A Dark and Drowning Tide: A Novel

by Allison Saft Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld

Overview

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 in order to secure his reign over the embattled country of Brunnestaad. Lorelei is determined to use this opportunity to prove herself and make her wildest, most impossible dream come true: to become a naturalist, able to travel freely to lands she's only 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 the 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 dark: forests that rearrange themselves at night, rivers with slumbering dragons hiding 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 each other-they discover that their leader had secrets of her own. Secrets that make Lorelei question whether justice is worth pursuing, and if this kingdom is worth saving at all.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Richly imagined and as bewitching as a naiad’s song, A Dark and Drowning Tide deftly weaves romance with powerful indictments of the fetid, nationalistic roots of our favorite fairy tales. But for each prick of a prejudicial thorn, Saft offers her readers a balm—at its core, this is a story about the healing capacity of love. Clever, emotional, and gorgeous.”—Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Juniper & Thorn

“A Dark and Drowning Tide is an elegantly crafted triumph. Allison Saft’s sumptuous prose joins forces with her delightfully clever worldbuilding to blow us all away with this atmospheric fantasy steeped in rich lore, gripping intrigue, and simmering romantic tension. Definitely one of my favorite reads ever!”—Thea Guanzon, USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of The Hurricane Wars

“Haunting and bewitchingly romantic, A Dark and Drowning Tide deftly twines mystery and lore and adventure. Protagonists Lorelei and Sylvia illuminate their surrounding gloom and will sweep you clean off your feet. I loved every page.”—Rachel Gillig, New York Times bestselling author of One Dark Window

“Richly imagined and deftly told, A Dark and Drowning Tide is a story that draws you deep as any unexplored wild and leaves you changed on the other side.”—Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of The Foxglove King

“Reading A Dark and Drowning Tide is like being immersed in a fairy tale. Allison Saft writes beautifully, and she fearlessly explores powerful themes in this compelling, magical novel infused with folklore and woven through with a sapphic, rivals-to-lovers romance that will leave you breathless. It’s dark academia fantasy perfection.”—India Holton, international bestselling author of The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love

“A dreamy fantasy which, like the dark folktales cleverly woven into its narrative, will captivate readers with its beguiling atmosphere and intricate lore. Beware: Once you sink into A Dark and Drowning Tide, you may not want to resurface.”—Chelsea Abdullah, author of The Stardust Thief

“A Dark and Drowning Tide is an enchanting tale in an intricately realized world. The narrative is laced with folk tales and enlivened by brave and clever protagonists. Its adventures are enriched by Allison Saft’s beautiful prose, making it the perfect read for lovers of fantasy.”—Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159398512
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	09/17/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged