I wasn't expecting Book #2, but I was happy to see it in NetGalley.

In her foreword, the author, Ava Reid, says there was never meant to be a book two but she caved due to the popularity of A Study in Drowning (Book #1) and outrage over its cliffhanger ending. I immediately thought that wasn't a good sign.

Ava Reid is an excellent writer, and her atmospheric, moody writing is a treat, but Book #2 was a miss for me.

Things I liked:
-the fantasy world (already built in A Study in Drowning (Book #1))
-the imagery
-the vocabulary that contributes to the above points and dark academic vibes
-the *potential* for a dark yet cozy story with Effy and Preston and, potentially, their friends.
-the many issues the characters had to confront (the war and prejudice, the aftermath/stigma/trauma of assault, school politics, academic competition, injustice, etc. )

Things I did not like (without spoilers):
-Um, where was the story? (Maybe the book was rushed?)
-The lack of communication that is never remedied.
-Preston and Effy's relationship and Effy's struggles.
-Lancelot, aka Lotto, lacks character development. The author writes about how loveable he is in her foreword and how she hopes we love him. How are we supposed even to know him when she only TELLS us (not shows us), very scant details and never rounds him out as a character?
-the heaviness of the many issues the characters had to confront (the war and prejudice, the aftermath/stigma/trauma of assault, school politics, academic competition, injustice, etc. )

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing me with a digital review copy.

4.5⭐️

Thanks to Netgallet and HarperCollins for the arc💕

I almost cried at the end because of how beautiful the book was—the epilogue was short but incredibly emotional.

I was afraid this book wouldn’t live up to my expectations, especially since I loved the first one. But Ava did it again. This book was magical—it makes you fall in love with love and with magic.

The way Preston loves Effy is just too beautiful.
They’re both my precious babies, and I will love and protect them until the end of the earth.

A Theory of Dreaming was a novel that lingers like the memory of a half-forgotten dream: its edges blurred, yet its emotions sharp and inescapable. Ava has crafted a world where dreams and reality tangle together, and at its heart is the mesmerizing, heartbreaking connection between Effy and Preston. Their relationship was raw and aching, a dance between yearning and self-destruction. Watching them try so desperately to care for each other while being trapped by their own self-criticism was agonizing in the most beautiful way.

Preston’s ability to walk in his dreams (?) was one of the most intriguing aspects of the novel; considering the title of the book I would hope so. The way he moves through the fabric of his dreams, stepping into a world that is entirely his own creation full of his greatest happiness and fears, adds an intoxicating, almost surreal atmosphere to the story. That being said, I did find myself craving more depth in <i>how</i> he was able to do it. While the lack of explanation added to the air of magic, it felt a little too convenient for a novel so embedded with purpose.

And then there’s Effy! My queen, someone I want to protect so earnestly. Effy, who feels like an embodiment of the way women have fought for the right to be heard. Through her, Reid captures the quiet, insistent power of a voice that refuses to be swallowed by expectation or doubt. Watching Effy struggle to claim herself, to push back against the forces that would rather her be insignificant, was one of the most gut wrenching aspects of the book.

Reid’s writing is, as always, was vivid and lyrical, wrapping around me in what felt like a fever dream. A Theory of Dreaming is a novel that aches—with love, with longing, with the desperate need to be seen. Even with its small imperfections, it’s a story that will haunt me in the best way.

4.5 stars!

Thank you Harper Collins & NetGalley for giving me an eARC to read in advance!

3-3.5 ⭐️

This is a story about the power of dreams in helping us escape our difficult realities, but the danger in leaning into this too much—trying to escape rather than truly living.

Honestly, I breathed a sigh of relief when I finally finished this story. To clarify, it wasn’t bad by any means…it was just heavy. The tone of the entire book was just really dreary and depressing. There were no small moments of comedic relief and not enough romance to soften it or lighten it up. It was in Dual POV and we expect Effy to continue to struggle with her mental health (since she already did in the first book) as she navigates being the first woman in a college that does not value her voice, but we didn’t get any break from this in Preston’s chapters either because he was really struggling too (between grieving the death of his father, the discrimination he faces as an Argantian, his love and concern for Effy, and the shifting of his world views). This resulted in the book feeling very tiresome overall. By the time it ended, I felt a bit weary. Though, at least it does end on a more hopeful note.

Perhaps it’s an odd comparison, but Preston’s obsession with truth, logic, and rationality as a way to make sense of his world and then him beginning to question everything he thought he knew reminded me a bit of Javert (from Les Miserables) , who was so obsessed with justice and the notion of good versus bad as a way to understand his world, that it shattered him to be confronted with Valjean, who was a shade of gray in what Javert had seen in as a black and white system/world , ultimately leading Javert to madness and despair and a tragic end as he questioned his outlook on the world and all he knew to be true. Similarly, Preston’s mind was shattering in this book as his entire worldview is shaken and he is forced to reckon with the unexplainable and unknown.

The little romance that there was in this book felt unconvincing to me. After the first book, I thought they seemed good together, but in this one, I was questioning that. I felt like I was told they love each other, but I really wasn’t given much to make me FEEL or believe the love between them. The interactions we got were mostly them shutting each other out, not communicating well, not being very attuned to each other’s struggles, and worrying about whether or not they actually deserve each other. Ultimately, I was a bit frustrated with them as individuals and as a couple. I had a hard time believing they were good together or that they were actually in love in this one.

Like ASID, this book is atmospheric with dark academia vibes and features lyrical writing and allegory. It features another literary mystery (though, admittedly, I was invested in the mystery in the first book a bit more because of its significance to Effy). It covers heavy themes such as institutionalized sexism, anxiety and depression, xenophobia and nationalism, bigotry and discrimination, abuse of power in an academic setting, and in my option probably should have had trigger warnings for: substance misuse and overdose, attempted suicide, and incestuous SA (or at least that’s what seemed to be implied in Antonia’s diary entries…but perhaps I misinterpreted that? Seems a bit dark for YA). Maybe I am not giving teens/young adults enough credit, but this book seems perhaps more suited to an older, more mature audience than “YA” would suggest. It feels a bit heavy, mature, and a bit lofty for “YA”, in my opinion.

I do want to say that I appreciated the mental illness representation…as a therapist, I will say that this book had probably the most accurate portrayal of severe depression that I’ve read so far (often, depression rep in books is just the character being stuck in a rut or feeling down for a while and is generally fairly mild, but in this one it was actually debilitating to Effy, made her feel like a burden, and affected her sleep, energy, motivation, personal hygiene, as well as her functioning in school and in her relationships.) It was just a lot to be stuck in it for the entire book from both POVs. (Though, I guess that may be part of the point….how anxiety and depression can both feel crushing and inescapable to those experiencing it?)

Anyway, I guess I am glad that I read it to be able to have more of a conclusion to Effy and Preston’s story and to have gotten to learn more about some of the areas that felt under explored in the first book (such as the war and the sleepers), but it is not one that I think I would want to read again because it’s just too depressing and heavy for me to consider it “enjoyable” to read. I would consider it pretty profound though. It does make you think about how fantasy can be a buffer against the harshness of reality and how in our most desperate times, the lines between real and unreal can blur as we lean on escapism and dissociation. I also really appreciated the author’s note at the beginning!

Thank you to Ava Reid, NetGalley, and Harper Collin’s Children’s for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins Childrens Books for providing me with an eARC of A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid in exchange for an honest review!

Not all books need a sequel. Ava Reid’s writing is so beautiful but this book fell short for me. I felt myself getting into a book slump while reading this because I found it to be lacking a lot of what I enjoyed in A Study in Drowning. Unfortunately, this book wasn’t my favorite. The writing was beautiful, but it was just lacking the world building I was hoping it would have. The ending was the only thing that really helped my decision to rate the book a little higher.

3.5 ☆'s thank you netgalley for the ARC!!
"The real world was breaking apart under his feet, and his fantasy, his dream, was surging up in its place."

A Study in Drowning is one of my favorite books so I was super excited to go into this sequel, especially because the cover art and title are stunning! Like many other reviewers stated, this book dives more into xenophobia, nationalism, and escapism. I admire Ava Reid's beautiful pose as usual, this one in particular due to the mystical aquatic vibes.

"The realm of magic and myth, where stories are birthed by sea nymphs and then floated up to the surface, given over to the real world like changeling children, to be found by believers and washed up ashore."

"And her dress-a floaty, delicate mesh of sky blue and pale pink, shimmering in subtle, clever places between the folds of fabric. It looked like sea-foam, like the ocean at dawn. It was as if she had come right out of the water, a mermaid with her tail magicked away, taking her first steps to shore."

I just love the atmosphere of this book!! If you are familiar with Susanna Clarke's Piranesi, you will enjoy this book due to the setting. Adding on, Preston and Effy's romance strengthens as they overcome obstacles together, and have the sweetest resolution. Preston is such a green flag <3]

My reasoning for not rating this book higher is due to me not enjoying it as much as ASID. I'm not sure if it was my mood at this time or the plot itself, but I was not hooked despite it containing all my favorite aspects.

I’ve been sitting with this one for a moment before writing this review, because while I enjoyed A Theory of Dreaming, something about it didn’t hit quite as hard as A Study in Drowning. I loved getting a Preston POV. I loved that we got a more academic setting. I loved the themes of xenophobia, privilege, and power— and of course the continuing themes of how women are perceived and treated by men. I’m so glad we got a sequel because healing from trauma and abuse is such a long and fraught journey and does not necessarily end when you slay your demons.
There was just something missing for me. When it comes down to it, I’m not sure why what’s happening is happening. The magic in the world has always felt vague, which makes sense, as many people don’t believe in magic anyway. But I was just a bit confused as to what prompted a lot of the central plot.
I spent most of the book waiting for the other shoe to drop— waiting for something drastic to happen and it took long enough that when things got drastic, it didn’t have quite the effect I was expecting. I really liked this book, it just felt like it was missing that same spark that A Study in Drowning made me feel. If you loved A Study in Drowning, you absolutely have to read a Theory of Dreaming!

5⭐

A Theory of Dreaming had to be Ava Reid's most emotional book written till now! I loved it so much that I COULD NOT put it down at all and stayed up late at night to finish it.

This book perfectly concluded the series. The first book had an ominous ending and this one truly gave the duology a perfect ending.

It was overall very emotional with everything that happened to the cast of characters --- especially Preston and Effy who deserve better than the world has to offer. Their romance was a bit sidelined because it was already developed but that did not mean that Preston would not get jealous.

Overall, it was an emotional and politically intriguing book which covers heavy themes and prospects.

I enjoyed A Study in Drowning very much and was looking forward to this sequel so I could see what happens with Effy and Preston. A Study in Drowning has so much going for it and I thought there would be more of the same in A Theory of Dreaming. Unfortunately, the book was a miss for me.

I'm not sure what happened, because all the elements I like in a novel are there. I was excited for the gothic, dark academia, YA romantasy vibes. However, the book moved slowly and I had to really push to finish. The book seemed quite long for a book where really not much happens.

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for a digital ARC in return for my honest opinion.

‘A Theory of Drowning’ is a haunting and beautifully written conclusion to the dark academia duology that began with ‘A Study in Drowning’. The first book of this duo was easily a 4 star read for me. But the second book takes the cake and actually easily became a 5 star read. This sequel will truly sweep you off your feet.

The story takes Effy and Preston on a perilous final adventure, as the consequences of their earlier actions plunge them into a world of shifting dreams and dark forces, forcing them to confront the truths of their own selves.

The lush, dreamlike prose that defined the first book continues here and better than ever as the characters grapple with fate, legacy, theirselves and their love. With its exploration of identity, self-worth, and the danger of chasing one's dreams too fervently. This book was truly phenomenal and well worth the read. And epic and bittersweet conclusion to a love story marked by both beauty and tragedy that will leave you thinking about it long after the book is finished.

Welllllll that was disappointing. I struggled with reading A Theory of Dreaming. I’d read a couple of pages and get frustrated with the characters and have to put it down. It seemed like all the character growth from Effy went out the window. Ultimately I had to DNF.

DNF @ 66%. If I don't like it by now, it won't be for me.

This is sad to report given that I did really enjoy 'A Study in Drowning'. However, this sequel was a slog and was borderline painful to pick up each time. Both characters transformed from likeable to borderline unbearable. All of the progress and growth made in book one was seemingly erased. I hate miscommunication tropes and that seems to be the core "plot" here. That being said, I do still think 'A Study in Drowning' is a strong book, albeit as a standalone.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this eARC!

I really enjoyed A Study in Drowning so I was excited to read A Theory of Dreaming!

As with all of the Ava Reid books I have read, this one is well written with well done continued character development. A look into their internal struggles during turbulent times. This book seems to continue where A Study in Drowning left off for Effie. I will admit this one started a little slow for me but then about 30% in it picked up. This book is way more political then the first so if that is not your thing then this book may not be what you thought it would be. As for me the politics are what helped pick this story up for me. Politics was definitely touched upon in the first book but in this one it stands front and center. In todays political climate that may make or break it for some. For me it was a plus!

As in A Study in Drowning, Ava Reid's writing is beautiful and lyrical as she creates a world that blends reality and fantasy. I enjoyed learning more about these characters and getting more insight into Preston's character. While I felt A Study in Drowning was the stronger book and had more of an impact, this was still a beautiful second book to continue Effy and Preston's story.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

4.5

Ava Reid delivers a sequel that is just as haunting and poetic as A Study in Drowning, but for me, A Theory of Dreaming was even more powerful. I found it easier to understand, yet its impact lingered long after I turned the final page. This story explores the thin veil between reality and the unknown, questioning who gets to define truth and whose voices are erased in the process.

Reid’s prose is stunning, filled with lines that feel like quiet revelations:

"I had not known that the seam of the world was not between the living and the dead, but rather between the real and the unknown."

The novel grapples with power, how it endures, who it protects, and what illusions it relies on. The idea that “A king can reign a thousand years from a castle built on clouds” is both a reflection on the fragility of authority and a critique of systems upheld by belief rather than truth. But unlike kings, girlhood is not afforded such stability. “If only girlhood were such a kingdom. Nothing would ever change.” The novel doesn’t just explore this imbalance, it forces the reader to sit with it.

Beyond gender and power, Reid also weaves in a sharp critique of nationalism, particularly in the idea that “If the soul of a nation requires an enemy, then it has no right to exist at all.” The book questions whether identity, whether personal, political, or historical, should be built on opposition rather than truth.

While A Study in Drowning was deeply atmospheric, A Theory of Dreaming felt clearer, sharper, and more profound. It left me thinking long after I finished, and for that, I can’t help but love it.

“I would love you even if it was killing me slowly. Even if it ruined me.”
This sequel did in fact ruin me in the best way!!! 4.5

Ava Reid is back again with another hauntingly beautiful gothic story “A Theory of Dreaming.” Continuing with the dark academia setting, “A Theory of Dreaming” follows Effy and Preston as they return to their academic pursuits, with Effy enrolling in the literature college as the first woman to do so. In this sequel, they face new challenges: Effy faces societal expectations and the pressure to succeed, while Preston experiences vivid dreams of a submerged palace, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

I don’t know what it is, but I love learning about dreams so I found the setting of this novel really interesting. Ava Reid has a lyrical writing style that is both poetic and thought-provoking. Her stories typically have an eerie and mysterious vibe that adds to the reading experience. The world-building is unique, dreamlike, and atmospheric. As we witness Preston experience a world between dreaming and waking, we see how dreams can almost shape reality.

I love Effy and Preston so much!! The characters are multi-dimensional as we witness them struggle with identity and self-perception. I found this sequel a lot deeper than “A Study in Drowning” as it contains heavier topics: trauma, healing, and mental health, but Ava Reid handles each topic beautifully. Throughout the book, Reid challenges the reader to question the nature of reality and how our minds shape our perceptions of the world. We learn a lot more about Preston’s character which I really enjoyed because we get to witness his struggles that help to identify who he really is.

I sometimes get nervous with sequels, but I found that I enjoyed this as much as the first book. I did find the pacing slow at times, but I think this sequel was a great end to Effy & Preston’s story, although I am selfish and just want more of them!!

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for this arc <3

Thank you to the publisher for an arc of this book.

This was my last shot at Ava Reid books. I thought a study in drowning was ok and unlike anything I had read before. I arc read a fable for the end of the world and liked it a lot more but it didn’t sink its claws into me. So I thought I’d try one last time with an arc of this book. While I enjoy the plot and the characters, there’s just something about her books that I can’t force myself to fully care about what happens and I grow bored. The writing is beautiful and the themes are deep, but I just can’t immerse myself. I think that this is just not the author for me, but I can see why readers love her books.

what a perfect, emotional, and devastating squeal. The romance in this book was literally everything it was absolutely perfect! They cared about one another so much they would literally do anything to make sure the other one was safe. A theory of dreaming really dives into the issues of the media and its power. It shows the beliefs people hold onto to push aside the harsh and real reality. Overall the story was beautifully written and I’m saddened to have to say goodbye to these wonderful characters and their beautiful story,

This was one of my anticipated reads and I always wondered more about Effy and Preston after everything so was so thrilled when a sequel was announced! I love Ava Reid’s prose and the way she creates so eerie and beautiful settings and this was no different! Loved the kind of mystery aspect and loved seeing more of Preston! Will add to our library anything Ava Reid writes!