A Study in Drowning Collector's Deluxe Limited Edition

Bestselling author Ava Reid’s YA debut, the haunting stand-alone dark academia fantasy, instant Indie and #1 New York Times bestselling A Study in Drowning, is now available in a gorgeous package that also includes bonus content written by the author. With intricate foil case design, antique-style endpapers, filigree cover, custom designed edges, and bonus content, it’s a true collector’s edition. Quantities will be limited, so be sure to preorder now!

Effy Sayre has always believed in fairy tales. She’s had no choice. Since childhood, she’s been haunted by visions of the Fairy King. She’s found solace only in the pages of Angharad—author Emrys Myrddin’s beloved epic about a mortal girl who falls in love with the Fairy King and then destroys him. Effy’s tattered, dog-eared copy is all that’s keeping her afloat at Llyr’s prestigious architecture college. So when Myrddin’s family announces a contest to redesign the late author’s estate, Effy feels certain this is her destiny.

But Hiraeth Manor is an impossible task: a musty, decrepit house on the brink of crumbling into a hungry sea. And when Effy arrives, someone else has already made a temporary home there. Preston Héloury, a stodgy young literature scholar, is studying Myrddin’s papers and is determined to prove her favorite author is a fraud. As the two rivals piece together clues about the reclusive author’s legacy, dark forces, both mortal and magical, conspire against them—and the truth may bring them both to ruin.

Part historical fantasy, part rivals-to-lovers romance, part Gothic mystery, and all haunting, dreamlike atmosphere, Ava Reid's powerful YA debut is also an unflinching indictment of institutions that sacrifice young girls on the altar of men’s “genius” and a gripping read that will stay with you long after its final page.

“Achingly atmospheric and beautifully sharp." —Rory Power, New York Times bestselling author of Wilder Girls

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Published Nov 5, 2024

432 pages

Average rating: 7.23

22 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

JT Penguin
Aug 12, 2025
8/10 stars
Honestly - This book was a ride! I was quite confused for awhile but I think that is part of the journey (and once you read it, you will know what I mean by that.) I loved the old world feel of the world. I loved the slow-burn, enemies to lovers, one-bed trope with the main characters. I loved their development. Even the resolution at the end that I would normally have said felt rushed with it coming in just two chapters - still felt right. I would recommend it and I look forward to reading book 2!
Zya The Book Dragon
Apr 06, 2025
4/10 stars
different than I thought it would be. more of a mind fuck than anything. the character growth was good and the era of the book was enjoyable. felt like it dragged though. but it's a gorgeous book
mnshkn
Apr 25, 2025
6/10 stars
It did keep me guessing! Although I felt that it could’ve been 250+ pages shorter, the ending satisfied me and I don’t think I would’ve felt as accomplished if I hadn’t been taken through that long ass journey. The cover art is also chef’s kiss, thank you.
Miriam_Cortinovis
Feb 22, 2025
Very good book

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