I know full well that I, too, would hate that stupid formalist class and its sentiments...for the last time, literature doesn't exist in a void.

A Theory of Dreaming is the sequel to A Study in Drowning, and I think I might be in the minority that preferred it slightly more than the original. I think that the first book could act as a standalone if you had no intention of continuing the series, as many of the themes are the same and the second book doesn't do much to resolve issues from book one as much as it creates new issues to address. However, if you enjoyed book one and would like to see more of the characters, I would encourage you to check this one out too.
Effy and Preston knew that their discoveries regarding Myrddin and Angharad would be questioned during their return to the literature college, but they underestimated how aggressive hostilities would become. This book features Preston's POV (in third-person) in addition to Effy's, which helps to keep the plot moving...especially because it seems that there are two different main plots for each POV character. Effy is trying to adjust to the literary college and the drama surrounding her past; Preston becomes involved in his adviser's eccentric schemes and must also deal with the racist sentiments of his classmates. I think the pacing was a bit slower in some respects, but I think there was a higher level of tension than in the first book. Some of the creepy vibes have been replaced by more academic and historical aesthetics, so it is a bit of a tonal shift from book one. Also, the themes are relatively similar (female authorship, elitist academia, not believing survivors, etc) to the first book, but at least this time, the racism/nationalism was actually addressed - and in a way that felt relevant, too. I think the one twist was kind of predictable, and the end was underwhelming, but I think I just enjoyed the academia vibes mixed with the mild mysteries.
Again, the story primarily focuses on Effy and Preston. Rhia makes a return and gets a bit more page time, but she's mostly irrelevant to the plot. The same goes for Lotto (Preston's roommate, who serves a bit as a deus ex machina at times) and Maisie. Southey is just Draco Malfoy, and Gosse, while intriguing at times, was also kind of underwhelming in his arc. Effy definitely improved from book one, and her struggles with mental health and acceptance from her peers were realistic and relatable in many ways. Her conflicts were more mundane than Preston's, which made her POVs a bit slower, in my opinion. I also thought her arc was a bit odd, given the developments of the previous book. Preston's chapters were a bit more interesting because they dealt with the fantasy elements of the story. I liked his character and the struggles he faced, although I still feel like we know very little about his backstory. The romance mostly developed in book one, so the most we saw here was a mild miscommunication that didn't really affect the plot; it just led to a bit of a disconnect between the stories of the two characters.
A Theory of Dreaming is a worthwhile addition to the A Study in Drowning duology, and fans of the series will enjoy the extra time spent with Effy and Preston as they deal with the aftermath of the previous book in the form of elitist academia.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!

4/5

Just as rich and enchanting as the first book. I enjoyed the perspectives of both characters and very much appreciate the deep inner thoughts and struggles portrayed in each person. Part of what makes so much of this story believable and relatable are the real anxieties and emotions experienced throughout the story interwoven with the soft magic system that keeps you wondering just how much is real vs imagined. Ava has become one of my favorite and most anticipated authors and I would highly recommend this book for anyone that wants relatable characters, a magical story, academia vibes, and just the right amount of fantasy.

3.5 ⭐️

I had no idea that there was going to be a sequel to A Study in Drowning, so when I saw this, I was so excited. While I loved jumping back into this story and getting more time with the characters, this book just didn’t live up to the first. The first book was so unique with its combination of disturbing and whimsical elements, but that seemed to be missing this time around. The plot wasn’t as focused and the stakes weren’t as high. There was more focus on each characters internal struggles, while interesting and poignant at first, the repetition paired with a lack of communication between the two, got a little tiring. I wished the magical elements from the first book were a bit more prominent in this one and that the overall plot was a bit more compelling. The writing was lovely, as per usual, but I finished feeling slightly underwhelmed.

A Theory of Dreaming picks up after A Study in Drowning, but rather than build towards a climactic ending it maintains a relative slow, thoughtful but often depressing pace. Ava Reid’s writing is eloquent, purposeful and intelligent, heavy on the social commentary on twisting and propagandizing of historic literature —is on point and timely.

There isn’t so much a plot to speak of, with little tension and mystery - the ending is going to be pretty easy to guess for anyone paying attention. There is a dark atmospheric setting, but with almost no alleviating breaks from the internalized unhappiness for both main characters (why don’t they talk to each other??) it made it difficult to stay engaged. I found myself feeling sorry for Effy and being incredibly irritated by her in equal proportions. Overall, hard to like, but easy to appreciate its creativity and form.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for a free copy in exchange for honest feedback.

Thank you Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Anyone who knows me knows that I cannot sing enough praises for A Study in Drowning. It is one of my favorite books in recent memory, and a book that I connected with so deeply emotionally. I love Effy and Preston dearly, and at the end of the day I am just incredibly grateful that this sequel came to be so that we could have more time with them. Ava Reid’s prose is, as always, stunning and impressive in its ability to create such a tangible atmosphere and articulate the feelings of our characters in such a beautiful and heartwrenching way. Reid’s prose will always keep me coming back read whatever she writes regardless of genre, but I think that she is at her best in this duology style wise.

I did find that the plot for this book felt more unfocused and difficult to track compared to its predecessor. In ASID, it felt like we had a very clear goal and endpoint as the plot progressed (what’s the deal with Myrrdin’s manor? Was he the true author of Angharad? and so on, we had very clear questions that Effy and Preston were trying to answer). I think that, by dividing our perspectives between Effy and Preston, the plot also felt a bit divided and lacking the stakes that I felt when reading ASID. I could tell there was a developing mystery, but it was difficult to figure out why/how it would happen. There was enough intrigue to keep me reading, and I think the emotional story of Effy and Preston’s relationship persevering through the hardships they’re facing was moving, but the story of the Sleepers and the underwater world Preston is trying to untangle, and the story Effy is interrogating didn’t feel interconnected enough to seem like there was an actual plot there. The goals of our characters just didn’t feel as clear. I think perhaps having this book be dedicated to only Preston’s POV would’ve helped it feel much more focused and quicken the pace, though I understand why Reid wanted to show Effy dealing with the aftermath of ASID. It was just at the detriment of the actual plot of the book unfortunately.

Overall though I still loved this book very much and am so glad that this sequel even exists. Effy and Preston are so dear to me, and I will cherish them for a long long time.

I absolutely adore this duology, While, I preferred A Study in Drowning, I enjoyed seeing more of Effy and Preston and their world of literary hero’s or rather heroines. The atmospheric setting is immaculate. This is a perfect rainy summer day read. The themes in this duology are so important to me. My favorite thing about Effy and Preston is how pure their love is for each other. I love that Effy is incredibly insightful and intelligent and that one of her biggest advantages is that she is unassuming. Effy’s struggle to exist with one foot in reality and one foot in fantasy is something that profoundly resonates with me and Preston’s love and acceptance, his gentle reverence of her is a reminder that even if you are someone who doesn’t feel like you belong in this world; there is always someone who feels you belong in their’s.

The story’s themes of revealing truths that have been buried in order to oppress and control and giving a voice to women and others who have had their own silenced is a powerful story and one that is deeply vital. I appreciate the depths of both Effy’s and Preston’s characters and that together they illicit change through scholarship and the pursuit of truth. I think we all have an Angharad and like Effy, I think that’s how many of us survive.

Overall, this was a 4 star read for me, but the duology itself is a 4.7. I’m anticipating the release of An Archive of Romance in December! I’ve also added Possession by A.S. Byatt to my ever growing TBR as Ava Reid said in her acknowledgments it was “perhaps the biggest single influence” on this duology.

If you are someone who values stories more than anything and feels that knowing the truth of something is worth everything this is a must read.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

Ava Reid is a must-read, must-buy author for me. Her writing is always stunning, and her books consistently feature beautiful covers and decorative edges. Can't wait to buy my book trophy of this one!

This book is a sequel to A Study in Drowning, which I loved, and I'm giving this one 4.25 stars. I especially appreciated the thoughtful representation of mental health through Effy's character. Reid also tackles heavier themes, including discrimination based on race and nationality, as explored through Preston's experiences. Effy and Preston’s connection felt pure and wholesome, even as they navigated the harsh realities of academia during wartime. I really enjoyed the dream world Preston created; it was fascinating to see how he processed grief through interactions with his father. The portrayal of found family among their roommates and friends added warmth, showing how they supported one another in times of need. Professor Gosse’s true motives were finally revealed, adding tension and resolution to the story. I found the ending satisfying—despite expecting a darker twist, the conclusion of Effy and Preston’s relationship felt earned and heartfelt. The resolution involving Angharad at the college and then also the conclusion of the Sleeper Museum also felt like a fitting wrap-up.

Overall, such a good book!

A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid is an intoxicating and beautifully crafted continuation of the world first introduced in A Study in Drowning. I adored this book just as much as its predecessor, if not more. I was especially eager to understand why Preston could hear the ringing of the bells beneath the sea in the first novel, and following the story through his eyes in this installment is nothing short of brilliant.
Reid’s mastery of character development and world-building continues at a perfect pace. The dream sequences—particularly the palace beneath the sea, where Preston is king—are haunting, lyrical, and utterly mesmerizing. These vivid, surreal moments linger long after the final page.
The narrative doesn’t shy away from difficult themes. Throughout the story, Effy and Preston confront the injustices of academia, unethical school politics, and deeply ingrained societal prejudices, including bullying and exclusion. Yet threaded through all this darkness is a profound celebration of love, friendship, and support—forces strong enough to carry the characters through their trials.
Above all, A Theory of Dreaming is a beautiful work of storytelling. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve already pre-ordered An Archive of Romance, and I can’t wait to return to this world.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Ava Reid for an eARC of A Theory of Dreaming in exchange for an honest review!

I have been SO tired lately that this one took me awhile to get through (all except my audiobooks have). I was so glad to finally have the energy to read this! I was very excited when I got approved for this eARC after reading A Study in Drowning. Revisiting Effy and Preston and getting to see the aftermath of A Study in Drowning and learning more about their friends was informative (I’d love to say fun, but this book covered very heavy topics). So first the things I really enjoyed about this story! Effy had a lot of mental health issues in ASID, and even though the fairy kind was defeated, her mental health issues didn’t magically disappear. I really appreciated the realistic depiction of her struggles. Second- Preston’s reality is shattered at the end of ASID and ATOD really begins to delve into that and how he is handling it. Again, I felt as though this was handled in a realistic manner, and once again appreciated that. This book falls in the Dark Academia genre- so this critique isn’t really valid and doesn’t contribute to my rating, but I do wish the book could have been broken up a tad with some more lighthearted notes just to provide a break from the dreariness. Now into why I felt this was a 4 star read for me! The first 60-70% of the book was really slow, and then the story wrapped up the climax it was building to in 2 chapters. And then the conclusion in another like 2 chapters. I would have lived for the climax to have a bit more conflict and strife. I also would have loved for there to just be a bit more of a conclusion because I still have questions. Though the concluding details that are provided I do appreciate and felt were very fitting! I also would have loved a scene where Effy stands up to her awful mother and puts her in her place- definitely not necessary to the story, but I can’t stand her mom.

I adored ASID and was so so excited to read the sequel. Ava Reid's writing is always so beautiful and sets such a lovely atmosphere, which is did in this book as well as in ASID. However, I found something missing throughout. I'm not sure if it was because so much of the magic and tension in the first book was missing, or if it was a me thing (it's been a while since I read book 1 and perhaps it was a right time and place situation), but I didn't connect as well to the story and kept wondering what was happening exactly. I think in the end I wondered whether the sequel was needed, and while I enjoyed seeing Effy and Preston again, and enjoyed the resolution at the very end, I just didn't connect to this one the way I did with the first book.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book early.

Effy and Preston return to university amid a changing landscape. Effy is now a literature college student, though her classmates are anything but welcoming. The war between Llyr and Argant intensifies. And the truth of Myrddin’s legacy is suppressed by the government. All the while, Preston is dreaming of a kingdom beneath the sea and slowly losing sight of himself and Effy.

Read if you like:
-Reality vs Dreams
-History vs Propaganda
-Love Conquers All

I loved A Study in Drowning and thought it was going to be a tough act to follow, but wow oh wow did Ava Reid say 'hold my beer.' I love A Theory of Dreaming even more than ASID! I did not want to put this book down and simply could not read it fast enough. It is such a beautifully written book. It echos some of the themes of ASID and takes a new look at them, while expanding on the Llyr/Argant divide with such great commentary on all of it.

I love that we got Preston's POV in this book. He is such a tragically romantic MMC.

I can't recommend this duet enough!

Preston heloury is built different. Let’s start there. One of the best book boyfriends ever!!! (so clearly written by a woman)

4.5 stars — this was fabulous and dare I say even better than the first one???? Idk.
The ending? Didn’t love it. But everything else I loved!!!

I find the way Ava reid built the world in this duology is so magical and mystical and I loved it so much. I don’t have much else to say just that I loved it!!!!

Ava Reid continues A Theory of Dreaming with the same gorgeous, lyrical prose that made A Study in Drowning such a standout. The first half of this book completely captivated me—the atmosphere, the tension, and the introspective questions about identity and legacy were gripping.
Unfortunately, around the halfway point, the story began to lose its hold. Both Effy and Preston, characters I previously adored, started to feel like shadows of themselves. Their actions and choices often felt disingenuous or out of step with who they were in the first book, which made it harder for me to stay emotionally invested.
That said, the ending was satisfying and gave a sense of closure to their journey. While this sequel didn’t fully meet my expectations, I still deeply appreciate Reid’s writing and thematic ambition. I’ll absolutely continue to read whatever she writes next—she remains a singular voice in fantasy.

Unfortunately, this book did not do it for me. I felt like the book was lacking direction and I wasn’t ever excited to pick it up. I DNF’d it about halfway through. Maybe someday I’ll return to this book and be able to enjoy it, but that time is not now.

I would love to thank the publisher for gifting me this arc. I really wanted to like this book but it just didn’t deliver for me. The plot fell a flat for me.

Ava Reid is the queen of atmosphere. This time around she paints an underwater world (ironic since the last one had drowning in the title), however the story was not as compelling as the original.

Even though its realistic, its disappointing to see Effy is still as insecure as she was in the first novel. I also think that the split focus on both her and Preston muddied both plot lines, largely taking away from her's. Effy's chapters felt like an interruption, which isn't fair to the mental health journey the character was on. While it's fun to answer the question "where are they now?" I think this story would've been better served remaining a standalone and allowing the reader to fill in those details for themselves.

A solid 4.25 stars and my applause to Ava Reid for her ability to write a beautiful, whimsical, poignant tale of love, lore, politics, magic, and academia that keeps you enthralled from start to finish.

Additional reviews coming on Amazon after release!

I was really looking forward to this after being surprised by how much I enjoyed A Study in Drowning, but this sequel left me feeling underwhelmed. While it picks up where the first book left off, it struggles to find a clear direction. It often feels like something essential is missing, possibly a cohesive plot?!

Effy and Preston are each dealing with their own traumas, but their individual stories feel oddly disconnected rather than intertwined. The story never really gains momentum, making it feel more like a series of scenes than a fully realized continuation.

Reid's beautiful, dreamlike writing still shines through and there are moments of real insight and emotional resonance. Unfortunately, the lack of plot kept me from fully connecting with the story.

Thanks to the author, Netgalley, and HarperCollins for this eARC!

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy of "A Theory of Dreaming". I wanted to start by saying that I truly enjoyed reading this book as well as the first one. I simply could not put this book down; I finished it in a matter of days. The way the words flow together and come off the page and create this magical world is where poetic and touched my heart. I liked how the magical aspect of the story intertwined with some serious real-life issues that two people could come across, especially set there time and world.

Effy was a girl who had been brave and survived so much in the first book, and to have the world she lived in for so long come crashing around her, and not knowing how to handle that. Then throw in the abuse that she got from her family, and not wanting to be a burden. I am not surprised it led to her taking too many of her sleeping pills.

Preston's story was interesting, going from someone who did not believe in magic and was all closed up on his emotions. Find Effy someone who he cares about outside of his family, and he just wants to keep her safe. He couldn't handle it all and escaped to a world in his dream where he could control everything and have it his way. Only for him to realise that he can't live in his dreams. That he needed to be in reality to take care of Effy.

I will say that for a good portion of the book, I did feel like I was reading two separate stories, and it did feel like it was all over the place at point. This did make it hard to follow at times. The author did make it all come together in the end and a happy ending was given.

the writing and crafting of this story is just as beautiful and grim as it was in a study in drowning, just as resonant. just as fairytale-like, but not at all redundant.

i think the introduction of Preston’s POV adds a wonderful juxtaposition to Effys — they come from such different worlds and experience it through such different lenses but they themselves are similar to their core.

anyway, the vibes were vibing. the atmosphere was atmosphering. and the writing was, of course, phenomenal and incredibly captivating.