I was pleasantly surprised with how much I loved this!! The atmosphere, the writing, the characters - I felt myself be pulled in entirely.

It didn’t give me that 5 star feeling but I can’t wait to get my physical copy of the book and read more from this author!!

The introduction of the big five didn't feel real at all, I was very aware that I'm reading a book. Which isn't a bad thing and I guess it's alright with the cozy folklore vibes,  just felt like pointing that out.
At first I was disappointed in the group dynamic because I thought it's a found family situation but these people literally hate each other. Tho it is more complicated than that, they are a family of some sorts, tied together even if they don't always agree. By the end it made a disfunctional kind of sense.

Johann reminds me of Aemond Targaryen in his quiet unhingedness. Heike is giving Southern Belle. I do like how everyone is in some kind of love with Adelheid even though she's not the conventional seductress archetype. Ludwig is sweet but kind of useless. Real lost potential, I was suspicious of him the whole time and then he's just not in the story and he does nothing of importance. I still don't really know what his purpose was. Or what Lorelei finding that piece of note on him means.
The moment [redacted] seemingly confessed killing Ziegler I was like that's too obvious, and sure enough they were covering. It made sense who is the murderer and why it was covered so easily. But I could've seen it twisted to fit any of the characters to be honest.

I didn't expect the love confession that early. But then I realised it's early because we need the last third for the classic "my only way of protecting you is making you believe I don't want you". Except it's not just a third act breakup, it's a third act betrayal because we need👏more👏angst👏.
Sylvia is a better woman than me because at the betrayal I couldn't see how this could be resolved, but she saw the whole picture and forgave so easily. She has a strong heart. Gentleness earned through violence. She is somewhat of a manic pixie dark academia girl, but it's fine we love her.

Lorelei does seem like the best character to narrate the story, and not just because she's the only one not so loyal to the king. Amongst these people she sees injustice the clearest and isn't willing to sacrifice morals for personal gain in the end.
Interesting how she's loyal to the sheer notion of her people,  even though she's not in that culture and life primarily anymore. Yet she can never escape her roots either, because the rest of the world won't let her forget it. She's the only Yeva we meet, which fits with her feeling like a kind of representative for them. Her decisions are flawed but she's the one in a high position so she feels like it's her task to protect her people. And she's just a generally flawed character (they all are, but in Lorelei there's this noble vice), however there's no one else for her cause so it's on her to make the best she can. Gotta admire that.
Lorelei's grief was something that I would've liked to be more raw and consuming. The moment she found Ziegler was done nicely, I believed that reaction. Of course everyone grieves differently and maybe her way is just to pack it up and not think about it. But when she does think about it, it still felt detached, didn't hit that hard. As someone who knows many faces of grief, I say this should've went deeper because it's an important part of her character.
The folklorist element could've been woven into the text a bit more seemlessly too. I didn't mind the random stories from time to time, but they were sometimes disturbing the flow of the scene.

The ending was surprisingly lacking for me, I was sure they're acting out a plot, but no that was it. I mean yay peace but.. I hope there's a sequel.
I did enjoy it, the vibes were neat, and I learned many fancy words. I like the main ship too, there is just a little spark missing for me to give it 5 stars.

Beautifully written. The story gripped me from the start and I did not expect the twist at the end. I cannot wait to purchase a physical copy and recommend it to fellow bookworms

I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved this book - it felt like a perfect blend of comforting and cosy fantasy, and the darker realities of human behaviour. Lorelei made for a fantastic atypical heroine - one who sees herself as a villain, due in part to the prejudices she faces in society, and who is on the outskirts of the very story she tells. The worldbuilding was vivid and creative, and didn't shy away from the social inequalities that fantasy can be so helpful in highlighting.

This was enemies to lovers done right (that is, neither character is irredeemable!) and I almost wished I could have more time to explore their relationship and its progression. But the story itself was entertaining and well-executed - even if the ending felt a little rushed.

If you're looking for a fantasy that combines a bold new world with romance, and a hit of murder mystery, this is definitely one to go for. This was both an engaging and unintimidating read, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye on Saft's future books!

Books with similar vibes - The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon, Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree, Witchmark by C L Polk, and Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne.

Brimming with folklore, magic, and monsters, A DARK AND DROWNING TIDE is the perfect book for anyone who loves foraging in forests and running away from malevolent spirits.

The plot, while slow to start, is deliriously entertaining and high stakes, infused with a gothic undercurrent that creates a wonderfully fantastical atmospheres. The German-inspired folklore and history, all clearly researched and organised, only adds to the academic spheres that the characters inhabit. I did find it a bit difficult to keep track of all the creatures and characters, but by the end of the book, I had learnt to love them.

While there are a good number of characters, which I found difficult to manage, Saft aptly gives them distinct personalities and roles in the story that are easy enough to follow. The tension between Lorelai and Sylvia is absolute perfection and I loved the way the characters grew as the story progressed. Something I especially admired was how diverse the story was, giving the story a fresh perspective in the often homogenous world of romantasy.

With a gorgeous writing style to match the gorgeous world, A DARK AND DROWNING TIDE blends folklore and magic with death and high-stakes, with complex characters and a compelling plot.

Haunting and whimsical with sharp writing and slow burn, dry wit, this book is the perfect blend of sapphic rivals to lovers with gothic fantasy meets magic and academia vibes.

The writing is beautiful, the characters nuanced and the world building rich and interesting. I loved the murder mystery element. This book is perfect for fans of Ava Reid, Adrienne Young and Rebecca Ross.

Thank you to the Daphne Press and NetGalley for an e-Arc in exchange for honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 13%.

I really wanted to read farther along, but after reading multiple 5 and 1 star reviews, I felt that I was thinking more along the lines of the latter group. I've spent so much time thinking about this book and I wanted to love it. I was jumping through the roof excited when I received an ARC from NetGalley. However, no matter how many times I sat down with my kindle, I always had to stop and remind myself who everyone was and what exactly they did. I probably could have read more to (hopefully) gain a deeper understanding of the characters and magic, but I had no desire to do so.

Also, it's super cool to see Jewish representation in fantasy books, but it was so very obvious what religions/countries/groups of people were, it didn't feel well done.

Overall, I quit because I was bored and disappointed.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book! My opinions are my own.

I have read and reviewed books by Allison Saft before, and was always impressed by the atmosphere she is able to create. Saft truly knows how to set a scene and how to make all of the feelings come across like you're the one experiencing them.

The same definitely holds true for A Dark and Drowning Tide! The anger, the fear, the yearning... This book is full of harsh emotions. I absolutely loved it!

The main character is Lorelei, a folklorist who never truly belonged with the other scientists. All of them are heirs to one kingdom or another. Lorelei however is part of a minority that is pretty much seen as lesser people. That sense of not-belonging was always there during the entire story - it made Lorelei the way she is and influences the decisions she makes.

Together with six nobles, including her mentor, and her colleague and rival Sylvia von Wolff, who is everything she is not, Lorelei sets sail on an expedition to find the source of magic, to keep the kingdom from falling apart and to prevent war. It is an opportunity to show everyone what she's capable of academically and to prove she does belong at the university.
When her mentor gets murdered and Lorelei is left in charge, the entire quest quickly becomes a murder mystery with more at stake than anyone bargained for.

There is a whole lot of tension in this book. Between Lorelei and Sylvia, between Lorelei and the other nobles, and between these nobles themselves as well. Everyone is expecting the worst of the others, and it never feels safe. The process of trying to trust someone in these conditions was beautiful to read about, even if it wasn't always easy.

If you are into gothic fantasy romance, I definitely recommend this book!

4,5⭐️

"That night, as she did every night, she dreamed of drowning. Only this time, in the exquisite and unbearable sweetness of Sylvia von Wolff's eyes."

Never have I ever anticipated a book more since the moment Allison Saft hinted the existence of "A Dark and Drowning Tide". It was my first death.
The second death came with receiving a preview – felt like dreams come true.
And so, the third and final death would come after the lecture – whether from utter disappointment or romantic death from love, it all depended on Saft's craft.

Glad to admit I fell in love, truly and deeply. A tale woven carefully with finest fairytale and grim atmosphere, paired with mysterious murder and political shenanigans. With a variety of characters neither good nor evil, each detailed and different, Saft writes an amazing story that just escapes any genre border you could set. It has a great, sprouting romance, but in the same time a captivating story about scientific expedition, a discussion about country's independence and imperialism.

Besides the aesthetics, which I adored, a perfect Gothic tale, I was captivated by the discussion on greater themes. Saft doesn't settle for one, clear answer, demanding the reader to rethink freely what's a better decision, or one that will carry lesser evil. On a technical side, I won't ever be failed by Saft's writing – sensible, detailed and exceptionally beautiful. Combined with fantastic world-building – so enchanted with this German inspired world, woven with magic as a basic principle and academic agenda! Full of magical creatures, existing alongside humans everyday! Every piece of this story has its place, everything coexist, building a great fictional world you yearn to visit.

I will certainly come back to Lorelei and Sylvia, not only in thoughts, but also to reread their story. Couldn't recommend enough to every sapphic lover, fairytale enthusiast and those who search for something different yet enchanting.

Add this to your TBR if you love:
- Standalone
- Sapphic
- Academic rivals
- Murder mystery
- Expeditions
- Dark academia
- Grumpy x sunshine

You know when you’re a few lines into a new book and you just /know/ you’re going to absolutely love it? That was me with A Dark And Drowning Tide.

A Dark And Drowning Tide is full of rich folklore, amazing characters, and did I mention deep and frequent pining and angst? I absolutely adored every second of it.

Safts writing is enchanting and lyrical, drawing you into a rich world with amazing word building, and a unique magic system.

And the characters? I absolutely loved Lorelei and Sylvia! They’re the ultimate personification of the grumpy x sunshine troupe.

(If I were to draw comparisons, I’d say you’d love this if you liked Emily wildes encyclopaedia of faeries!)

I really really enjoyed this book.It was all the things i love from a book,Sapphic, magic,politics, and a good mystery.

Lorelei was a character that i fell in love with straight away,she is quite a complex character who faces a lot of challenges. whereas Sylvia was a character that i really just found annoying in the beginning but did learn to love as the book progressed.I really enjoyed their relationship with each other as its very much academic rivals and i do really enjoy that dynamic.

I really enjoy the aspect of the main group of people together as they all distrust each other its very interesting to read its very much a forced proximity situation which is always great.I did enjoy that as the book went on people were revealed to be not who i thought they were it was super interesting to read.

I cant wait to read more from Allison Saft as i love her work and this is definitely another great book from her.

I really liked this book. The setting and world-building are really interesting. All characters have been portrayed amazing, they feel oddly alive. The plot was also interesting. I recommend this book!

Thank you, Netgallery, for the digital ARC.

loved it! 5/5 stars!!

Cool plot and great characters! The cover is also aesthetically pleasing.

Hoped for the murder mystery to be a bit deeper, but still a cool book with queer rep

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft completely took me by surprise. I absolutely adored this beautifully written atmospheric sapphic fantasy.

The queernormative world Saft creates is absolutely captivating. This tale is both dreamy and treacherous thanks to the lush setting and the deadly, yet beautiful, magical creatures that haunt the land and lurk under the waters.

This standalone is full of political intrigue, corupt and flawed characters, lyrical folklore and an intoxicating love story fuled by hate, jealously and passion.

Perfect for fans of An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson and The Cruel Prince by Holly Black.

In some of the most engaging world-building I've experienced in recent times, Saft sends her equally compelling characters on a sprawling adventure and graciously allows us along for the ride.
The central relationship between academic rivals Lorelei Kaskel and Sylvia Von Wolff
is an absolute masterclass in simmering, slow burn romance and I was utterly invested
right from the very start.

A 5 star, must read for every romantasy fan.

The idea of this book is really. Is different from what I am used to. However the development od this world and the story fell flat for me and there were missing so many things. The characters anniyed me as well. Maybe I am just not the tarhet audience? Or maybe is me that I didn't gel with the book. It felt too logn and was going to put me on a reading slump but I did finish it. Unfortunately is not a memorable book for me.

3.75⭐

In A Dark and Drowning Tide, our main character, Lorelei, along with her mentor and five young noble academics set out for an expedition to find the Ursprung, the water spring that was the source of all magic according to folktales, as ordered by the king of Brunnestaad. Rivalry and arguments immediately sparkled among the noble academics, heirs to different duchies subjugated by the king, and had been frenemies since childhood. Mostly they looked down to Lorelei who came from an oppressed/persecuted ethnicity. Disaster after disaster held up the expedition, starting with the murder of Lorelei's mentor. Someone did not want the expedition to find the Ursprung for the king's benefit.

I have to say, adjust your expectation before starting this book. The main descriptor of this book was "sapphic fantasy romance", but I would say it's more focused on adventures and action compared to romance. Romance probably made up about 20% of the book. And I do love adventure fantasy by itself, but how this book went down was really different from my initial expectation it took some time for me to enjoy it.

It was an exciting and interesting story, with several folktales sprinkled between the narrative here and there. It has adventure, action, magic and magical creatures, romance, murder mystery, and sticky politics in it. Sometimes I think there's too many issues it tried to tackle. Again, the romance only took a small portion of the story, which was a shame because it is what Allison Saft excels at. I absolutely loved reading the romance portion of this book. Some earlier chapters felt rushed and clunky, but the climax of the adventure was exhilarating to read. Characterizations was okay ... not bad but also not excellent either, and I wish the side characters were given more spotlight.

eARC provided by NetGalley and Daphne Press.

3.50
The first chapters had me deeply invested - Lorelei especially, she was such an interesting character with all her prejudice and her fears, as opposed to Sylvia, who, frankly, was rather annoying to begin with. But seeing the story was told from Lorelei's POV, I'd say the author did a very good job on leading the reader to regard Sylvia exactly as Lorelei's envy and pettiness saw her. The fact the characters were far from perfect, and did not change and become 'the best person in the world' by the end of the book was a refreshing new take on the outdone trope of the 'hero', which I appreciated immensely. Lorelei was selfish, self-centred, terrified for herself and her family and the fate of her people, she was scheming and petty, but also with a set of morals much her own - whether I partake of them or not is not the point. She remains the same throughout the novel, and yet, she doesn't. Forced to grow and realise that she's not a very good judge of character, she still makes choices that perhaps won't benefit her private, intimate self, but because she martyrises herself due to events of the past and the persecution which her people have suffered through history, her choices are actually very much on character. She denies herself happines but will do anything for the safety of her people.
The worldbuilding could have been a bit more intricate, and more care should have been put into it, in my opinion, but it was an interesting take, all in all. The writing was a bit juvenile at points - 'it was as if' 'it was like' dripped far too much into the prose - but there were some purplish moments that I utterly raved about (purple prose is my jam). 3.5 stars for Lorelei's sake, she was one of the most interesting characters I've read lately.

a story filled with lush folklore and sapphic pining (one of those people being incredibly unaware of her own feelings) and a quest-like journey to find a magic lake that could change people’s lives!

allison saft is a master at creating relationships that i fall head over heels in love with, and i can never get enough of the worlds she creates and the people im made to feel for (and having read all her other books this fits perfectly in line with the other romances that im obsessed with)

i’m a sucker for a group in forced proximity having to work together, especially when the group doesn’t get along/the people are flawed. the development and understanding of the characters as the journey continues was intriguing, characters didn’t end up being who i thought they were, resulting in some very interesting reveals. the main cast of characters are highly flawed, which did make them unbearable at times but with good reason, and seeing them work together with their own personal ambitions created so much tension.

i loved the folklore in this (i would have adored having even more to be fair) and the characters individual interests in magic were so cool. the interweaving of magic, folklore and stories made this so intriguing, and really highlighted the differences in everyone and how stories are so individual to us.

and the sapphic pining cannot be forgotten. it definitely falls more as a subplot throughout most of the story, but really kicks in at the 60/70% mark!! i loved them together, the growth they both go through and moments where they are forced to work together made it that much better (can you tell i like rivals to lovers??). i do wish we had seen them together more than we did, and the ending did leave me wanting more, but i adored them together and seeing lorelei feel safe and have her faith and identity not be seen as monstrous

This one was great book to read and I fully lost my self when reading it so thank you for allowing me to read this as an ARC!
. The story flowed well, and it kept my attention at all times? I didn’t feel like I was forced to keep reading just so I could finish the book I really enjoyed every moment of it which makes an amazing change.

I read this at night, mornings even on my breaks during work so 10/10