Unfortunately I had to dnf this book. The beautiful cover drew me in, and I had read another book by the author that I enjoyed.
This one though I just could not get through, almost to the point I dreaded picking it up each time I tried.

Of what I read , 40% , I felt like I was slowly being dragged through. Often things were told repeatedly , as if the author needed to constantly remind readings instead of trusting their competence in remembering details.
The characters felt flat. The world building , shallow. The academic rivalry was underwhelming . Though maybe, hopefully this could have changed through the story. I just could not continue any further.

I went back and forth with myself , as I have only dnfed one other book in my life- I try to truly give each story a fair shot and push through. Sadly, this was just not for me.

I really enjoyed this. All I really knew going into this was "sapphic, dark academia, academic rivals to lovers, fantasy romance." That was enough for me to be interested and excited to read, but I think that really undersold what the book was. Part fantasy, part romance, yes, but also part murder mystery, part political thriller, part high adventure, all working together to amount to a book greater than the sum of its parts.

What worked for me: almost everything, I hardly know where to start. First of all, the writing was beautiful. The overall atmosphere was super alluring, thanks to strong worldbuilding, folklore, and a fun magic system. I loved the themes: academia, marginalized identities, and institutions of oppression.

But really, what carried the story were the central characters and the relationships between them. I loved Lorelai, she's exactly the kind of character I love to read a story from: prickly, flawed, hard to like, full of anger. I loved the third person-limited narration following her, how her personality and history were woven throughout the story so well. I also loved the rest of the expedition's crew. I love stories with a group of interconnected characters with complicated histories, contrasting interests, and torn loyalties put in the same situation, and watching all the drama unfold.

What didn't work for me: Surprisingly, I was not super compelled by the romance. I think it took a backseat to the rest of the plot. Although it was built up throughout, I didn't find it to be fully realized. I was okay with this though, since the rest of the book was so strong, I didn't really feel like I needed that to be a bigger storyline. Also, I was occasionally lost with the worldbuilding and the characters' places in it, especially in the beginning when there was so much being set up. But even later, Lorelai would realize something significant about a character or their motives, and I was sometimes confused about what exactly this revelation entailed. Sometimes things were too implied. But these were super minor complaints. I'm already excited to reread the published book, and for all my homies to read so I can discuss with them because this was a good one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC of A Dark and Drowning Tide!
All opinions below are my own:

Just as a quick aside before getting into the review, I think that though this novel does involve romance, it isn’t the main aspect of this novel, especially as you don’t truly get into the meat of the romance until about 80% of the book. But, when you do, I think it plays really beautifully into the idea of hope in the most unexpected places.

This book centers around six academic rivals who are all working to their own ends, even when they are tasked on a singular focus: finding a fabled spring that is supposed to bring untold power to the person the spring determines is worthy. Yet, this mission is anything but straight forward or simple. You are along while the six figure out working together while our FMC also has to figure out who has murdered their leader.

I enjoyed the various folklore and think that Saft did a really wonderful job and weaving in Jewish folklore alongside the very sad and real examples of anti-semitism. The use of magic and folklore added depth to this story, creating a good counter of reality and fairytale in a world where creatures from fairytales are real. Yet, we see that even with this evidence the idea of hope is so hard when you’ve had to live a life where you’re being held at an arm’s distance from it all.

I liked the complexity of Lorelei, that she made herself what she needed to be to survive in a world where everyone else feels she shouldn’t belong. Her and Sylvia’s complex relationship throughout is interesting, and though at times you wish for some more softness from Lorelei it’s understandable when it doesn’t come.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Looking forward to reading other books by Allison Saft in the future!

A Dark and Drowning Tide was my first read of the year, and all I can say is I could have not chosen something better to start the year with. Allison Saft takes us on a darkly romantic adventure filled with twists, turns, and unforgettable characters.

Lorelei Kaskel is a folklorist with a quick temper and a heart of gold. When an expedition searching for a fabled magical spring turns deadly, she finds herself thrust into a dangerous game. The other members of the expedition become suspects, each with their motive for murder.

As she digs deeper into the expedition's dark secrets and the mystery of her mentor's murder, she uncovers a world of hidden agendas, ancient magic, and a love that transcends the boundaries of reality.

Saft's writing is beautiful, drawing readers into a seductive and chilling world. The characters are richly developed, each with their flaws, strengths, and motivations. Those who give this book a chance will find themselves caught up in a web of lies, betrayal, and love as the story unfolds.

The cover is absolutely GORGEOUS. I would buy this book for the cover alone.

Allison Saft's first Adult Fantasy book still reads like YA, with many characters who sound like teenagers rather than adults in their mid-twenties with academic training and political responsibilities. I suppose it's par for the course with authors who come from YA and I'm looking forward to seeing how Saft's writing will grow from there!

I thought Lorelei Kaskel was Saft's most interesting character so far. Well-rounded and developed, it was easy to get a clear picture of her, her emotional baggage, and the burdens she carried at the beginning of the story. However, she was also an emotionally closed-off, angry character, which can make it difficult to fully get in her shoes sometimes.

I'm giving this book three stars because it was enjoyable at times, with an interesting main character, but the vague worldbuilding and long descriptions failed to engage me as much as I expected.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

It is a book with an amazing concept for this book. It was super magical and whimsical. I loved the mystery aspect of this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley

First and foremost, thank you to Allison Saft and Random House Publishing for this arc!

I loved this book. I finished it and had to take a few minutes to really soak it in — the fantastical world, the fleshed-out and dynamic characters, and the pretty writing. It was incredibly mystical; it almost felt as though I was reading a fairytale.

I especially enjoyed reading about Lorelei and Sylvia's dynamic and watching it progress through the book. Lorelei as a main character was someone I could easily root for. Her actions and thoughts felt incredibly *real*. I felt that, if I was in the same position as her, I would make those same choices. The same can be said for all the other characters! I enjoyed the six of them as a whole, and how their relationships to one another varied. (I even loved the more morally gray characters, like Adelheid — the way they were written, and the way they were showed through Lorelei's point of view, made them easy to understand and even root for.) The romance between characters didn't feel forced whatsoever — the way Lorelei and Slyvia interacted had me blushing and giggling — which is something I actively look for in the books I read.

The writing really pulled everything together for me. It was beautiful, and I was easily immersed in the world and in the characters. The whole book being from Lorelei's point of view was a good choice, I feel, and it didn't feel as though it limited my knowledge of the other characters and their actions. When the settings were described, I was struck with awe — I LOVE slightly uncanny/unsettling fantasy settings and creatures, and do think books need to utilize the creepy side of fantasy more (which this book did!).

Overall, the book was amazing. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a darker sapphic fantasy book with a clever main character, compelling side characters, and a well-written world!

First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley and Del Rey for providing an ARC of this book to me.

This book is quite wonderful. I was immediately drawn in by the rich world full of magic and mythical creatures. The politics of the world were fascinating, and I loved the murder mystery elements of the plot.

I think one of my most favorite parts of the book is how it explores the treatment of Lorelei and the Yevani people. Essentially, the Yevani are an analog for Judaism in this world, with the Yevani being relegated to a distinct quarter of the city and are subjected to steep prejudice. Lorelei was a complicated character for me to engage with in the beginning because she can be so prickly and occasionally cruel, but she was a deeply sympathetic character responding to the situation other people had put her in. She longs to participate outside of the typical station of her people, and is stereotyped and treated cruelly as a result. Eventually, she leans into the what other people expect out of her as a defense mechanism. 'You expect me to be viperous? I will show you what a viper truly looks like.'

Sylvia was an excellent foil to Lorelei's character. She is headstrong, stubborn, bright and brilliant. She feels real and well-rounded to me, because she's not simply happy all the time, but rather actively chooses to see the beauty in the world around her despite the horrors she has been put through.

Ultimately, I loved these characters and really enjoyed watching the story unfold between the two of them. The mystery elements were interesting, but I think the best part was watching these two build their relationship together.

I will say the ending felt rushed. I wish there were more moments after the climax of these two settling into their new roles, exploring their relationship, or even just examining how the events of the story had changed them as people. However, this story was still excellent. Thank you again!

I cannot believe I have to wait until September to get a physical copy of this book in my hands. I love the sort of dark murder mystery vibe, but with fantasy in it! And of course, we get a great romance in there as we've come to love and expect from Saft. Another great novel!

The concept and characters were interesting but I did feel that the plot dragged. We have a lot of Lorelei’s internal monologue which helps with exposition but it feels like too much/not enough. Writing style is beautiful though.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing team for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

DNFed at 20% I was so excited to read this, genuinely one of my most anticipated releases of 2024, and yet. The more I read the more I realize that I’m just not a big fan of books about insufferable characters. If I can’t stand you, I just won’t be having a good time with your book. The best thing about this book was the setting, it felt hunting and kind of whimsical but in a gothic way.

I was determined to get through the book, but the romance just killed it for me. No, I don’t want to read about women hating each other, it’s triggering for me, and I don’t enjoy it at all; it’s a personal thing I guess.

If you don’t mind anything of what I just said, then go ahead, you’re probably going to love this, the writing is beautiful.

This is just one of those cases where I have to remind myself that not everything is for me.

Dive into this ensorcelled book with folkloric tales!🔥🗡️🌳

A Dark and Drowning Tide is a witty adult sapphic fantasy romance with tons of slow-burn, murder mystery, backstabbing, unrequited love, dangerously eerie creatures 👻😨 and marvelous folklore​ stories.

The story revolves around our two main characters, Lorelei Kaskel (spiky and bad-tempered) and Sylvia von Woff (beautiful, quirky and softhearted), who are head-to-head rivals and magical scholars on an expedition to
find a famed spring that promises untold magical power, along with four other irritable and ill-humored scholars. The awaited expedition, requested by the King, gets sidetracked after its leader, Ziegler (Lorelei's mentor) is tragically assassinated aboard their ship. Now, in charge of the expedition, Lorelei must definitely find the murderer and also try to find this magical fabled spring before returning empty-handed to the King.

As their journey began, we get to experience an epic quest, with tons of compelling circumstantial events (did I mention dragons 🐉 and eerie creatures?) in which result in pleasant and distressing adventures for our main characters, Lorelei and Sylvia. What a blast!

With dark and enchanting vibes, this book is beautifully written and quite fairytale-esque. I felt that Lorelei's snippets of folkloric storytelling added something new to the story, assuredly making them more interesting and fascinating as she told or described them. Surely, a much more fruitful and modern approach to these folktales. Also, the murdery mystery was an essential component in keeping me engaged until the very last moment! I definitely needed to find out who murdered Lorelei's mentor. Nonetheless, why? 😔

As for Lorelei and Sylvia, I loved their snarky bickering 😂 I was cackling with their interactions. I enjoyed their romance story, especially how Lorelei being this sharp-tounged girl would argue with Sylvia for the most stupidest thing ever and even then, sometimes she'd get the words tangled on her tongue because she liked her so much 🤭 it was very cute to see their growing feelings for each other, they are both very appealing, charismatic and well-developed characters.

Sadly, I wish we had gotten Sylvia's POV, it would've been a 5 ⭐ read for me. I wanted to get to know more of her good-natured mind, but despite that, I feel like "A Dark and Drowning Tide" is a recipe for success!
Need a physical copy, pronto!

If you are into Grumpy x Sunshine pairing, check this one out in September 2024! 🖤 #ADarkandDrowningTide

Huge thanks to the author Allison Saft/Random House Ballantine/Del Rey and #NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review has been posted to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6052126736

A huge thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Random House Ballantine/Del Rey providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A heart wrenching rivals to lovers sapphic tale where two academic rivals are forced to work together to solve a murder before time runs out and one of them is chosen to take the fall.

I loved this story so much, from the characters to the gothic folklore vibes, to the darkly realistic “fairytale” setting. If I could read this again blind going in, I would. The dynamic where the one character thinks they are unlovable and hideous, only to cut to the other character who has been pining after them this entire time? Unmatched.

I can’t even write a long review BECAUSE this story was just so perfect. Believe me, you need to read this.

If you love:
Enemies/Rivals to Lovers
Sapphic romances
Gothic fairytales
Jewish folklore
“Who could ever love me?” “ME MOTHERFUCKER”
Murder mysteries
Angst/betrayal/hurt-comfort

Read this. Trust me. It’s worth the hype.

I got so attached to these characters that it’s painful. This book is about a group of academic experts who go on an expedition to find a magical river for their king. The main character, Lorelei, is one of my favorite main characters I’ve ever read. I am obsessed with smart characters and so now I’m obsessed with Lorelei haha. Her personality absolutely seethes from the prose. I actually laughed a few times at some of her sarcastic and snide comments. I loved her character arc and her relationships with the other characters and how her Yevanisch identity plays a part in the cautious way she sees the world and even in the way she views her own field of study. I really loved her tentative friendship with Ludwig and her complicated thoughts about her mentor Ziegler. And OF COURSE I was obsessed with Lorelei and Sylvia. They are such opposites and I love their dynamic and banter. Sylvia in general is extremely wonderful and I love how Lorelei has such trouble fathoming her.

I was kind of left wanting more—more of the cool world building, more of the characters. But I guess maybe that’s not because there wasn’t enough of it, but because I really liked this book and wanted more of it. I loved the snippets of folklore we got and the encounters with the wildeleute. I kind of want to join Lorelei and Sylvia and just go explore this world Saft has crafted. I thought the water magic was super super cool and how different bodies of water had different powers.

I would definitely recommend this book if you like either fantasy or romance (or both). I for one got ten times more excited about it when I realized it was sapphic, and it is very well done. It certainly has a very specific ethereal fantastical vibe.

An unfortunately dull work that struggles to provide distinct voices for its characters, making it impossible to have a solid enough investment to make a reader eager to survive its thick text.

The writing is lovely and the pace is consistent. I stopped after chapter 2 (10%), but it feels like a solid three to four stars for the target audience and five for the right readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.

A Dark and Drowning Tide is where murder mystery meets sapphic, fantasy adventure, so I was immediately intrigued by the storyline. Not to mention the love story is very enemies to lovers, which I tend to enjoy. There were a lot of things to like - I liked all of the different skill sets that characters brought to the expedition, and the world had a lot of interesting lore and creatures that I wish we got even more of. However, several of the characters felt pretty flat, and I could call the twists pretty early.

*Slight Spoiler* My biggest struggle with this book was how it attempted to grapple with real social issues, yet the ending treated them like “as long as the MCs are together, it’s ok if there is prejudice and colonialism.” Maybe it was trying to do too much, or maybe it just needed more space to deepen the story in several areas, but the book didn’t quite hit for me.

However, if you are looking for a sapphic adventure full of magic, mythical creatures, and intrigue, there is still a lot to enjoy, so I hope you give it a chance.

ARC received from Ballantine via Netgalley.

This ended up being an outright jewel that cleared me away with its shocking, creepy yet hauntingly delightful composition.

Every character in this book is interesting, but the two main characters stand out the most. lorelei and sylvia's excursion through this story was totally enthralling. it was all that I might have needed in a sapphic dim the scholarly community novel!

The story revolves around a homicide secret. The plot's unexpected twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat.
It’s a decent book with gothic sapphic sentiment with an opponent to sweethearts in a scholastic setting!

Ever since I read the premise of this book, I was sold. Everything about this book sounded so good! Sapphic academic rivals, murder mystery, fantasy setting, magic, and more. I was so excited to read it.

I will say what carried this story for me was the main couple. Lorelei and Sylvia were so fun to follow, especially because the main character was the grump in this grumpy x sunshine pairing. It was their moments together that elevated this book for me.

As for the story...I felt like it was lacking. I was expecting a thorough murder mystery with a clear academic rivalry going on, but that just wasn't there. There were mere hints of it, but I don't think that should've been the main premise. Not in my personal opinion. I feel like Lorelei's need to survive came before the murder mystery, though sort of intertwined. It's just that the murder mystery aspect took a back seat for the most of it. And I'm still wondering where all the academic rivalry tension went. It all seemed so one-sided, and not even. Both of them were pining for each from the start.

I also had trouble going through lengthy paragraphs of info dump, specifically when Lorelei thought about a specific fairy tale that went with whatever was happening in front of her. I think all those stories and world building could've been better weaved into the story so it felt more cohesive.

I was also so confused about all the politics in this book. Clearly, the story depended on these politics to move forward, and yet the politics were merely glossed over. For so much betrayal and political tension going on between the characters, I really think they should've delved deeper into the politics and really flesh it out. I'm just shocked that they all just decided to work with King Wilhelm...

I don't think it's a bad story per se, I just think it tried to be everything and then it wasn't. BUT Lorelei and Sylvia truly saved it for me

3.75 rounded up!

Can’t follow what is going on. The FMC feels needlessly rude. No motives are explained. Jumping from place to place without explanation. One minute they’re supposed to preform something, fight something called a nixie (with no idea what that is) by singing, talk about the FMC’s family and that she grew colder towards them for some unknown job for an unknown reason to some party for royalties? All in the first 2 chapters (33 pages).