Sunday, February 16, 2025

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft

A breathtaking journey through a magical and dangerous kingdom

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A Dark and Drowning Tide is a bewitching read that will leave you spellbound. Allison Saft has delivered a richly imagined fantasy world, complex characters, and a romance to root for. Despite some first-book growing pains, it's a strong series opener that promises even greater things to come.

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In a world where magic flows through water and ancient springs hold untold power, Allison Saft weaves a spellbinding tale of intrigue, betrayal, and forbidden love. A Dark and Drowning Tide plunges readers into a richly imagined fantasy realm reminiscent of 19th century Europe, where nobles scheme for power and folklore comes to life in the shadowy forests. At its heart is a riveting murder mystery and a slow-burn romance between two complex heroines, making for an utterly captivating read.

A Perilous Expedition into Treacherous Waters

The story follows Lorelei Kaskel, a sharp-tongued folklorist from a marginalized ethnic group called the Yevani. Lorelei has clawed her way into an elite academic expedition searching for the legendary Ursprung – a magical spring said to grant immense power. But when the expedition’s leader is murdered aboard their ship, Lorelei finds herself thrust into command and racing to solve the crime before more bodies pile up.

Her prime suspects? The remaining nobles on the expedition, each with their own hidden agendas. The only person Lorelei trusts is her longtime academic rival Sylvia von Wolff—a charismatic, reckless naturalist who seems to attract danger like a magnet. As Lorelei and Sylvia reluctantly join forces, they must navigate treacherous waters, both literal and figurative. Murderous nobles, shapeshifting creatures, and forests that rearrange themselves at night are just some of the perils they face.

A Slow-Burn Romance That Sizzles

While the murder mystery drives much of the plot, it’s the evolving relationship between Lorelei and Sylvia that forms the beating heart of the story. Their dynamic crackles with tension from the start—years of academic rivalry and clashing personalities creating delicious friction. Saft excels at building the slow-burn romance, with lingering glances and charged moments giving way to deeper understanding and trust.

By the time Lorelei and Sylvia finally kiss, the pages practically steam. Their scenes together range from tender to scorching hot, exploring themes of vulnerability, self-acceptance, and finding home in another person. It’s a queer romance that feels authentic and earned, never tokenistic or tacked on.

Rich Worldbuilding Steeped in Folklore

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its immersive fantasy world. Saft draws heavily from European folklore and fairytales, populating her realm with creatures like nixies, alps, and lindworms. But she puts her own unique spin on these legends, creating a magic system where power flows through water and can be channeled by skilled practitioners.

The author’s background in folklore shines through in the snippets of in-world stories and legends sprinkled throughout. These add texture and depth to the worldbuilding while also serving thematic purposes. Lorelei’s Yevani heritage is particularly well-developed, with glimpses of their customs, language, and struggles as a persecuted minority.

Complex Characters Grappling with Trauma

While Lorelei and Sylvia steal the show, the entire cast is richly drawn and morally complex. Each of the nobles on the expedition has hidden depths and motivations that are gradually revealed. Even the villains are given nuanced portrayals that make their actions understandable, if not excusable.

Trauma and its lasting effects are a major theme, with many characters grappling with past violence and loss. Lorelei in particular struggles with survivor’s guilt and a fear of vulnerability. Her character arc as she learns to open herself to love and trust is incredibly satisfying. Sylvia too must confront the wounds of her past and find a way to move forward.

A Twisty Plot Full of Surprises

The central murder mystery is masterfully plotted, with plenty of twists and red herrings to keep readers guessing. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, Saft pulls the rug out from under you. The pacing ramps up as the expedition nears its goal, leading to a climactic final act full of betrayals, magical battles, and heart-wrenching choices.

While the mystery is resolved satisfyingly, some plot threads are left dangling—clearly setting up for future books in the series. This may frustrate some readers looking for a fully self-contained story. However, the core emotional arcs are brought to fulfilling conclusions.

Lush, Atmospheric Prose

Saft’s writing style is richly descriptive and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the story’s gothic mood. Her prose shines especially in descriptions of the natural world and magical phenomena. At times the writing can veer towards purple prose, but for the most part it strikes a good balance between lush and readable.

Dialogue is snappy and often witty, particularly the verbal sparring between Lorelei and Sylvia. Their banter provides welcome moments of levity amidst the darker elements of the plot.

Themes of Power, Prejudice and Finding Home

Beyond the central romance and mystery, A Dark and Drowning Tide explores deeper themes that give the story added resonance:

The Corrupting Nature of Power

The search for the all-powerful Ursprung raises questions about whether any individual can be trusted with such magic. We see how even well-intentioned characters can be twisted by the promise of power.

Systemic Oppression and Prejudice

Through Lorelei’s experiences as a Yevani, the novel examines how marginalized groups face discrimination and barriers to advancement. It doesn’t shy away from depicting the ugly realities of prejudice.

Found Family and Belonging

Both Lorelei and Sylvia struggle with feeling like outsiders. Their journey is as much about finding a place to belong as it is about solving a mystery. The bonds they form with each other and their companions become a chosen family.

Tensions Between Tradition and Progress

The newly unified kingdom of Brunnestaad grapples with modernization and change, while some factions cling to old ways. This mirrors real-world struggles between tradition and progress.

A Strong Series Starter with Room to Grow

As the first book in a planned series, A Dark and Drowning Tide does an admirable job of introducing its world and characters while telling a complete story. However, there are times when the weight of exposition and worldbuilding slows the pacing. Some secondary characters feel underdeveloped, clearly being saved for future installments.

These are minor quibbles in an otherwise engrossing read. Saft has laid a strong foundation for her series, leaving readers eager to dive back into this richly imagined world.

How it Compares to Other Works

Fans of Saft’s previous YA novels Down Comes the Night and A Far Wilder Magic will find familiar elements here – atmospheric settings, slow-burn romance, and themes of found family. However, A Dark and Drowning Tide marks a shift to adult fantasy with darker, more mature content.

The combination of fantasy, mystery, and romance may appeal to readers of Naomi Novik’s Scholomance series or Alix E. Harrow’s The Once and Future Witches. Saft’s intricate magic system and political intrigue also evoke comparisons to works by V.E. Schwab.

Final Verdict: A Bewitching Read

With its intoxicating blend of mystery, romance, and magic, A Dark and Drowning Tide casts an irresistible spell. Saft has crafted a world that feels at once familiar and refreshingly original, populated by complex characters that leap off the page. The central sapphic romance is swoon-worthy, while the twisty plot keeps you guessing until the end.

While it occasionally struggles under the weight of first-book-in-a-series syndrome, the strengths far outweigh any weaknesses. This is a strong contender for one of the best fantasy debuts of the year. Readers will be eagerly awaiting the next installment to see where Saft takes her captivating heroines next.

Who Should Read It:

  • Fantasy lovers looking for an immersive new world to get lost in
  • Mystery fans who enjoy a magical twist on the genre
  • Readers craving well-developed sapphic romance
  • Anyone who loves stories inspired by folklore and fairytales

Who Should Skip It:

  • Those seeking a fully self-contained story (this is clearly setting up a series)
  • Readers who dislike darker themes and some violence
  • People who prefer fast-paced plots over character development

Clear your schedule before starting – you won’t want to come up for air until the last page.

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A Dark and Drowning Tide is a bewitching read that will leave you spellbound. Allison Saft has delivered a richly imagined fantasy world, complex characters, and a romance to root for. Despite some first-book growing pains, it's a strong series opener that promises even greater things to come.A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft