Thank you so much to Daphne Press providing me with an E-ARC of this book.

Gosh. Sapphic books make me so happy. And this book is absolutely no exception. This book was a whirlwind of Folklore, magical creatures, betrayal, murder, magic, and romance all in one and I was just so utterly charmed. Lorelei and Sylvia are the perfect GrumpyxSunshine night and day pairing, and that slow burn? It was done just so wonderfully. I will definitely be picking up my own physical copy. Thank you again Daphne Press!

Thank you to NetGalley and the published for the ARC of this book.

It did take me a while to get into this book but it's a solid four star read for me.

I loved the concept of it - sapphic fantasy romance and academic rivals? Sounds great. Allison Saft does a really good job creating a rich world with loads of folklore elements and Lorelei and Sylvia are great protaganists.

I thought their relationship and character development was done really well throughout the novel but some of the side characters fell a little flat at times. The pacing was a little wonky sometimes too. I think at times things dragged out a little bit too long. Overall though, they're minor gripes.

I'd definitely pick up books by Saft again and I look forward to rereading this one.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC they gave me in exchange for an honest review.

For a book with such whimsical prose, I think my favourite parts were in the dialogue. Lorelei (the MC) and Sylvia are academic rivals who try to outsmart and challenge each other. They are forced to work together in an expedition where folklore monsters and other dangers threaten them. The murder mystery, although intriguing enough, didn’t thrill me. What I enjoyed the most was the dynamic between Sylvia and Lorelei, because it was developed in a convincing and interesting way. Lorelei struggles a lot with her personal convictions and insecurities, but her relationship with Sylvia allows her to do some self-reflection. The romance in this book has some very poetic and compelling moments. It’s elegant enough. However, I feel that this book has some problems with the pacing, as I find some parts develop too slow and others too fast. Overall, the good parts of this book won me over, it was a pleasant experience and I would probably recommend it to other sapphic, enemies- to -lovers readers.

The story was quite intriguing - and I always love a murder mystery! I kept suspecting everyone, but I was not expecting the direction it took.

The characters were interesting and I enjoyed how they evolved during the story. And I liked that the ending was not rushed, everything was explained and it's wasn't solved in a second as it often happens in standalone fantasy books.

To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure I liked this book when I started it, but by 1/3 of it I was hooked and I found myself trying to read every time I had some free time.

There were a few things that felt a bit out of nowhere to me. For example, they always had tents and lots of furs for camping, plus one of the characters ended up having two tents? But how did they carry all of that stuff? Maybe I missed something.

Thank you to Netgalley and Daphne Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Dark and Drowning Tide was a very surprising read for me. I am not the biggest fantasy reader, thus I was kinda scared of not liking it or being so lost in the world building that I wouldn't get to enjoy the story itself. But that is not at all how it went.

I will say that if English is not your first language and you don't know much about mythologies, folklores and fantasy worlds in general, you will need some type of dictionary or wikipedia to help you with the definitions of different creatures and places. However, once you've familiarised yourself with some of the creatures who of course will be constantly appearing through the book, you get to enter such a magical and gothic world. All the places atmosphere reminded me so much of medieval times, the way they dressed, the weapons they used etc. which is of course the point as this is labeled as gothic literature. I think I would have liked to see more of the type of magic that Lorelei controlled, I feel like we got much more gothic like world building and folklore creatures than we had fantasy and magic as such. But of course, that is just personal taste.

There is also mystery in the story, as very soon in the book we find out that someone (Ziegler, the leader/mentor) was killed, and the murdered can only be one of those present in the ship they were travelling by, so a sense of fear and danger is present through a big part of the story. I have to say that, as always, I did not solve the crime and was doubting the most innocent person of them all (it made perfect sense in my mind, you actually have a lot of clues of who it really is, I'm just oblivious). So, I was quite surprised about the resolution and not only that, but everything that happens AFTER that.

This leads me to my next point: characters. We have a very unreliable (in my pov) narrator, Lorelei, who ends up being the decision maker of the group, after the death of her mentor, one of the people who had helped her grow and become the person she is now. And dear God, of course she was her mentor because it is so clear how Lorelei learnt absolutely everything from Ziegler and how much trust she had in her. Not going to develop on that subject, you'll have to discover it by yourselves.

We get to know Lorelei and hoooow much she hates a group of friends, but certainly one person more than the others: Sylvia Von Wolff. They have been rivals from very little, thing Lorelei only faintly mentions, although I would have appreciated some kind of flashback or more details about it. We are told that Sylvia is so liked and loved by everyone, she is the perfect popular and smart girl at school and out of it, while Lorelei is one of the most hated people. This is because the place where they live is separated by different somehow independent regions, and her region and culture had been heavily criticised and stereotyped by the others, creating a common hate and fear towards all people coming from there. This huge contrast between the girls, and the fact that they had to compete for the same position inside the team, made the very perfect combination for hatred in Lorelei's logic. Of course do not let this deceive you, she WILL talk about the beauty of Sylvia from the very first page, even if she is getting of every nerve of hers. Very sapphic coded, not complaining at all.

While Lorelei is all pessimism and hatred, Sylvia is quite the opposite. She is portrayed as a very extroverted person, who likes to be in the center of attention all the time and likes being looked at. However, as I said, this is how Lorelei sees her as in the beginning; as they get to know each other and Lorelei opens her heart and mind, her opinion and perception of her changes almost completely. I liked Sylvia as a character, I feel like many times she is misunderstood by not only Lorelei but also the other characters, and I would have loved to have a dual pov in order to be inside her mind and hear her thoughts and logic overall.

Talking about the rest of the characters could get spoilery, so I will only comment on the fact that I think I needed a bit more information about everyone to attach or relate to them in some way. Sometimes they feel like they are there to fulfill a role, be attached to a specific storyline from the past and act some kind of way towards Lorelei (so she keeps having a reason to hate them) and that's it. I do not need sophisticated backstories, but a little bit more than we had would have been perfect.

Overall, I enjoyed this book so much after coming to terms with my irrational fear of fantasy books. The folklore is absolutely beautiful and getting to discover new creatures was such an interesting part of this reading. Give yourself time to read about each of them and understand not only how they would look but also how they would act and what they provide to the story and world building. At the end, I did not want this book to end and I feel like that is such an important thing when reading. Completely recommend this to everyone who enjoys fantasy, folklore and sapphic enemies to lovers.

Now if you excuse me, I need to preorder a physical version of this ARC so I can mark and highligh it all.

Sapphic academic rivalry with atmospheric and lush settings

While on an expedition in search of a spring which is fabled to have mystical properties, longtime rivals, Lorelei and Sylvia, must begrudgingly work together when their expeditions leader is murdered in order to find the infamous spring but also avoid becoming victims of the murderer.

Im in love with the relationship between Lorelei and Sylvia, yearning and bubbling tension. Their development was lovely to read. Beautiful writing.

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.