A review by natashaleighton_
A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Gorgeously written and utterly atmospheric, Allison Saft’s folklore infused, adult fantasy debut felt like the sapphic, dark academia twin to Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries and I loved every mystery-ladened second! 

Saft’s vividly detailed descriptions of the world and the creatures who inhabit it were phenomenal, and I adored all of the magical (and often deadly) creatures (ie: nixies, alps, wildeleutes & lindworms) that we got to encounter, however brief. I do wish we had a companion novel detailing each creature as some of them (like the Alp) were super fascinating.

The murder mystery aspect, and introspective, character driven elements were also really good and managed to propel the plot in such a deliciously satisfying manner-which had me on tenterhooks the entire time.

I do want to note that this is a single POV story, told from the perspective of Lorelai, our surly, sharp- tongued protagonist who I found thoroughly compulsive. Her perspective was complex and rife with emotion, but did mean every character was a suspect whose motivations we had to work out. Which, admittedly, did help to keep the mystery (and high stakes intensity of the team’s political machinations) at the forefront of the story. 

Though a little prickly at first, I ended up really loving Lorelai, whose tragic past experiences and guardedness have allowed her (and her heart) to remain protected from the world. But her academic rivalry with the sunshiny Sylvia Von Wolff, who soo easily managed to break down her walls (and get under her skin) really helped to showcase a slightly softer more, selfless side of Lorelai that I found quite endearing. 

Their slow burn romance was good too and I chuckled quite a few times at how oblivious they both could be —despite the blatant yearning and long stares they threw at one another. 

Overall, a satisfyingly magical read that messy, political intrigue addicts, folklore fiends and sapphic fantasy lovers should definitely consider adding to their TBRs this autumn. But do check the TWs.

Also, a huge thank you to Blackcrow PR and Daphne Press for the proof. 
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