Sapphic academic rivalry? Say less. A Dark and Drowning Tide is a story which talks about dreams, rivalries, and betrayal. Beginning with secrets, A Dark and Drowning Tide is about the choices we make to spite, and protect, someone. Keep reading this book review of A Dark and Drowning Tide for my full thoughts.
Summary
Lorelei Kaskel, a folklorist with a quick temper and an even quicker wit, is on an expedition with six eccentric nobles in search of a fabled spring. The magical spring promises untold power, which the king wants to harness to secure his reign of the embattled country of Brunnestaad. Lorelei is determined to use this opportunity to prove herself and make her wildest, most impossible dream come to become a naturalist, able to travel freely to lands she’s only ever read about.
The expedition gets off to a harrowing start when its leader—Lorelei’s beloved mentor—is murdered in her quarters aboard their ship. The suspects are her five remaining expedition mates, each with their own motive. The only person Lorelei knows must be innocent is her longtime academic rival, the insufferably gallant and maddeningly beautiful Sylvia von Wolff. Now in charge of the expedition, Lorelei must find the spring before the murderer strikes again—and a coup begins in earnest.
But there are other dangers lurking in the forests that rearrange themselves at night, rivers with slumbering dragons waiting beneath the water, and shapeshifting beasts out for blood.
As Lorelei and Sylvia grudgingly work together to uncover the truth—and resist their growing feelings for one another—they discover that their professor had secrets of her own. Secrets that make Lorelei question whether justice is worth pursuing, or if this kingdom is worth saving at all.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Sapphic academic rivalries and folklorists characters? Let’s go! A Dark and Drowning Tide begins with a question. Who would have the motive to kill her mentor? And what follows is a plot driven mystery with magic and second chances. If you like the idea of stories hiding truths, of puzzles in plain sights, and questions in glittering ink, read A Dark and Drowning Tide. With the blood on the water, is Lorelai going to get sucked in? While the beginning was a bit confusing – especially to figure out all the side characters who are dangers or suspects – the last third definitely turned it around for me.
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Lorelai and the mystery of the plot were my favorite elements. I adored this almost archaeological puzzle vibe all wrapped up in stories and rumors. There’s a distinct sense of politics and sharp edged words. You can really appreciate the ways in which A Dark and Drowning Tide examines stories, truth, and words. And Lorelai was a character I enjoyed in the ways she has to figure out if she deserves love. There are all these times she’s used to the coldness of the world, so easy to fall on swords, and protect in secrets. But she doesn’t have to be alone. I enjoyed witnessing her opening up and (in)vulnerability.
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