Character Authenticity: 4.7/5
Spice Rating: 1/5
Overall Rating: 4.8/5
“In the darkest corners of our hearts, we find the truths we never dare to speak, but they are the truths that define us most.”
Allison Saft, best known for her lush, atmospheric prose and captivating world-building, returns with her newest gothic fantasy novel, A Dark and Drowning Tide. This novel is a perfect blend of haunting mystery, dark magic, and emotional depth, set in a world where the tides control not just the sea, but the lives of the characters as well. If you are a fan of richly drawn characters, atmospheric settings, and gothic undertones, this book will enchant you.
In this post, we’ll explore A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft through a detailed summary, in-depth review, and character breakdown. Whether you’re here to learn more about the book or to find the A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft PDF, we have everything you need.
A Dark and Drowning Tide By Allison Saft Summary
The story follows Margot Gable, a young woman with a mysterious past, who finds herself drawn to the remote, eerie coastal town of Ravena, known for its deep connection to the ocean’s tides. Margot seeks answers about her family’s legacy, but as she unearths old secrets, she finds herself entangled in a web of magic, betrayal, and the drowning tide that seems to have a mind of its own.
At the heart of the story is Margot’s search for the truth behind the legend of the Drowning Tide, a force that the people of Ravena both revere and fear. As she grows closer to uncovering the town’s hidden past, she forms an unexpected bond with Elias Thorn, a brooding stranger with dark secrets of his own. Together, they must unravel the mystery of the Drowning Tide before it claims more lives—including their own.
Spoiler Alert: In the novel’s stunning conclusion, Margot learns the devastating truth about her family’s connection to the tides and discovers that only through confronting her darkest fears can she break the curse that has bound her to Ravena’s tragic history.
A Dark and Drowning Tide By Allison Saft Review
Overall Thoughts
Allison Saft’s A Dark and Drowning Tide is a masterclass in gothic fantasy. The novel’s atmospheric setting and deeply personal stakes create a gripping narrative that blends mystery, fantasy, and romance. Saft’s writing is evocative, painting vivid images of the eerie coastal town and the ever-looming, sentient tides that seem to have a life of their own.
What I Liked
- Atmospheric World-Building: Saft excels at creating a richly immersive world. The town of Ravena, with its misty shores, crumbling buildings, and eerie tides, feels like a character in its own right. The sense of foreboding and mystery is palpable throughout.
- Complex Characters: Margot and Elias are both haunted by their pasts, and their character arcs are compelling and emotional. Their relationship is slow-burn, built on trust, mutual pain, and shared secrets.
- Gothic Themes: The novel taps into classic gothic themes like cursed family legacies, mysterious deaths, and dark magic. Fans of gothic literature will find plenty to love.
What Didn’t Work for Me
- Pacing in Middle Sections: At certain points in the middle of the novel, the pacing slows down as the plot shifts toward introspective character moments. While this builds emotional depth, some readers may find it detracts from the mystery and action.
- Predictability of Certain Twists: While the novel’s atmosphere and characters are richly developed, some of the plot twists—particularly regarding Margot’s family—are somewhat predictable for seasoned fantasy readers.
Plot of A Dark and Drowning Tide By Allison Saft
The plot of A Dark and Drowning Tide By Allison Saft is driven by Margot’s quest to uncover the truth about her family’s connection to the Drowning Tide and the town of Ravena. As the tide begins to claim more lives, Margot and Elias must work together to uncover the secrets of the town before it’s too late.
Key Plot Points
- Margot’s Arrival in Ravena: Margot travels to the town of Ravena in search of answers about her family’s connection to the Drowning Tide.
- Mysterious Deaths: As Margot begins her investigation, several townspeople are found dead, their bodies washed up by the tide. The deaths are eerily similar to the legend of the Drowning Tide.
- Margot and Elias’ Partnership: Margot forms an uneasy alliance with Elias, a local who harbors secrets of his own. Together, they dig deeper into the town’s dark history.
- The Curse Unveiled: The novel’s climax reveals the true nature of the Drowning Tide and Margot’s role in it, forcing her to confront her family’s tragic past.
Characters of A Dark and Drowning Tide By Allison Saft
Margot Gable: The protagonist, Margot is a determined and brave young woman haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her family. Her journey to uncover the truth about the Drowning Tide is as much about self-discovery as it is about saving the town.
Elias Thorn: Elias is a brooding and enigmatic local who becomes Margot’s reluctant ally. He has his own reasons for wanting to solve the mystery of the Drowning Tide, and his past holds dark secrets that intertwine with Margot’s fate.
Supporting Characters:
- Lila Ravena: The town’s mayor, who is both protective and secretive about the town’s history.
- Talia Gable: Margot’s mother, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances tied to the Drowning Tide.
- Finnian Grey: A mysterious figure who seems to know more about the town’s dark magic than he lets on.
Relationships
- Margot and Elias: Their relationship is the emotional core of the novel. What begins as a reluctant partnership grows into something more as they learn to trust each other amidst the rising danger.
- Margot and Her Family: Margot’s complicated relationship with her family, especially her missing mother, drives much of the emotional stakes in the story.
Writing & Pacing of A Dark and Drowning Tide By Allison Saft
Writing Style: Allison Saft has a lyrical, atmospheric writing style that perfectly suits the gothic tone of the novel. Her descriptions of the town and its dark, mysterious surroundings are vivid and immersive, pulling readers into the eerie world of Ravena.
Pacing: While the novel starts with a gripping mystery, the pacing slows down slightly in the middle as the characters’ emotional journeys take center stage. However, the suspense builds steadily, leading to a climactic and satisfying resolution.
Tropes & Trigger Warnings of A Dark and Drowning Tide By Allison Saft
Tropes:
- Cursed Family Legacy
- Gothic Fantasy
- Enemies-to-Partners
- Small Town Mystery
- Sentient Magic
Trigger Warnings:
- Death of a parent
- Drowning
- Dark magic
- Mental and emotional manipulation
Mood and Tone
The mood of A Dark and Drowning Tide is dark and atmospheric, filled with suspense and gothic overtones. Saft masterfully creates an eerie, unsettling tone through her use of imagery and the constant threat posed by the Drowning Tide. The emotional depth of the characters adds to the somber mood, while the undercurrent of magic keeps the reader on edge.
Final Thoughts on A Dark and Drowning Tide By Allison Saft
Allison Saft’s A Dark and Drowning Tide is a compelling mix of mystery, fantasy, and emotional depth. It offers readers a richly atmospheric world where dark secrets lurk beneath the surface. If you enjoy gothic settings, complex characters, and stories filled with mystery and magic, this novel is a must-read. The haunting narrative will leave readers pondering long after the last page.
About the Author
Allison Saft is an acclaimed author known for her atmospheric and emotionally rich fantasy novels. With a talent for world-building and creating complex, multifaceted characters, Saft has earned a dedicated fanbase. A Dark and Drowning Tide continues her tradition of blending mystery, magic, and emotion in compelling ways.
Practical Information for Readers
A Dark and Drowning Tide Book Formats
- Hardcover: Available at major book retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
- Paperback: A lighter, portable option for readers on the go.
- **eBook
**: Available for Kindle, Apple Books, and other digital platforms.
- Audiobook: Narrated by a professional voice actor, available on Audible.
- PDF: For legitimate PDF copies, check authorized sellers like Penguin Random House.
A Dark and Drowning Tide By Allison Saft Age Rating
This book is recommended for readers aged 16 and up due to its dark themes, including death, drowning, and family secrets. While there’s no explicit content, the emotional and psychological themes may not be suitable for younger readers.
A Dark and Drowning Tide By Allison Saft PDF
For those looking to find a legitimate PDF version of A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft, check here: A Dark and Drowning Tide PDF
Recommended Reads
If you enjoyed A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft, here are some similar books you may like:
- The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
- Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
- House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
