Kirkus
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A supplementary collection of ephemera for fans of Reid’s A Study in Drowning duology. This companion volume invites fans to immerse themselves in Effy and Preston’s Welsh-influenced fantasy world. Among its contents are pages from Effy’s annotated copy ofAngharad, excerpts from Preston’s diary, architectural sketches of Hiraeth Manor, newspaper clippings, a literature class handout, and other carefully curated pieces that expand upon the original stories. Preston’s diary is a particular highlight, deepening the first book by presenting his perspective and tracing how his feelings for Effy developed during their time at Hiraeth Manor. This work also explores Effy’s and Preston’s research on Myrddin and includes extended passages fromAngharad, the text that so profoundly shaped the events of the series opener. The collection concludes with an extended epilogue to the duology, offering a thoughtful resolution to both Effy and Preston’s romance and their shared academic work. While some of the font choices lack cohesion or feel out of sync with the careful worldbuilding in the novels, the work as a whole succeeds in presenting itself as an authentic archive. Series fans will appreciate it as a supplement that expands on the world while remaining faithful to Reid’s lyrical style. William Morris patterns, ink drawings and pencil sketches, photos of botanical specimens, and images of yellowed paper and leather-bound volumes add to the atmosphere and visual appeal. The main characters are cued white. A successful expansion on a magical series. (illustration credits)(Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.