Enchanting Folklore and Slow-Burn Romance: A Review of A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft is a lush and captivating sapphic fantasy romance that masterfully blends folklore, mystery, and an intriguing murder plot. Set in the magical kingdom of Brunnestaad, the story follows Lorelai Kaskel, a sharp-tongued folklorist, and her academic rival Sylvia von Wolff as they embark on an expedition to locate a powerful spring for King Wilhelm.

What begins as a scholarly journey quickly turns into a perilous mission when their leader, Lorelai’s mentor, is murdered. As tensions rise and dangers lurk in every enchanted corner, Lorelai and Sylvia must navigate not only the mysteries of the magical world but also their growing attraction to one another.

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A sharp-tongued folklorist must pair up with her academic rival to solve their mentor’s murder in this lush and enthralling sapphic fantasy romance from the New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic.

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.

The character dynamics are at the heart of A Dark and Drowning Tide. Lorelai Kaskel is a folklorist with a sharp wit and quick temper, but beneath her confident exterior lies a deep sense of insecurity and self-sabotage. Her character arc centers around her struggle with self-worth and finding her place in both the expedition and the kingdom.

Sylvia von Wolff, Lorelai’s academic rival, is a naturalist with a sunny disposition and a deep affinity for the fae. She serves as a counterbalance to Lorelai’s sharp edges, and their relationship develops slowly and beautifully throughout the story.

Supporting characters like Johann zu Wittelsbach (medic and war hero), Heike van der Kaas (navigator), and Adelheid de Mohl (thaumotologist) add depth and intrigue to the ensemble, each with their own motives and backstories that enrich the narrative.

Ludwig von Meyer, the botanist, stands out as one of the few nobles Lorelai can trust. His grounded nature contrasts with the eccentricities of the other members of the expedition, offering Lorelai a rare sense of camaraderie.

The relationships are complex, and the dynamic between Lorelai and Sylvia is a slow-burn romance that is filled with yearning, emotional vulnerability, and personal growth. The intricate backstories of the nobles, including King Wilhelm’s childhood friendships, further add layers of political tension and personal stakes for all characters.

At its core, A Dark and Drowning Tide is a journey fantasy wrapped around a murder mystery. The murder of Lorelai’s mentor, Ingrid Ziegler, is the catalyst for the plot, as the characters race to uncover the truth while pursuing the Ursprung, a magical spring that promises untold power.

The romance between Lorelai and Sylvia unfolds gradually, with their relationship growing in the background as they face both external and internal struggles. The tension builds slowly but surely, creating a strong emotional payoff as barriers are broken down.

The magical creatures like Nixies, Maras, and brownies enhance the folklore-inspired atmosphere, drawing readers deeper into the world of Brunnestaad. These magical beings, coupled with the rich and mysterious setting, give the story a sense of wonder and danger that keeps you on edge.

The expedition’s political intrigue is another important facet, as the group must navigate both the physical dangers of the wilderness and the emotional landmines of their own relationships. The backdrop of King Wilhelm’s reign, the quest for power, and the secrets of the Ursprung provide the story with a layered complexity that feels immersive.

Allison Saft’s writing in A Dark and Drowning Tide is atmospheric and lyrical, perfectly capturing the fairy-tale quality of the world she’s created. The German-inspired kingdom of Brunnestaad, with its enchanted forests, magical rivers, and shifting landscapes, is brought to life through rich descriptions and vivid imagery.

Saft’s prose has a timeless, folklore-like quality that seamlessly blends fairy tales and fantasy tropes. The world-building is intricate, and the slow unraveling of the murder mystery fits perfectly with the methodical pace of the romance and the journey. You will be swept away on a magical expedition that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

Folklore is a central theme in the novel, and Saft explores how the myths and stories of the past influence the present. The character of Lorelai, in particular, grapples with the power and meaning of stories, as she seeks to create a future for herself beyond the expectations placed upon her.

Themes of class and social status are also explored, as Lorelai, a Yeva, is restricted by her second-class citizenship. This dynamic plays out in both the personal and political struggles she faces, as she attempts to prove herself in a society that has placed barriers in her path.

Another key theme is the concept of transformation—both magical and personal. From the shapeshifting creatures to the emotional growth of the characters, A Dark and Drowning Tide delves into how change, both physical and emotional, can be a powerful force in shaping destiny.

A Dark and Drowning Tide fits comfortably within the journey fantasy subgenre, reminiscent of works like The Hobbit. The expedition structure, complete with perilous landscapes and magical creatures, will appeal to readers who enjoy classic fantasy adventure tales. Additionally, the novel’s dark academia vibe, combined with its folkloric elements and murder mystery, creates a unique blend that fans of atmospheric, character-driven stories will love.

Positives of A Dark and Drowning Tide

• Beautiful, lyrical writing with strong folkloric influences.
• Slow-burn romance that’s both tender and emotionally satisfying.
• Complex characters with deep emotional arcs, especially the dynamic between Lorelai and Sylvia.
• Intriguing murder mystery plot that keeps you guessing.
• Rich world-building in a German-inspired magical kingdom with fascinating creatures.

Negatives of A Dark and Drowning Tide

• Slow pacing may not appeal to readers looking for a fast-moving plot.
• The murder mystery, while intriguing, sometimes feels secondary to the romance and character development.
• Some readers might find the magical and political complexities hard to follow.

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft is a beautifully written fantasy novel that weaves together elements of folklore, mystery, and romance. With complex characters, a richly imagined world, and a slow-burn romance that will tug at your heartstrings, it’s a must-read for fans of atmospheric and character-driven fantasy. Though the pacing may be slow for some, the depth of emotion and the magical setting make it a truly enchanting read. Highly recommended for fantasy lovers who enjoy rich world-building and a dash of romance.

I received A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft from the publisher. This is an unbiased and honest review

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