ad much as I think a asid could have been a standalone, this sequel was as perfect as it could be. Lyrical and beautifully atmospheric- I always love comings back to this world

Thanks to HarperTeen for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

DNF’d at 52%! I was trying to give this book the benefit of the doubt, but I just couldn’t keep reading and hope for better. I was surprised by this book’s existence. *A Study in Drowning* was supposed to be a standalone, but I guess there was enough demand and content to write more.

In order for me to best explain why I did not finished reading, I will talk spoilers on *A Study in Drowning*, so please do not read this review any further if you have not read the first book yet. If you don’t care, then read on.

This book starts off right from where we left off in book 1 with Effy being a student at the literature college instead of architecture and going through college life with her boyfriend, Preston. Now that Effy has defeated the Fairy King and co-authored a thesis with Preston on Myrddin’s legacy, she has struggled with imposter syndrome at the literature college, putting a Llyrian icon into questionable integrity, and having no alternative to escape. Not gonna lie, I could not fully care about her struggles since I was more worried and interested in the war between Llyr and Argant. *A Theory of Dreaming* is more Preston’s story than Effy’s, which was what intrigued me the most about this sequel. Preston is dealing with xenophobia due to being Argantian and entering an underwater palace through his dreams as he becomes a believer in magic.

I wanted an explanation since *A Study in Drowning* on the reason for this war between Llyr and Argant and never received an answer. I should not have to hope for such an explanation when this war is clearly influencing Effy and Preston’s decisions on their coping mechanisms and the university’s attacks on anyone not following Llyr traditions. I cannot care about these emotional journeys when the source of their strife does not give me any context. Also, Effy and Preston refused to talk to each other about what they are going through. I could understand some forms of miscommunication between young couples, but I cannot get past not talking to your partner about how you are feeling. This type of miscommunication just adds to the page length at this point.

Overall, I was curious to see if this sequel was even necessary in the first place. My verdict at around halfway through: not really.

Content Warnings (so far): xenophobia, sexual assault (past), drug abuse, sexism, misogyny, death of parent (past, mentioned), grief (minor) war (minor)

Wait because I devoured this book!!! This was mostly a continuation from the first with more backstory & character development but I loved every second of this!!

Def would recommend this series to anyone who loves fantasy!!

Thank you to NetGalley & HarperCollins for allowing me to read & give my honest opinion!!

Thank you to HarperCollins for the arc!

3.5

In this book, Preston really stands out showing depth and vulnerability that is refreshing. Effy however, feels stuck and is caught in repetitive trauma processing that does not add much to her character. Themes like women’s work being stolen and Preston’s struggles with prejudice are interesting but do not go anywhere new or deeper (which is a shame, and was expecting more)

The first 70% of the book feels aimless like it is lost in its own dream world. I kept waiting for the plot to pick up, but it took far too long. By the time things finally happen in the last 30% the conclusion was tiring rather than satisfying

I have always and is a fan of Ava Reid's writing which is absolutely beautiful but even gorgeous prose cannot make up for a story that feels unsure of its purpose. Will I keep reading Ava Reid’s books? Definitely, she is an incredible writer.

I was really hopeful that this story would be fun and exciting based on the ending of the first book in this series, but the plot seemed to go nowhere and I found myself continually annoyed with Effy and Preston’s relationship.

A Theory of Dreaming - Ava Reid
Rating: 3.75⭐️
Spice: Suggestive dialogue but no descriptive language or scenes
Tropes/Genres : YA fantasy, found family, dark academia, magic realism, gothic
Book releases: August 5th 2025

I first want to thank the publisher/author/and NetGalley for the ARC!
I read the first book A Study in Drowning almost 2 years ago and I LOVE how quickly we just right back into the magic of this world! If you love Dark academia with magic realism this Duology will be right up your alley!
In this book we get so much more from Preston and I absolutely loved every single second of it! His character development between these two books is incredible ❤️ I also love how dark and gothic Ava writes this while it still feeling so fluffy and romantic 🥰

As someone who ADORED A Study in Drowning and rated it 5 stars, no one is more surprised than me that I didn't enjoy the sequel as much. If I'm being more technical, this might be a 3.5-3.8 stars. I love Ava Reid's writing, and it is as luscious and exquisite as ever. However, the events that take place are simply anticlimactic. Maybe my hopes and expectations were too high, because after finishing this I just felt like something was lacking. I didn't feel as moved by Effy's character. There were SO many times where she stated she felt like a burden, and while that is relatable, I wanted much more character growth for her. The strongest aspect of this story is the love between her and Preston. I'll always be a fan of their relationship and I'm happy with how things progressed with them. As for the plot, I wish more happened. It all felt very underwhelming. I wanted more from this, but this will not deter me from future books by Reid. She will always be a favorite of mine. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advanced copy of this book!

A Study in Drowning is one of my favorite books of Ava's and of all time, so I was thrilled when a sequel to it was announced. The first book can still absolutely be read as a standalone, which I do appreciate, but I enjoyed getting to have an adventure with Effy and Preston again. While the first book was more fairytale based, A Theory of Dreaming leans heavily into magical realism. Effy and Preston are dealing with the fallout of book one while going back to school. Both are dealing with their own struggles and only confide in each other so much. Effy's struggles feel very relatable and I think will resonate with a lot of readers. Preston's journey continues with the mysterious bells that feels similar in vibes to Piranesi.

I still prefer book one, but this was a wonderful return to Effy and Preston.

So disappointed. That whole book just felt entirely unnecessary. A novel of pretty words and little plot.
Preston and Effy seemed like entirely different people, and their relationship didn't feel loving. I mean, their total lack of communication?
A lot of repetitive phrases, sometimes whole paragraphs of text restated. This sequel took all of the subtlety of ASID and threw it out the window.

I hate it here so I will go to secret gardens in my mind...

This was a sequel that I didn't think we'd get, nor did I originally think was necessary but I am so thrilled we have. If A Study in Drowning spoke to something in your soul, if Effy in some parts feels like looking in a mirror, and you know that wounds don't just disappear because the big battle is won, I think you should continue this story with some caution that it is heavy. Put down your bows and sheath your swords because there's still strength in your softness.

Effy & Preston return to the University with the secrets they have uncovered and questions about the legitimacy of everything they've been taught but neither comes back from Hiraeth Manor without ghosts. While both characters get POVs, this is definitely Preston's story and somewhere about halfway in Effy does start to kind of fade into the background. Even so, Effy continued to have a profound hold on me. The very accurate depiction of self-loathing, depression, of feeling like a burden and failure, and eventually...the wish to simply exist in dreams to escape reality until the call of not wanting to be anywhere at all becomes too loud to ignore...
Who do you blame for your demons when the monster lurking in the dark has been defeated? How do you keep your head up and fight for your place to belong when you are so very tired.

Preston struggles with identity, especially as the war ramps up. This time, he's the one who thinks he's losing his marbles and doesn't want to burden Effy with more worries. If you're expecting people with cracks in their foundation to come together as their best selves, you won't find that in AToD but maybe it's more realistic this way. Neither of them handles things in their relationship or in their academic life well. They keep things from each other. Neither feels worthy of the other...This book is full of heavy sorrow.

Back in the city as the war is unfolding, you find people clinging desperately to tales of magic and lore. Nationalism built on Fairy tales and tradition and looking to the past instead of progress ahead. How does the story get to benefit the narrative of the one that tells it? Who gets to separate fact from fiction?

I found it interesting that in this world it was the school of arts that held such esteem, the ministry of culture that had such power. What are the arts and humanities without science and what are the sciences without arts and humanities? What do you have faith in when the curtain is pulled to reveal the false magician?

This felt like a story that while not completely necessary to complement ASiD, it was something Ava needed to tell, especially in our current state of the world. Some things could have been fleshed out more, especially at the university, the war, and sometimes with Effy. Our characters while together, felt so far apart but that seemed intentional. There were some new characters (Lotto! 💜) and we got to see more of some we had already met. Some parts might feel repetitive but is it so hard to believe that history hasn't repeated itself?

The writing was as beautiful as I would expect from Reid and the atmosphere was lush and immersive. There were so many quotes I just needed to screenshot and highlight to keep with me. Effy and Preston forever!

If you're currently lost in escaping to your dreams and struggling with the call of the void, I would go into this with some caution, okay? Take care of yourself! You are worthy and loved!

Big thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC. A Theory of Dreaming is out August 5th, 2025!

I love these characters and this world. I am so happy to be back with them all. I think a lot of people felt the political portion was underdeveloped and confusing in the first book. Based on the forward, this book set to remedy that but I personally found it just as if not more confusing than it was in book one since it was a bigger element of this book with no more explanation than the first book. That said, if you liked the first one and want more Preston, you’ll love this one.

Romance: 5💕 incredible. I adore Effy and Preston's love story.

Spice: 1🫑/🌶️ not sure if it would qualify as closed door.

Thank you Netgalley & HarperCollins for approving my request to read A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid. I really enjoyed A Study in Drowning but the sequel unfortunately does not have the same shine as the first book. After the events in ASID, I did not think all Effy and Preston’s problems would be solved, but I at least hoped they’d come out stronger. Turns out they do not. They emerge from the events of ASID more traumatized than ever and make so many terrible choices, especially Effy. After working SO hard to get into the literature college, she folds in on herself and collapses at the slightest (and I really do mean the slightest) opposition and Preston spends the whole book fearing for her while remaining willfully blind to Effy’s self-sabotage. Ava Reid’s writing is still very lyrical and beautiful but the plot and characters were extremely depressing. Also, I’m not really a trigger warning person, but I hope for other readers that there is a trigger warning page either in the finished/published version or a page online, but there is definitely difficult subject matter explored.

Give me anything written by Ava Reid!! She has such a way with words. A short sentence can pack so much meaning.
The scenery is incredible. A wintery, dark academia setting with war and magic. The characters are complicated and real. Even with all the details, with all the deeper meanings, this is still YA, which just goes to show how brilliant Ava Reid is.

I was reading this during the TikTok ban drama, and wow—what a timely read! With its themes of nationalism and xenophobia, it felt eerily relevant, but don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s plenty of dark academia drama, swoon-worthy tension, and just enough fantasy to keep the magic alive.
Effy and Preston’s love story stole the show for me. There is not as much academic rivals-to-lovers banter as A Study in Drowning but their shared moments in this book felt more raw and real especially Preston’s support of Effy’s mental health struggles. Toss in some beautifully written school friendships, and it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy, nerdy blanket—though it’s not without its shadows. Be prepared for heavier themes like societal prejudice, a suicide attempt, and struggles with prescription pills, all woven thoughtfully into the narrative.
Compared to A Study in Drowning, this one feels less fantastical and more like a love letter to academia (with a dash of angst). If you’re here for dual POVs, romantic tension, and a story that balances light and dark like a perfectly brewed cup of tea, you’ll feel right at home.

📚 Dark academia vibes
❤️ Academic rivals-to-lovers romance
💊 Tackles heavy topics

Ava Reid’s *A Theory of Dreaming* is an exquisite masterpiece that beautifully captures the elusive and enchanting nature of dreams. With her signature lyrical prose and a profound grasp of human emotion, Reid takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the blurred lines of memory, imagination, and reality. This book is not just a story—it’s an experience, one that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Reid’s ability to craft imagery is unparalleled. Every scene is painted with words so vivid and poetic that it feels like stepping into a dreamscape. Her exploration of the subconscious is both thought-provoking and emotionally evocative, skillfully unraveling themes of trauma, desire, and the tender vulnerability of human connection.

The characters are achingly real, their struggles and fears woven seamlessly into the dreamlike narrative. Reid invites readers to see themselves in her characters, to reflect on their own dreams and what they reveal about their hidden truths. The balance between the surreal and the deeply human is handled with such care that it feels effortless, drawing you into a world that is at once strange and familiar.

While the book leans into ambiguity and symbolism, Reid’s prose keeps it from ever feeling inaccessible. Instead, it feels like an open invitation to explore and interpret, making the experience uniquely personal for every reader. For those willing to embrace the abstract and surrender to the flow of Reid’s storytelling, the rewards are immense.

*A Theory of Dreaming* is a luminous, unforgettable novel that defies traditional boundaries and lingers long after the last page. Ava Reid has once again proven herself to be a master of crafting stories that speak to both the heart and the mind. A truly stunning achievement, this book is a must-read for anyone who treasures literature that is as beautiful as it is profound.

I was really excited to hear A Study in Drowning was getting a sequel. The premise of Effy learning to navigate the literature college and explore another forgotten female author, along with Preston taking a more significant role, sounded fantastic.
The reality is less exciting. Effy’s story starts out really intriguing but she quickly reverts back to the scared little girl she was at the start of ASiD and spends most of the book lying in bed asleep and depressed. Preston’s storyline was really interesting and kept me wondering what would happen next but I couldn’t help but wonder why he actually cared for Effy. They had none of the chemistry they shared in the first book because they kept lying to each other and withholding information.
I liked the addition of new characters and that friends/teachers/advisers were more involved. It helped make the world seem larger. The political and war storyline was much more prominent and also kept the story interesting.
There are a couple significant trigger warnings I would recommend the publisher warn for, as one of them is casually mentioned multiple times in journal entries.
Overall, I’d probably give this book 3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this so much !!!! It was one of my most anticipated reads this year. I hoped I could read an ARC and I ran to request. I was so happy to be back in this world especially with Effy and Preston. This story did not disappoint! The cover is GORGEOUS!! Preston THE MAN THAT YOU ARE 😍😍🫦! He is absolutely perfect and I knew I was right with my obsession of him in A Study of Drowning. I’m glad we were given a sequel and to learn a lot more about this world. It was quite a surprise that it has dual POVs. Their relationship is so adorable, though they do face many serious problems that I was not expecting. This series will always have my heart, especially Preston. I am left completely satisfied and almost empty with the end of this book. Thank you Ava Reid for feeding us with this one.

I definitely recommend everyone that loved A study of Drowning to read this one!

Thank you to Ava Reid, HarperCollins Publishing, and NetGalley for this e-ARC.

Theory of Dreaming
Ava Reid
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC.
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Theory of Dreaming. I thought that Study in Drowning was a great standalone book and wasn’t sure how Ava Reid would expand upon the world she had created. I was nervous that this book would not live up to my love of the first book. Honestly, I feel like I loved Theory of Dreaming even more than Study in Drowning. I loved how the second book focuses more on the college itself and delves into more of the countries lore and the Sleepers. It gives a more conclusive look at what happens to Preston and Effy after they write their Thesis and the effects that the thesis has not only on them but on their countries as a whole. Overall great book highly recommend. Can’t wait for all to read when it’s released in August. ♥️

I didn't like the first book but I did have hopes for the second book. I feel like nothing really happened - there was no chemistry between the two MCs and all the characters felt flat.

As an avid lover of the first book in this duology, A Study in Drowning, my interest was apprehensively piqued a the news of a sequel. Initially, Ava Reid had said that A Study in Drowning was a contained story with no planned sequel, but then down the line we got news that we would be not only continuing Effy's and Preston's stories, but with an emphasis on Preston. The more that came out about it, especially the gorgeous cover, the more excited I became over this book.

Unfortunately, the book comparatively fell somewhat flat for me, so it will be a 2.5 rounded up. I LOVE a self-contained story, and with the modern leaning towards sequels on sequels on reboots, I find it utterly refreshing when there is a distinct beginning and an end. By no means am I the creator of these characters, and if Reid feels they have more to say, then she's the final say so! But ultimately, I was not quite sure of the why - why was this written? Why did she change her mind? Why did we get more from these characters?

Not that this book contained no redeeming qualtiies, in fact there were plenty. As always, Ava Reid's grasp on prose is utterly gorgeous and I would read her grocery list if she gave me the privilege. Reading more of the love between Preston and Ava was sweet, and the lore of the setting is captivating. What lost me was the listlessness of the plot of this book. In A Study in Drowning, we are told the story of a girl devoted to her stories slowly learn that everything she knows was a lie, and the slow collapse of her heroes as reality settles in and she takes control of her life. In this book we have... a dream world? Even more falsehoods? For me, the story just doesn't really stand on its own, rather it is running on the fumes that were set up in the first. That being said, I have no doubts I will be leaping at the chance to read whatever Reid releases next.

Thank youNetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review!