A Dark and Drowning Tide

Bestselling YA author Saft (A Fragile Enchantment) ventures into adult fantasy with this elaborate whirlwind of folklore, magic, and sapphic romance. Twenty-something academic rivals Lorelei Kaskel and Sylvia von Wolff join a seven-person expedition under the order of King Wilhelm of Brunnestaad, who commands them to find the Ursprung, a spring fabled to be the source of all magic. Unfortunately, their expedition leader is killed their first night on the road, and the only suspects are the remaining six expedition members. Saft’s intricate worldbuilding melds elements of Jewish tradition and folklore, fairy tales, and classic fantasy tropes, creating a steep learning curve and making it easy to get lost in the unfamiliar names of people, places, and creatures. Still, patient readers will find the important information shines through, even if the precise details are confusing. Meanwhile, the enemies-to-lovers arc between the heroines delivers a classic interplay of infuriating kindness and endearing irritability, with a long buildup and a worthwhile payoff. Fans of queer fantasy will find something to enjoy here. (Sept.)