I thought this was good. The pacing good be a bit better but all in all it was good. The characters were great and the story was great.

It pains me to say this, but as much as I adored A Study in Drowning, the sequel just didn’t live up to my expectations. Ava Reid’s amazing way of portraying this world is still unmatched, but the plot was nearly nonexistent, and I really struggled to get through it.

I adored A Theory of Dreaming and will, hands down, still recommend that book to anyone who will listen, but it should have been a standalone.

Thank you Netgalley, and HarperCollins for the eARC!

I loved this follow up to "A Study in Drowning". Ava Reid has such a unique style and I loved the dreamlike qualities of this book. I appreciated the continued exploration of Effy's mental health and intersection of real world issues and fantastical elements.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely breathtaking! Ava Reid has done it again! 😭 Not even going to lie, I screamed out of excitement when I got approved for this ARC because A Study in Drowning was one of my top favorite reads of all time (I own literally 4 different editions of this book! 🤣🤣).
A Theory of Dreaming plunges you right back into the immersive, lush, and dreamlike world you fell in love with. The aftermath of their first discovery pulls Effy and Preston on a final, heart-wrenching adventure, bringing their haunting love story to its stunning conclusion.
I was utterly captivated by Effy's navigation of her groundbreaking role as the first woman at literature college, a journey complicated by the loss of her familiar nightmares and the crushing weight of expectation. And Preston's internal struggle and those mysterious dreams of a palace under the sea? Absolutely gripping! The way Reid weaves the line between reality and fantasy, especially as the war between Llyr and Argant escalates, is masterful. You'll be questioning everything right alongside Effy and Preston.
This final book in the duology is a triumph. It's beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and delivers a powerful ending. If you loved A Study in Drowning, prepare to be utterly spellbound by A Theory of Dreaming. This is a must-read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ava Reid, and Penguin Random House for early access to the ebook version in exchange for my honest review.

Similar to a Study in Drowning, the gothic atmosphere and vibes really do carry the story and, for the most part, kept me intrigued. There just isn’t a lot in the plot that commands your attention and drives the story forward. The characters - mainly Effy - did not really get my sympathy for their struggles with adapting to life back at university. It seemed like a bit of a stretch for how affected they were, so it was a bit of a miss for me emotionally. I still appreciated Preston’s foray with magic and thought the additional lore of the Sleepers was interesting. It was, again, very obvious where the plot was heading, and the ‘revelations’ for the characters were relatively bland. If anything, this sequel just solidified for me that I do have a lot of love for this genre, and will definitely continue to seek out more stories within the gothic/grim fantasy space.

Big thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Thank you so much Netgalley for an early copy of this. I love Ava and have loved all of her works that they have come out with. I was worried about the idea of a sequel. A Study In Drowning is one of my favorite books of her published works, but Ava never disappoints. The atmosphere of the world and the Having the novel surround Preston gave me what I was missing in ASID. Also having more background about The Sleepers and the larger conflict fleshed out the world that some argued was missing from ASID. The only critique I have there was a loss of Effy's agency through Preston's perspective. In ASID, I loved that she was a "soft" female protagonist that was able to save herself from the previous doomed narrative of Angharad. I felt that we lost some of her story to understand Preston. But overall, I really enjoyed Theory of Dreaming and I believe that if you enjoyed ASID you will enjoy it's

Ava Reid is an auto-buy author for me. I will devour everything she writes. A Theory of Dreaming was no exception. I had been anxiously awaiting the continuation of Effy and Preston's story. I loved the world, the struggles, and the social commentary. This was a win for me!

4.25 stars -- A Theory of Dreaming is the sequel to A Study In Drowning, one of my favorite reads of 2023. I was so looking forward to being immersed inside this world again. A Study in Drowning was mystical, folkloric, and eerie. A Theory of Dreaming is realistic, emotional, and raw. At first, I was unsure with where the story was headed, but in typical Ava Reid fashion, I shouldn't have worried. This sequel proved that once the fairytale is over and the monsters are vanquished, the fight isn't always over. But that fight is worth it.

"There are versions of the story where you save her."

This book is much more of an in-depth character study than a plot driven one. Effy and Preston grapple with the aftermath of the Fairy King and they both are struggling. Effy must navigate the sexism from being the first female admitted into the literature college, while Preston stumbles upon another world in his dreams that shows hidden meaning, if only he can parse out what. His POV was a really nice addition to this book and I loved how a lot of his yearning for Effy was intrinsically rooted inside his dream world. Preston's Argantian heritage takes center stage as Argantian and Llyrian tensions mount, which was quite a timely reminder considering our world today.

While this story is darker and less ethereal as the first, I think it was a great reminder for myself that not all stories are done even after the main conflict has concluded. This is quite true for real life outside of fictional tales, and I am constantly in awe of Ava Reid's writing. Their mastery of prose, flawed characters, and current sociopolitical issues are always placed with care and intention into their stories. I think this will be a book that resonates with many, even as it strikes a darker tone. This will be out on July 29, 2025!

Thank you to the publisher HarperCollins and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy. This did not affect my review in any way.

5/5 stars!

TWs for implied/subtextual sexual assault and incest in texts within the story, as well as off-screen attempted suicide by a main character.

Bias disclosure: A Study In Drowning (ASID) was my top book of 2023, and has remained a favorite of favorites to this day. Because of this, though I was desperately excited when the sequel, A Theory of Dreaming (ATOD) was announced, I was also very nervous. The ending of ASID left the story at a point of completion I was happy with, though still curious about some aspects of the world and a general question of "what next?" for Effy and Preston.

Luckily, I had nothing to worry about!

ASID left roots in me with its prose and messaging, and ATOD, though a bit less prosey to me, has surpassed its predecessor – especially in terms of plot, story, character progression, and world building. ATOD beautifully weaves fairytale elements throughout the story without feeling heavy-handed, and feels distinctive from ASID with more focus on the lore of Effy and Preston's world, as well as the fallout from the events of the first book.

It does an excellent job of continuing themes from ASID, particularly in regards to voices silenced by those in power or with power over them; how the works we love can be stained for us by the circumstances of the writing (or the authors themselves); and the importance of balancing escapism with living in the waking world.

I was driven by the unfolding history of Argant, Llyr, and the Sleepers, desperate to see how the scattered puzzle pieces fit together. I also very much loved seeing more of the characters important to Effy and Preston in their lives. Where both were secluded with each other in ASID, here they're surrounded by classmates, professors, and friends. Preston felt more fleshed out as a character, and I loved seeing more of his thoughts, feelings, and interactions with other people besides Effy (especially Lotto!), but also especially with Effy!

I cant recommend A Theory of Dreaming more!

Songs that haunted me while reading this:
•Blinding by Florence + the Machine
•The Prophecy by Taylor Swift
•Drumming Song by Florence + the Machine
•What the Water Gave Me by Florence + the Machine

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free digital ARC for my honest review!

Ava Reid takes us back to this world where what’s real and imagined become easily blurred. On the heels of their remarkable discovery about the true author of Angharad, Preston and Effy face a whole new set of issues on campus.

It’s an intense exploration of mental health, intellectualism vs faith, and how easily any of us can spiral given the right circumstances.

Ava Reid captures the emotional struggle for both characters with such honest and intensity. Their journey is hard to read at times, but so deeply meaningful!

Again, the writing transports you to the setting. I felt the cold, the wet, the wind. This second book felt much slower and while I enjoyed it, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first. I missed the magic and felt it didn’t show up as quickly as it did the first time.

I did like this book better than the first. It still follows a similar thread with Preston and Effy our main characters from book one. They are both struggling to deal with the aftermath from the first book each in their own way. This one more primarily follows Preston with his struggles at the literature college, bringing to the forefront the Llyrian-Argantian clash and what it means for Preston being the only Argantian at the college. Effys story continues parallel while she continues to explore other female authors whose work was wrongfully claimed by the men in their lives. If you are looking for a book/series that provokes some additional thinking, this is for you.

The criteria for judging a sequel is purely subjective, as with any review. However, as A Study in Drowning, is my most favorite book ever, I feel at odds. Should a sequel be judged as a separate entity or should it be judged off its connection to the first book? Either way I swung it, it is still a 5 star read for me for reasons different than the first.

Magical is what I would describe these books are, fitting as they are so deep in tune with the idea of that itself. A Theory of Dreaming centers more on Preston, who was introduced as a gentle yet resolute scholar who grapples with his sense of reality and truth being warped by a fantastical world bleeding from fairy tales he heard as a child. It depicts itself as a much more beautiful world than the one he lives and breathes daily, with so many external factors that tear at him and his beloved, Effy constantly. He can only enter into that seemingly perfect world when he is dreaming.

This is a heavy book - we watch an even deeper level of depression seep through Effy's bones and Preston's struggle to maintain both his world and the world in his dreams. Effy and Preston want so deeply to be happy and it is hard to view how heavy their loads are. I admit, until about 3/4 of the way through, I was not sure about this book. Although the prose was characteristically atmospheric and eerie as expected with the high caliber of Ava Reid's writing, it lacked the same spark I felt when turning the pages of the first book. I rushed to highlight phrases on almost every page of the first but a Theory of Dreaming almost feels like it was intended to be more muted. I initially was concerned but after reflecting on this, maybe it was not meant to be flooded with beautiful prose and allegories. A Theory of Dreaming is harsher and much more serious. I felt these points deeply.

I was expecting the same knockout formula as A Study in Drowning so I was shaken when it didn't have that. Don't fret, it is irrefutably its sequel. Many of the central themes are revisited and built upon and it is incredibly well done. Ava brought a new edge to the book with parts that rocked me, and took me out of my comfort zone. I appreciate the growth in her writing and it feels as though it may have been a cathartic release, for her and for me as a reader. She did not hold back and I am so glad that she didn't. Ultimately, this most definitely feels like a final end to Effy and Preston's stories. I am sad to see them go but I also think there is a real beauty in not fully sharing every aspect of their lives. I will dream about these characters and imagine their paths forward longingly.

Thank you Ava, for creating two of my favorite people, imperfect but beautiful all the same. I will keep these two lovebirds utterly safe, and in my heart forever.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for this ARC! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

A Theory of Dreaming continues to display Ava Reid's talents; her writing is lyrical and entrancing. I wish I would have read A study in Drowning again prior to starting this. I feel the impact may have been greater for me. However, I did find it lacking in a solid plot line. The days seemed to drag on and not much if anything was taking place. I'm willing to accept that I'm too impatient for a slow plot and I may be the problem. I rated a two because I adore Preston and Effy, the writing was well done, but I just didn't have a great time.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Just when I thought it couldn’t get better Reid swoops in and writes the greatest love of all time. This book is everything. The characters, the feelings and the atmosphere are all perfect.

Timeless and deeply personal. What a great book! Reality blurs with imagination in a perfect mix of elements.

A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid • ⭐⭐⭐

Read: 4/03-4/04 2025

✨ Review ✨

Thank you Harper Collins Children’s and NetGalley for this ARC!

Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I should have read the first book before requesting an ARC of the sequel, that’s on me. ASiD made me uncomfortable and AToD was just boring. Why does the author make every single guy, except for Preston (MML), a power hungry disgusting pervert? I get that guys can be like this, but not every single one of them are. And the plot in this just flopped for me, there was no build up or climax in the plot, it was just boring and depressing.

As always, please do not let my negative review stop you from reading this if you liked ASiD or if the synopsis sounds interesting to you, everyone likes different things and has the right to their own opinion.

Releases July 29, 2025.

A Theory of Dreaming starts with a fascinating concept: a world where dreams hold power and secrets are woven into the subconscious. Ava Reid’s lyrical prose and vivid imagery drew me in initially, creating an atmospheric and dreamlike quality that matches the theme of the story perfectly.

However, while the world-building is imaginative, it often feels underdeveloped, leaving me with more questions than answers. The pacing is uneven, with sections that drag and others that feel rushed. The characters, while compelling at times, lack the depth needed to make their motivations fully believable.

I appreciated the exploration of identity and choice, but the narrative felt disjointed in places, and some of the plot twists were predictable. This book had so much potential, and while it didn’t quite land for me, I think it will resonate more with readers who enjoy a slower, more abstract approach to storytelling.

It’s not a bad book by any means, but it didn’t leave as strong an impression as I hoped. A solid 3 stars for the creativity and prose!

A Theory of Dreaming is a haunting and introspective sequel to A Study in Drowning. This time, the focus shifts to Preston, whose journey through dreams and reality is both mesmerizing and unsettling. Effy's storyline, while equally compelling, centers on her struggles with past traumas, self-doubt, and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated academic environment.​

Reid’s beautiful, atmospheric writing is once again present in this follow-up. While I felt like the pacing of this book was slower and I missed some of the more magical components of the first book, I really enjoyed getting Preston’s perspective and watching his relationship with Effy develop as they face the challenges presented by the first book’s aftermath.

If you're a fan of character-driven stories that delve into themes of identity, trauma, and the power of dreams, this book is for you.​

A Theory of Dreaming is a beautifully written and emotionally charged sequel that delves into themes of identity, trauma, and the power of dreams.​ I thought this was a very solid follow-up to the first one and is definitely worth the read!

Cue the applause for A Theory of Dreaming! Reid delivered on keeping the gothic atmosphere of the first installment, while providing more “raw” emotion.
The writing style blew me away! In likeness to Rebecca Ross, the prose was ethereal in nature and so beautiful that it made my heart squeeze!
While the writing and setting were gorgeously done, I do feel like the plot needed a little more TLC. At some points I found myself dozing or skipping through parts to find the “meat.”
Overall, I would recommend to those who loved the first installment of this series!