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.

I really enjoyed this book! I felt immersed into the story and I love the main characters soo much. I’m curious to see if there will be more books. This book mostly follows Preston and picks up where the cliffhanger in the first book ends. Really enjoyed!!

4.25

I loved this! This was definitely a bit slower paced and much more character driven than the first book. However, I enjoyed this as much if not more than ASID. This was absolutely beautiful. It was so raw, real, and emotional. I probably enjoyed Preston’s POV and character growth the most. I definitely recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The dark academia vibes are back and even stronger!! I did not enjoy the plot as much as book 1, however Reid's ability to build an atmosphere is commendable. I feel invested in the characters and I hope to see them again!!

rounded up to 4 stars

I didn't like A Study in Drowning as much as I had hoped, but I did enjoy A Theory of Dreaming, even if I felt like it would have been better as a shorter novella. This was more character-focused, which made me worried at first, as I didn't connect that much to the characters in book 1. So, though I loved Ava Reid's prose and the world she created, I only really got into the book around 60% in, especially due to the slow pacing in the first half.

I liked how AToD tackled themes including nationalism, xenophobia, misogyny, escapism, identity, and more. It also felt rawer through its honest portrayals of trauma and mental health, which allowed the reader to gain better insight into how the events of the first book affected Effy and Preston. Both go through so much in the book as well, but things do look up in the end.

I enjoyed this very much. I am not the biggest fan of romantasy. I find it hard to be invested in the characters and come to enjoy the relationship most authors try to write. But this is one of the romance stories that I found fun to read and I felt invested in them having happiness. It has certainly given me more hope that this is a genre that I can find enjoyment in with gems like this around.

*+:｡.｡“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.”｡.｡:+*

Just to be clear, I absolutely loved "Study in Drowning," but this sequel was a disappointment in comparison; it felt more like a filler, tbh; there's nothing actually happening, and both MCs are trying to get over their trauma from the first book. They each had their own storyline away from the other so it felt inconsistent. The characters changed and not for the better I'm afraid

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

I can't believe it; I got the eARC 😭😭 tysm Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books 💋

I really loved A Study in Drowning when it came out. I think my copy count of the different editions is at 6 or 7 now and it filled my heart to see several students discover it through Owl Crate or, more recently, the special edition from Amazon.

If you had asked me if A Study in Drowning needed a sequel, I would have said the magic of it was it stood alone. It was haunting, and memorable, and I truly felt the damp Ava Reid was going for. A Theory of Dreaming is something else - I'm glad I kept with it as Ava Reid is a literary talent and this was very much a 5-star read and a fine addition to the universe. I want to see movies or limited series like this.

if he doesn't love you the way Preston loves Effy, then he doesn't deserve you.

Returning to this world and these characters gave me just the loveliest floating-on-air feeling. I thought book one was a finality, so it truly was like a dream to read. I might still be dreaming if I'm honest. Oh, how I miss them already.

Ava Reid's writing is unlike any other, and she makes you believe in magic and and love. This book is much slower than book one. There aren't as many huge moments and gut-punching action, and remains very character driven throughout the whole book. But it had all the same whimsy, folkloric mysteries that just leaves you unable to put the book down.

Now that Effy and Preston are out of immediate danger, they've moved on from the "honeymoon" phase of book one, and are now dealing with their own insecurities (feeling like a burden, feeling as though they aren't good enough for the other, etc). While Effy is dealing with her own trials and tribulations, this book felt like it was more Preston's story, as he is the one dealing with new magic, and Effy is without the Fairy King. But Ava Reid is queen for showing us their growth as a couple and as individuals, and proves how love truly conquers all evil.

I can not believe i got the arc for this sequel. this was the highlight of 2024 for me. thank you so much Harper Collins!

This book is just as beautiful as the first and even more tragic. I can’t explain but this story broke me in so many different ways but again showed such a realistic view of healing and living with trauma. I love this duology so much.

thank you sooo much netgalley & harpercollins !!!

ava reid’s writing is truly unlike anything i have ever read before … it’s so so beautiful & so detailed that when i read one of her books i’m truly lost in the story … this one was no different!

getting to be back with effy & preston made my heart BURST & can i just say… welcome back marianne & connell bc that’s exactly who they remind me of

the struggle with mental health, the political messaging, the world building… it’s all just perfect to a T

i originally gave a study in drowning 3.5 stars because i really wanted preston’s pov so i was very excited for this one bc we got to see into his brain & it did NOT disappoint … i def think it made the book sooo much better & gave it a lot more depth

the only thing i didn’t like about this (& was also a problem in asid for me) was the fantasy elements.. to me they make no sense & i understand the metaphor but it just confuses me in the actual story 😭 this might be 100% my fault & just something i’m not understanding but it’s just my take on it! i also felt some of the stuff effy deals with at the end was so rushed & not properly addressed

i ended up giving this one 4💫 !! i still super super enjoyed this & thought it was a perfect sequel to a study in drowning!

Wow. Just WOW. I loved A Theory of Dreaming even MORE than I loved A Study in Drowning. This book was written SO well, that I equally enjoyed Preston's and Effy's POVs. We got into more deeper topics, and got to experience depression, grief and racism with these characters in such a way that felt raw and emotional, like I was physically there with them. I loved their dynamic in book two more as well, I love how comfortable they were with each other, they instantly reminded me of an old married couple. I loved the magic, the message and every aspect of this book. I can't wait to get my hands on the physical copy. I can't believe I was blessed with two 5 star Ava Reid ARCS this year!

the second book might be better than the first and I feel like that never happens. thank you harper collins and netgalley. ava reid's writing is so lyrical and beautiful in this book. makes me want to snuggle up in a blanket by a fire for hours

This book is the sequel to Reid’s YA debut A Study in Drowning, and it made me so emotional. I think it might be my favorite book of the year. I wish so badly that I had a physical copy, because I was highlighting so much on my Kindle. It was so amazing.

It has to be so scary writing a sequel to a book that you previously believed was only a standalone and working to recreate the magic of the first while elevating the story higher. Reid accomplishes this and more.

While A Study in Drowning delves into Effy’s life and story, in A Theory of Dreaming we get a better look into Preston’s past and thoughts. It picks up right after the end of the first book, and it’s dual POV. So, we get to continue with both Effy and Preston’s stories as well as their minds’ inner workings. We also get fun new characters that I fell in love with immediately.

The book still advocates against the institutional sexism in academia that the first book did, but it also adds to the conversation of prejudices, the consequences of propaganda, and how the elite dictates information sharing and the injustice of the protection they receive.

It encapsulates mental illness so accurately that I was a sobbing mess while reading it, because I saw my younger self so well documented within its pages. There was a part where she described how reading books helped calm one of the characters, and that felt so personal and hit so close to home. Escapism and coping mechanisms were huge tools written into the fabric of this story.

Reid included such meticulous word choices and filled the pages with the most beautiful purple prose. The pacing was immaculate and made me devour the book within 24 hours. The pacing and the timing that the characters and reader found out new information was perfect. I also don’t think there was any word in this book that wasn’t needed. Everything written was essential to the story in one way or another.

It is a book of hurt and healing and love. It’s incredible how much Reid was able to include in this story and how thoroughly she was able to pull such powerful and raw emotion out of me with such short amount of pages.

I already pre-ordered this book so I can get it once it releases next year and telling everyone possible to read it as well.