Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the e-ARC of A Theory of Dreaming!
5 / 5 ⭐
Effy and Preston’s tales continue, the dangers of the academic world no less of a threat than those of Hiraeth Manor from A Study in Drowning. Their experiences are called into question, their motives doubted, their characters slandered, and the machine of the college churns forward, fueled by xenophobia and sexism pretending to be traditional values. Their latest quest for magic falls heavily on Preston’s shoulders as Effy struggles to settle into her hard won place as a literature student.

A Theory of Dreaming is just as character-centric as A Study in Drowning and I can understand why some people might find that less inspired or interesting in a less magical setting, but I think the writing of these two books is wonderfully evocative and immensely enjoyable. I would happily read Ava Reid’s grocery list if it felt like this.

CWs: xenophobia and war, CSA and incest (secondary character, past), misuse of a medicine, suicide attempt

Ava Reid honed her skills to another level! Whata sensational work.

Thankyou netgalley for the arc. All opinions are my own.

#ATheoryOfDreaming #Netgalley

I read this first one when I got it in my illumicrate and I have been looking forward to this one since it was announced. While it was not my favorite thing I’ve ever read, it was still rather enjoyable and has cemented Ava Reid as an author that I will continue to buy from!

This sequel is definitely fan service! You'll find more of Ava Reid's stunning prose, as expected, and atmospheric world. This is well-executed with strong dark academia vibes!

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Actual rating 4.25/5 stars.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

First off, I would like to give a big notice for a couple trigger warnings in this book, because I don't see them being mentioned at all (which was the same story for the first book in terms of sexual assault).

TW: depression, trauma, suicide

This is not a happy book, in terms of the overall tone. It has such a spiraling depiction of grief and depression that could definitely be difficult - and even harmful - for some, and people deserve to be rightfully warned of that for their own protection.

That being said, while it was really difficult to read at times, certain aspects of this book were absolutely incredible. I wanted to be devoured by the prose in this book. The writing was so stunning, I fell head over heels for the imagery and lyrical tones alone. It all set such an immaculate stage and vibes for the story, that you were constantly aware of "where" and "when" you were while reading. And the Lore?? Immaculate. The depth to the lore Reid invented for this world is a feat in itself. I honestly just wanted more and more of it.

Also, the themes?? I love. Exploring the exploits of male authors stealing the works of women and penning them under their own names. Xenophobia and misogyny in both academics, as well as just in general society. Falsifying a people as an enemy to justify war and to make a hero out of your own countryman. I live for this kind of stuff being called out.

Preston was another highlight to this story for me. I adore that boy with my whole being, and loved how much more we got to get to know him through his perspective in this book. Dude deserves the world. I also loved getting to meet his friend, Lotto, and wish we got to spend more time and see more depth into that friendship.

What kept this from being a 5 star read for me was that the story seemed to be lacking in terms of a plot goal. The whole thing felt more like a subplot in a grander story. It didn't feel like much happened, despite such incredible themes ready to be explored.

This was absolutely perfect. 10/10, no notes. The perfect sequel. I love Preston and Effy's story so much. Ava Reid can do no wrong in my eyes. Can't wait for all of her other releases this year and beyond.

A Theory of Dreaming conquered the all too familiar sequel slump. Ava Reid writes books you can’t help but to get lost in.

(Booktok review coming)

wow wow wow! what a great sequel to the first book. I was completely enthralled into this story and absolutely loved seeing more of these characters!

This was a strong sequel to A Study in Drowning, it had that element that I enjoyed from the previous book and had that charm that I was looking for. I was engaged with the characters and continuing their story. Ava Reid does a fantastic job in writing this and had that charm that I wanted from the writing.

The first note I made for this review was something along the lines of, “I’m so excited for this.” A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid was so enjoyable and compelling, that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on A Theory of Dreaming.
Something that I really enjoyed in A Study in Drowning was the romance. Slow but steady, Effy and Preston come together. First as allies, then friends, and the something more entirely. Their relationship just feels right. But as beautiful and palpable as the love is, so are the fears and anxieties of both Preston and Effy in this story. Their relationship is new enough that these two don’t know how to communicate properly, and this comes majorly into play when things begin going South. They can’t exactly see what’s going on with each other, even though it’s quite obvious. Their paths in this book, Effy’s loss of dreams as well as Preston’s loss of reality, are expected, but painful nonetheless.
Preston’s decent into, for lack of better words, other worldliness is heartbreaking. Seeing him start to lose parts of himself to the bells that haunt him, giving it all up to the sea, it’s hard to watch. Preston is losing himself just like his father once did and the irony is not lost on us here. The loss of his father has given him such a fear of losing his loved ones. He’s so worried about saving Effy from any danger that can befall her, but can he save himself? If it’s too late for Preston, then how can he even try to save Effy?
The fantasy elements and the mystery that’s unfolding are enthralling and satisfying. The addition of Lotto, as well as the return of Rhia and Maisie, keeps things interesting as well. Reid gives us so many characters to love here. With a worsening war as a backdrop and new antagonists on the horizon, we truly wonder: Can both Effy and Preston make it out alive this time? A Theory of Dreaming releases on August 5, 2025. Thank you to Netgalley for access to this title!

Love love love the continued story of Effy and Preston. The politics and war was woven so nicely beside the magic and literature to explain how power and money and influence bleed down into everything. I only wish there was more from Effy in this book!

I was thrilled and surprised to discover that Ava Reid decided to write a sequel to A Study in Drowning, gifting fans like me a perfect fantasy treasure that made me scream with delight and dance on my couch! This continuation of Preston and Effy’s story is a joy to read, especially as it explores how their lives unfold after publishing their groundbreaking article exposing Angharad Myrddin as the true author of the celebrated novel Angharad, reclaiming her legacy from her husband who falsely claimed her work.

Returning to the academy to complete their education, Effy and Preston face fresh challenges, particularly when their findings about the infamous Sleepers spark conflicts. Effy, one of the first female students, has already stirred controversy by tarnishing a respected professor’s reputation with assault accusations, while Preston, an Argentinian student, faces suspicion and hostility from the Lyrans, who label him a saboteur, spy, and traitor.

Neither of them expects a warm welcome, but the hostility is overwhelming. Gossip columnists circle the school, eager for interviews, and while Preston is rewarded with an assistantship under Professor Gosse, aristocratic students constantly remind him of his humble origins, making his academic experience a battleground.

Effy, struggling to adjust after years under the control of the fairy king, finds herself increasingly reliant on sleeping pills, seeking solace in her dreams as her literature program challenges her stability. Meanwhile, Preston becomes entangled in a secret project with Professor Gosse that blurs the boundaries between reality and dreams, leading him to reconnect with a lost loved one. This transformation turns his rational, stoic nature into that of a romantic dreamer, forcing him to question his grasp on reality while grappling with his growing fear of losing Effy forever.

As war erupts between the Argants and Llyr, Preston must find a way to survive the harsh realities of the world and resist the pull of his dreamscapes. Simultaneously, he faces a race against time to save Effy from surrendering herself entirely to her dream world as a means of escaping her suffering.

Overall: This sequel is even darker than the first book, delving into Effy and Preston’s struggles against the injustices of academia, unethical school politics, and harsh societal prejudices. These challenges make you squirm in your seat and ignite a fierce desire to shield this beloved duo from the wolves in sheep’s clothing surrounding them. I adored the dream world and the breathtaking twist revealed in the diary. Spending more time with my favorite characters from A Study in Drowning was an absolute pleasure, and I loved the book’s dark, mystical tone, its rich mythology, and its critique of falsified legends and myths turned into unquestioned beliefs.

This is a phenomenal sequel and a must-read! However, I strongly recommend reading the first book to fully appreciate the intricate complexities of the characters and their world.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for providing me with a digital review copy of one of my most anticipated fantasy reads in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This was written beautifully. I loved reading this every second I was engulfed in the book. The character development and the involvement of other characters in this book was just done amazingly. I love Ava Reid's work and this was no exception, it was beautiful and written well. The descriptions of dreams was also done greatly, and I'm glad it was! I enjoyed the concept of viewing into Preston's way of grasping at these events in life and it was executed extremely well in my opinion!

Thank you so much HarperCollins, Netgalley, and everyone involved for the arc!

something that's not mentioned in either the description or anywhere in the arc (there's no TW page) is that there should be a TW for attempted suicide

i plan to reread this via audiobook when it comes out, as that was how i reread ASID and greatly preferred it that way. but this felt aimless at times, and effy felt like a sad ghost of herself. which, like, yeah she is, but she was a sad ghost of herself AND so strong in ASID and it just felt like she couldn't find any strength outside of what preston gave her in this one. i didn't dislike it, but it felt very long and like it would've been better as a novella. honestly i would have loved just reading a whole set of stories from the chapter headers.

I want to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins publishing for giving me the opportunity to read an E-ARC of A Theory Of Dreaming by Ava Reid!

This stunning sequel to A Study In Drowning is like Taylor Swift's song I Hate It Here come to life--it is a harrowing tale of finding comfort and freedom from the pains of society in fantasy, in dreams...

Effy and Preston are more vivid than ever in this novel and both of their entwining storylines pick up quick, grab readers attention right away and overall pull readers back down into lovely universe of A Study In Drowning for a second time. The true heart of A Theory Of Dreaming is found in Preston--to me this novel is Preston's story, an outline of his pain, his love and his madness, he is one of the most wonderfully characterized people I have ever had the pleasure of reading about in a fantastical story, he has so much depth, I adore him. Of course with this being said, A Theory Of Dreaming wouldn't be its amazing self without Effy Sayre--she is a heartbreaking glimpse into the life of a woman failed by the world around her, a woman who is hopelessly in love with stories because they keep her afloat yet drowning at the same time, her weaknesses may not read to everyone as a good piece of her character, but to me her weaknesses always find ways to become courage and intelligence.

A Theory Of Dreaming, like all of Ava Reid's books, features the most stunning writing, so many quotes and paragraphs and lines of dialogue struck me so deeply while reading it. This novel, much like A Study In Drowning is for the people who love literature, who love the words and works of other people because they give purpose and wonder. This love for literature also gives way to great Dark Academic vibes as well, so if you loved the first novel for that reason, you will love this sequel as well.

All of the new characters or old ones who become expanded on in A Theory Of Dreaming bring the plot to life even more, and add so many amazing moments (Lotto, I love you!). This novel is so rich thematically and deals with some pretty heavy topics such as racism, sexual assault/abuse, death, and suicide--each of which are handled really well and don't feel grotesque or out of place. These heavy topics are perfectly balanced out by wondrous ones though, readers find themselves deeply sucked into a world of magic, love, friendship and the overall fight to freedom (whether it be mental, physical or societal).

The plot of this novel is definitely one where you love it in the moment and get it while reading it, but have trouble explaining or understanding just exactly what happened once you put the book down, its quite choppy because it has so many moving parts and lots of interjections of fictional poetry, fictional literary work and fictional newspapers (which I LOVED btw, so interesting to engage with), so i'm not sure everyone will like it or find it to be perfectly organized. Personally, I think the fantastical plot of this novel is a vessel to comment on deeper human emotions and conflicts which was something that I really liked.

If you are like me and absolutely adore Ava Reid, really enjoy the characterization of her female main characters/other characters, loved A Study In Drowning and are looking for a heartbreaking, heart-mending read, A Theory Of Dreaming is for you!

Thank you to Harper Collins, NetGalley, and Ava Reid (+team) for the opportunity to read this ARC!!

I’m going to say 4.5⭐️

As we return to the world of Caer-Isel with Effy and Preston hot off the trail of discovering the truth behind the most recent sleeper, and the “author” of Effy’s favorite literary work. But as one battle ends and truths come to light, new hurdles arise and both Effy and Preston retreat into their own selves and problems. While one questions their strength and ability to stay afloat in the world, the other discovers new depths to a belief they don’t understand or possibly want. All that along with pressures from the outside world, a war ramping up, and social and national disparities weigh on the couple.

I loved this, maybe not quite as much as the first, Reid’s lyrical prose is just so lovely. I was annoyed with both characters in their stubbornness at handling things alone when they do have each other. But I know that is what happens when you don’t know how to ask for help and the hole you’re in just gets deeper and you lose sight of the surface. This was sad, hopeful, and a lovely journey.

my sweet sweet preston 🥹 he has my heart and i absolutely loved reading his point of view. this one was slower than a study in drowning and is a lot less plot driven and much more character focused. there were so many sweet moments between effy & preston (which made me teary eyed) but many dark moments too. what effy goes through in this book is heartbreaking but the love and support preston shows her is everything. soo many quotes highlighted, ava reid's writing is lyrical and beautiful 🫶🏻

thank you so much harpercollins & netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review!

The sequel I didn't know I needed. The end of A Study in Drowning felt complete, but to see things more fleshed out and explored in A Theory of Dreaming was really satisfying. The introspection of coming back to a world of academia after such a earth shattering discovery and the emotional toll of leading such a change was really well done. I also love to see from Preston's perspective along side Effy's. It made them feel more human and relatable. Such a lovely conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ava Reid, and HarperCollins.

4.5 stars

This was an incredible sequel that was needed. The personal journeys that Effy and Preston go through are breathtaking. The conversations of sexism, prejudice, and mental health are done so well. This book hit home to me. It will forever have a special place in my heart. I just loved Effy and Preston's love for each other. There were some beautiful quotes.

I would highly recommend it! Please, check trigger warnings.