"If the soul of a nation requires an enemy, then it has no right to exist at all."

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow, I have so much to say about this book! Effy and Preston are back at university after the events of A Study of Drowning. While Effy is dealing with the burden of her reality, Preston is slowly losing himself to his dreams.

This book touches on themes of sexism, nationalism and war, mental health struggles and recovery, and the sacrifices of love. The writing is just as beautiful as the first book and the ending of this duology definitely made me cry. PLEASE read this book!

✨ 2 Stars ✨

I really am struggling with this review! I loved A Study in Drowning, I loved the writing, the academia, the use of study and inquiry to dismantle beliefs, but the follow up just didn't leave as much of a mark.

My biggest issue with this book was the pacing, it was just so slow. I have been cruising through books and this one put me in a bit of a slump. Preston's POVs were interesting, but I just couldn't grasp why if he was so in love with Effy, why he wasn't telling her anything (and SPOILER literally never ended up telling her anything) the whole book. Effy did the same, it was just not as captivating as the first.

I also am still so confused why there was even a war? The resolution of that fell short for me as well.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for the eARC ✨

3.5 ⭐️

A Theory of Dreaming picks up where A Study in Drowning ends. Preston and Effy now are facing down the repercussions of unearthing knowledge.

This one leaves being the whimsical, gothic, romantic world from the first book and are thrust into a sharper, more political descent into madness. This book delves more into the countries histories and whether or not magic exists. But it’s not heavy on the magic, more so on the stress/exhaustion/depressive induced escapism.


I think that the stories could have flowed together better and kept the softness and consistency the first book had. This one felt like i was being told 4 different stories in one and it made it not as enjoyable of a read. You can expect the beautiful writing of Ava Reid from this but I think A Study in Drowning could have easily been a standalone.



Thank you Netgalley, Harper Collins, and of course Ava Reid for the opportunity to review this story.

We're back with more magical elements and mystery, this time led mostly by Preston. Effy was a slight disappointment here, most of the book she gave into weakness and intimidation, but after remembering what she went through in the first book I could understand; but that doesn't mean I didn't wish her stronger. Preston's love and devotion for her carried this one for me, he too was going through his own difficulties but was still trying hard to be present and caring. Both of them needed to be more honest with each other though, after book one you would think they could have an open discussion as to what was going on with Preston and the underwater palace. The mystery of another Sleeper being found to not be all their work was interesting as well and I wish Effy had been able to do more to uncover it even further, there were so many questions and speculations to things that we didn't really get answered. Overall it did wrap up nicely but I did wish for maybe a longer epilogue or a slightly different one than what we got, it was nice but a bit unsatisfying to me.

First things first—huge thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for blessing me with an ARC of Ava Reid's A Theory of Dreaming! ✨

Alright, besties, buckle up because this book was an absolute fever dream—in the best way possible. Ava Reid's writing is so hypnotic and lush; every sentence felt like falling deeper into a hauntingly beautiful dream world. The vibes? Immaculate. Dark academia meets psychological thriller, with a sprinkle of eerie fairytale magic.

The characters were complex, messy, and heartbreakingly real. Preston and Effy's relationship was such an emotional rollercoaster—beautifully messy, intense, and full of raw vulnerability. Watching them navigate their struggles and fears together added a depth that had me fully invested. Effy, in particular, was someone I deeply connected with; her internal battles, anxiety, and constant questioning of her own reality resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Seeing her journey of self-discovery felt both painful and validating—honestly, her struggles felt like holding up a mirror to my own experiences.

Preston, too, hit me right in the feels. His struggles with self-worth, pressure to succeed, and the weight of expectations reminded me of the burdens many of us quietly carry. His vulnerability and authenticity made his character incredibly relatable and easy to root for.

I was living (and occasionally sobbing) for their journey. Honestly, my emotions are still processing the stunning twists and THAT ending—I might need therapy, thanks Ava!

This isn't just a book; it's an EXPERIENCE. If you love stories that leave you questioning reality long after the final page, you NEED this on your TBR.

Five dreamy, starry-eyed stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Ava Reid officially owns my soul.

Thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins Children's Books for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. Sadly, I DNF'ed at 20% of the way through.

I really loved the first one so I'm not sure went wrong here!

The academic drama was kinda dull and overall it just lost its spooky mystery atmosphere from the first one. Preston's POV should have been great but he was dull as rocks. Maybe in the future I'll re-read the first one and try to finish this one but it was a bummer. I don't think it really needed a sequel.

5⭐

This has to be the most emotion Ava Reid book I've ever read! She did not like when she said that this book made her cry while writing it. I cried like a baby while reading it and it still haunts me. This was more of Preston's book and I love how we explored his background and current situation. Their struggles and differences not seeping through their romance was my most favourite part of the book. They're in reality, some of the strongest characters ever written about and I love the new cast so much! Can't wait to read more by Ava Reid!

Ava Reid does it again in book two. I love this series. I love these characters I love the writing. How is no one talking about this?

When I first heard A Study in Drowning was getting a sequel, I was a little hesitant: the book ended in a really satisfying way and I couldn't think of how the author could continue it. After all the first book was one of my favorite books I've read this year, and maybe read...ever. To paraphrase the first book, it was a lighthouse for a girl that needed it. That girl being me and so many others that connected with the message about being silenced and made small.

And also...What was left for Effy and Preston to do?

Quite a lot, as it turned out actually.

I'm pleasantly surprised and relieved to say that this sequel very much justifies its existence: the prose is still heartbreaking and gut punching. The descriptions are just as dark, moody, and gothic as you like. The final ending here was satisfying. The first book didn't NEED a sequel, but I'm glad it got one.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this early copy in exchange for my honest review!

Ava Reid can do no wrong. A THEORY OF DREAMING is just as gorgeously gripping and ethereal as its predecessor. But this time, the stakes somehow feel even higher for our favorite duo. Beautifully done.

This is a review I just hate to post.


I loved the first book in this series but this second was just way off the mark.

I felt like there were so many plot holes. My biggest issue is several statements that were made about Effy missing the fairy king. How?! She was made to be terrified of him in the first so it makes no sense that she misses the comfort of seeing him. Also I could not stand how her and Preston were never on the same page. It makes no sense that Effy admitted to experiencing magical things in the first with Preston not believing her and then him NEVER mentioning anything that happens to him in the entire book. Why would you not tell the one person who wouldn’t think you were crazy? Also Effy having a drug addiction was just poorly done. It was frustrating how she was written to be such a weak main character when she overcame a lot of that in the first. And it doesn’t make sense that she is just magically better after her trip into the hospital. I was so excited for this book but it just missed the mark for me.

2.75

This was…okay? I’m very unsure of how I feel about this. The continuation of the story feels a little unnecessary to me. I do always like the atmosphere that Ava Reid creates, but I don’t know that this story was strong enough to live up to it. The inclusion of Preston’s POV could have been interesting, and it did help to break up the very bleak tone of Effy’s storyline, but I don’t feel like he had very much to say. It was very frustrating reading about these two main characters who are supposedly deeply in love withhold SO much from each other. They both separately have magical experiences, Effy in the prior book and now Preston in this, but they don’t communicate about it at all? Effy has no clue what Preston goes through this whole book and that just doesn’t make much sense to me. I kept waiting for their stories to converge, and they just never did. This really had a ton of potential, but it fell pretty flat for me unfortunately. Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for this free eARC in exchange for an honest review which has already been posted to Goodreads.

Ava Reid strikes again with A Theory of Dreaming. This sequel to A Study in Drowning takes the reader back to the fantastical world of Effy and Preston. Much to my delight, this book had more prominent tones of dark academia with the book taking place at their university, Caer-Isel.

A Theory of Dreaming dives right back into the world, exploring the aftermath of Effy’s and Preston’s published paper from the end of A Study in Drowning. This book cleverly tackles many prevalent topics, such as personal identity as Effy and Preston return back to their everyday life at university, and escapism as the burdens accumulate in their lives. Reid explores different ways that people escape from reality as Preston and Eddy each utilize a different method of coping. Lastly, A Theory of Dreaming explores more of a focus on the ever-present political conflict between Argant and Llyr. In the wake of our current world today, this felt like an important portrayal of the effects that this conflict and ingrained prejudice affects the everyday life at the individual level.

Overall, A Theory of Dreaming is a great sequel that every lover of A Study in Drowning should read.

Thank you to NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book.

I liked this one much better than the first book since it had the dark academia setting I was looking for. I liked the take on propaganda and challenging the status quo. I think it went on a little too long and I found myself getting bored and just waiting for it to wrap up by the end. I liked the relationship between Effy and Preston and how it built in the first one but wish we could have seen more of their relationship deepening in this one.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to Harper Collins for sending me an ARC. A Study in Drowning is one of my all-time favorite books, and this sequel did not disappoint! I’m so very glad Ava Reid decided to continue the story through Preston 🔔

This book presents many dichotomies for consideration: Faith vs. Non-belief, Folklore vs. Academia, Truth & Lies, Feminine vs. Masculine, and most importantly, Dreams vs. Real Life. It's a really captivating exploration of all of those elements, without overwhelming the reader or being too on the nose. The setting is so immersive, it's so easy to feel like you're right there along with the characters. I also love that Reid expanded on Rhia and Lotto's characters as mirrors to Effy and Preston, they add so much to this story.

This nook is simply beautiful - from Preston’s underwater dreamscape, to both his and Effy’s personal growth, their romance, the poetry, and the true story of The Sleepers.

A must-read duology in my opinion!

Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this one early!

I really loved Ava Reid's book A Study in Drowning last year, so I was so excited to find out that there would be a sequel--preordered it and everything. And then I saw it up come up on netgalley, so I crossed my fingers and requested it...and I got it! I then proceeded to devour the whole book in a single morning. I loved it--it's more of the same from the first book. It's sad and sweet and acknowledges the reality of mental illness. One thing I love about Ava's work is that she doesn't feel the need to wrap everything up with a pretty bow--not everything is going to end up perfect, but as long as it's satisfying and hopeful, that's all I need. Would absolutely recommend this anyone who loves fantasy.

I received an eARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review--all opinions are entirely my own.

Firstly, the writing is lovely as well as the cover. Though mainly I enjoyed seeing how the characters interacted with eachother. It allows a more in depth understanding of the characters themselves and who they interacted with.
The conflicts between the main character Preston and Effy honeslty seems real. Since those characters are young they aren't going to be the best at communication with eachother. So I think the miscommunication trope was done well.
I enjoyed the interactions between Preston and the professor. It was interesting how that last interaction, between the two of them, in the book seems like an open interpretation. I liked to think that the professor was a father figure to Preston but I am more of a hopeful person.
The general vibe of the book felt like cozy academia which I enjoyed and felt like it was done well. I definitely would recommend this to anyone that enjoys cozy reads!

“Whatever faults I might have—and I have plenty—just know that I think of you, always. My mind is never empty of you. Not in waking; not even in dreaming.”

Wow, what a lovely conclusion to this duology! This book focuses more on Preston but we still get Effy’s POV which was a treat. I think Ava did really well tackling some of the issues left open ended in ASID and I believe these were handled with care. Preston and Effy both struggle with belonging and allowing themselves to be a burden rather than trudging through alone but it was also an important way for them to grow and find themselves. ATOD beautifully weaved fantasy and reality and I loved that dreams were a realm between the two. Water still plays a large part in this book and I appreciated all the vivid imagery. I’ll leave you with this:

“So runs this tale, like a stream into the sea…not to fade, but to change and to be free.”

A Theory in Dreaming is the amazing sequel to The Art of Drowning and I just want to live in these stories forever. The world is so beautifully built, and I just want to hop right in.

I really wanted to like this one. I hated to love A Study in Drowning because Ava has a way to get me completely obsessed with a the dark and gorgeous atmosphere but then I struggle to appreciate, personally, the character development. I was not fond of the repetitive low regard that Effy had to go through yet again with her peers. I think ASID should have been left as a standalone. Sadly this was not as enjoyable but I would still recommend the first on its own because the ambiance alone is one to experience.