult debut, she creates a unique magical world and deep characters that capture your heart.

Lorelei is a folklorist from a marginalized community who much work her academic rival, the beautiful and popular Sylvia, in order to find a legendary source of magic for the king.

I liked how Lorelei and Sylvia played off each other and the tension between them. I also enjoyed how Saft didn’t shy from making her characters brittle or bad, allowing them to be full people. My favorite was the lush prose, atmospheric writing, and the introspective way she explored marginalization, prejudice, and identity.

I absolutely recommend!

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Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Del Rey for this ARC Copy!

Cover is so stunning I wanted to read this the moment that I saw it, then I see its a sapphic romance steeped in gothic folklore and I was completely sold. I was not disappointed at all.

Following an expedition on their journey to find the magical spring under the orders of the king in a land and forest that is filled with folklore, fantasy, dangerous fae, murder, betrayal, and the most unlikely of romance. The writing was beautify and atmospheric and it makes you feel truly immersed into the world,