In "A Study in Drowning", Ava Reid explores the interplay between story and storyteller, the pervasive role of misogyny in the way stories are told, and the complexities of belief. Effie and Preston uncover the truth behind one of Llyr’s most valued author and, in doing so, question the very story on which the country has built itself. "A Theory of Dreaming" is a follow up to these ideas: how xenophobia and misogyny can be wielded as weapons against people who choose to take a stand, how stories are reframed to support nationalistic beliefs, and the desire for an escape from an antagonistic world. This book continues the beautiful prose, enchanting epigraphs, and complex relationships that made the first book so strong. That being said, I thought that this book did not reach the impact of the first book, in part because the plot lacked the direction and drive that made the first book so powerful.

This book picks up right from where the first book ended; with Effie and Preston at university, reckoning with the of their revelations concerning Myrrdin’s authorship. Furthermore, Effie is entering the literature college and confronting the misogyny inherent to being the first woman to do so. Tensions between Llyr and Argant are reaching a fever pitch and Preston, half-Argantian and the only Argantian at the university, is facing new waves of xenophobia driven by intense nationalistic fervor. What follows is a book that examines the consequences of such bigotry; the impact it has on both Effie and Preston, and the ways they cope with it all. At the same time, the book continues to frame this all within an examination of literature and authorship: what influences storytellers? How do the goals of the storyteller change the story? Is the power in the story or in its interpretation? How does the world around us change how we read a story?

What I enjoyed from this book is largely quite similar to what I loved from the first in the series: the writing. The lyrical prose is enchanting and adds such richness to the story. The atmosphere—the university setting, so beautiful on the surface yet so corrupt beneath—are rendered beautifully. The epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter are perhaps the best part of the book, written as in-world poetry and theory that add to the themes of the story. One aspect of this book that is new in the series is the focus on Preston, who received perspective chapters in this book. I felt that this was a strong decision for the book as a whole. In the first book, Effie interrogates the world of her dreams against the harsh light of the world; in the second, we see the down-to-earth Preston try to understand the magic he has witnessed within his logic-driven framework. I really enjoyed this addition, and it the book did a good job developing his character.

There were a few aspects of this book that fell short, especially compared to the first book in the series. The first is that this book lacks a strong, specific direction. A major strength of the first book was how everything revolved around one author, one story, and one focal character in Effie. This made it possible for all the ideas of the book to really tie together, and the interplay between them all was absolutely the greatest strength of the first book. The second book just doesn’t come together as neatly. The book feels like it lacks a central and driving narrative; in many ways, the book seems to favor atmosphere over a central plot. While I enjoyed the reading experience overall, the impression it left is somewhat weak without that strong of a central and driving plot.

In the end, I am giving this book 4 stars. I did enjoy the reading experience and would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the first book and really wanted to see what happens next. I also think that the first book is a strong enough stand-alone book that this book, while quite good, is not necessary to read if one is satisfied with the ending of the first book. I would strongly recommend seeking out trigger warnings for this book as it has some heavy subject matter that was not present in the first book.

I really tried to push through on this, but I don’t think I am the right audience member for it. It is very much YA book and was difficult to follow. I do however believe it has a lot of potential, I personally just decided to DNF.

Ava Reid absolutely knocked it out of the park with their first sequel novel! Reid expanding her writing outside of standalones with A Theory of Dreaming is what I've been dreaming of since I read The Wolf and the Woodsman's release!! I beg and plead publishers to let Ava Reid write series...

A Theory of Dreaming is such a strong and scintillating continuation of the world, story, and characters explored in A Study in Drowning! ASID was my favorite read of 2023 and I am so thrilled to have been able to read A Theory of Dreaming early. Effy is an absolute gem and Preston really stands out and becomes his own character in ATOD. Ahh! All I can say is that this sequel lived up to all of my expectations!

Thank you so much to Ava Reid and HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperCollins for the eARC. I loved how this sequel picked up right where the first book left off. Ava is one of my Auto read authors. I loved following Effy and Preston story even more in this book. Definitely a must read!

A Theory of Dreaming picks up right where A Study in Drowning leaves off. Effy and Preston are dealing with the repercussions of their paper, and Effy is dealing with switching from architecture to literature at the college. The story is more told from Preston's point of view with some from Effy. They are both dealing with their past and current traumas and how they cope. It is a love story, but not a tradtional one. The writing is still beautifully done with wonderful descriptions. This book is a beautiful ending to a hard earned love story.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Anticipated Release date: July 29 2025

If you liked the character driven/lit fic pacing of the first book, then you will like this one as well. But unfortunately for me, there wasn’t much plot progression/action to keep my attention and I felt bored throughout parts of the story.

Upon reflection, I liked the poetic writing of the first book more than this one. The themes in the first book were beautifully woven into the story. Meanwhile, the writing felt a bit on the nose for the themes in this book (Anxiety/depression/addiction/imposter syndrome).

Don’t get me wrong, I think Preston’s story is super important and relevant in what is going on in today’s society.

“Of course I’m privy to what lurks beneath the lies that our politicians tell to maintain peace and unity.” “No,” Preston said. “Not peace. They’re justifications for war.”

It just felt more that is as the reader we were being told what problems were going on vs learning through Preston’s experiences.

“And now it’s being trotted out as a morale-boosting exercise, which really just means a crude display of nationalism and xenophobia.”

Tropes
👫🏻Dual pov
💛Closed door romance
📖Academia

Quotes taken from an uncorrected proof subject to change in the final version.

There’s nothing like sinking into another Ava Reid book. Each time I do, I know that I’m going to get a setting that feels so lived-in, nuanced characters, and a heavy dose of everything I wanted to read as a teenager. Refreshing, lovely, and full of richness. I’ll keep coming back for their books every time.

4.25/5 ✧

A Theory of Dreaming is like its predecessor A Study in Drowning, but it’s also not. This is no longer a story about falling in love, it’s a story about giving into love and navigating your own issues alongside someone else’s. There’s no larger than life antagonists, just every day people with their own influences and flaws and casual cruelties. It’s not about unearthing a literary scandal, it’s about the dangers of blurring the lines between stories and reality. It’s not about believing in a magical world, it’s about having the courage to live in the real one. In some of these ways, A Theory of Dreaming is completely different to A Study in Drowning, but I also think that is exactly what makes it such a good sequel.

If you love Effy & Preston, can’t get enough of Ava Reid’s incomparable, gorgeous prose, and want to read a book that comes alive right off of the page, you probably didn’t need me to tell you that A Theory of Dreaming is worth your time. Still, I’m reassuring you that it is.

tldr: ATID answered the question, “Can Ava Reid write a book with no plot, just vibes and still get 4 stars out of me?” (yes)

Thank you to Netgalley & Harper Collins for this digital copy of A Theory of Dreaming.

PS. I saw rumors that Ava was writing Angharad? Yes, please!

Read cw

Oh Ava! Just when I thought I couldn't love Effy and Preston more, you come and break me again!

I am still reeling from NetGalley & Harper Collins even approving me for this ARC, so thank you so much! In true Ava Reid style, the return to Llyr was full of both hope and peril. Effy and Preston have turned the college of literature on its head and there are many who are not pleased. Their tale navigates complex and pertinent themes of misogyny, xenophobia, and fervent nationalism through a fantasy lens, further proving that the YA genre is not only relevant, but also not "just for teens."

Readers who loved A Study in Drowning will find a more grounded approach to the lore of The Dreamers, via the addition of Preston's analytical POV ❤ I also enjoyed seeing Effy really grow into her own, all while learning that independence doesn't mean we can never depend upon others. I can't wait for this to release and for others to experience this satisfying conclusion to Effy and Preston's journey together.

Continues the atmospheric gothic tones of the first book, but is also a bit grittier and more direct in its attention to certain themes.

This gets 5 stars, mostly on vibes. It gives me the same intense feelings of just…emotions…that I remember feeling reading Divine Rivals, and I love that.

Having not read the first book in a while, I think this book does a good job of building on the same themes, reminding the reader of the past without too much repetition. Both Effy and Preston are in dark places throughout much of the book and I did feel frustrated that they weren’t communicating more. Some of the day to day timeline seemed hard to follow - they are supposed to be at school and yet never seem to be doing school things, except when relevant to the plot. SPOILER - and while the proposal at the end and the build up to it is romantic in its way, it does feel a little strange given the themes of women’s independence from marriage expectations and their ages

If you enjoyed a study in drowning, this is worth a read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for access to an eARC of this gothic book!

It’s an Ava Reid novel… Did you really think I was going to rate it any less than 5 stars? Be real.

Effy and Preston have returned to the University of Llyr to continue their studies, the dark history of Hiraeth Manor behind them. – Emrys Myrrdin exposed. But with Llyr and Argant on the brink of war, their discovery is less than appreciated, especially with Preston’s obvious Argant heritage.

Now, Preston’s professor is on the hunt for a new discovery, his obsession resulting in erratic behavior. Drowning in the stress of this new academic endeavor, his overwhelming desire to protect Effy from the cruel world around them, and the fear that his family is no longer safe, Preston starts to find comfort in a world that he can control. But the illusion of this dream world is tearing the real one apart. He is forced to decide to live in dreams, or face tough reality.

This novel is so beautiful and poetic. The constant metaphors are wrapped up so deep in the story that it becomes hard to recognize what is the character and what is our own internal struggles.

Returning to the world of Effy, Preston, and the Sleepers was something I didn’t expect, but the sequel to A Study in Drowning was just as decadent in its prose as its predecessor. Warning: this book is deeply melancholy and I do not recommend diving in if you are in a dark place mentally. Effy’s journey and insecurities are dark and resonate in the depths of my chest. Reading this book felt at times like reading the news today and made me anxious, but that is the intention of the storytelling—executed immaculately.

I absolutely love the dreamlike writing style of Ava Reid. The ethereal way in which the story transpires has a way of just making me lose myself in Effy and Preston's story. This book builds upon the first installment, A Study in Drowning, and we learn more about the worlds of Llyr and Argant, and how literature has such a large influence on it's people.

It was nice being able to enjoy more of the story from Preston's perspective in this installment of the two books. It allows the reader to get a better sense of who it he is as a person, and see the "bigger story" so to speak since he impacts more of the plot in this book. As part of this bigger story overall, we get to meet additional characters. Lancelot is, by far, my favorite #IYKYK.

I would like to also give Ava Reid commendation for the way in which she portrayed the depression that Effy was going through. Having been through it myself, I feel she did an excellent job in showing the mental struggles and demons that a person can face. Also refreshing was the support system of friends and medical personnel with the attitude, we're here to help and not judge. This type of acceptance is sorely needed as even though mental health issues are more widely accepted, they can still be stigmatized.

Thank you NetGalley for providing an advance copy.

Ava Reid truly is one of the most beautiful writers whose work I've had the pleasure of reading. A Study in Drowning was my favorite read of 2023, and A Theory in Dreaming was a masterfully-crafted sequel exploring grief and depression with the magic we first experienced in ASID.

"What a ruthless privilege it was, he thought, to love."

A Theory of Dreaming takes place almost immediately after the events of A Study in Drowning, with Preston and Effy navigating the real-life effects of publishing their paper on Emrys Myrrdin. Effy has switched to the literature college and many of the troubles that plagued her in the architecture college remain alive and well here too - not being taken seriously because she's a woman, disdain because they believe she cried wolf about Master Corbin, relentless sexism by the men surrounding her. Preston faces the same prejudices against his Argantian blood as he becomes a teaching assistant for Master Gosse and is made legate of the literature college. And if that weren't enough, he finds himself sleeping into a different world when he dreams: an underwater palace where his father is still alive and Effy is safe and immortalized in marble glory. But as Master Gosse manages to find a ritual that allows him into that dreamworld, Preston is left with so many new questions.

This is definitely a darker book than ASID, and there are triggers to check before reading it. Preston's grief over his father's death, the rage he feels at being treated as less than by his peers simply because of his heritage, and his fear that he doesn't deserve Effy are not to be taken lightly. This does feel more like Preston's book than Effy's but it is dual POV so you get both of their perspectives. Effy is watching Preston become more withdrawn, and without the fear of the Fairy King coming back, it's almost as if she has lost a crutch she became reliant on, even if it was negative. We feel Effy's depression as she feels she is a burden to Preston and the toll it takes on her.

One of the things I loved about this book was the questioning of the truth, which started in ASID and I think is very relevant to society today. Amidst the war between Argant and Llyr, a particular work by a Sleeper is being evaluated, and it's quickly becoming clear that the very piece, the one which speaks of a long-dead king and paints Argant and Llyr as enemies, might have been changed from its original form. How much are people willing to believe without question if it comes from authority? How much of history is truth and how much of it is what we're told to fit a narrative? Can people's faith be challenged and can their opinions be changed?

I savored this book, took my time with it ,and allowed it to break my heart then repair it again. I enjoyed the addition of characters, especially Lotto because who wouldn't want friends like Lotto and Rhia? This book will make you uncomfortable and make you think, and I loved it.

Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I actually liked this better than the first. Although it was mostly from Preston’s POV I do wish we dove into Effy and her feels a little but more. Also Preston’s feels about protecting her. I do real like his over baring protection came a little out of left field.

A Theory in Dreaming is a gorgeous inception-type of fever dream. It was so fun to return to these beloved characters. Effy and Preston are so special. And this story brings in friends that really enhance the story. The magic of the world is ambiguous and delightful. What is real? What isn’t?

Thank you to Ava Reid and Harper Collins for the chance to eARC A Theory of Dreaming! I will admit, I was so nervous for this. A Study in Drowning was one of my favorite reads in 2024 and I was hesitate about reading the 2nd part of it, however, Ava Reid never disappoints and A Theory of Dreaming was no exception.

This is a medium paced read that deserves a rainy day, warm cup of whatever you'd like, and your devoted time. It picks up where A Study in Drowning left off and for a good chunk of the book we get focus bouncing between Effy and Preston before settling more into Preston's story and his view, something in truly enjoyed.

The story telling is just as fantastic as the first book. It is very engaging and I found myself wanting to keep reading. The chapters flowed perfectly into each other creating that sense of wanting to keep reading without realizing hours had past.

In terms of the story itself, fans of Effy are in for a ride. The twist this took was so well done and it showed so much vulnerability but also strength from our main girl. Preston also had a beautifully done arch in A Theory of Dreaming. He was given so much purpose, backstory, and those small gaps in him were filled wonderfully.

This is just a fantastic read. 4.5/5 stars.

Thank you so much, @netgalley and @harpercollins, for approving me for this e-arc. A Study in Drowning is one of my favorite books, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review this early.

ASID and ATOD are so special to me. I feel like these stories are so important as they tackle such relevant issues of sexism, bigotry, xenophobia, and grief. I don't think there's been a character written that I relate to as desperately as Effie. I absolutely adore she and Preston and the way they handle this parallel, dichotomous academic and fantastical world.

Previously on the A Study in Drowning Duology…
A beautiful girl with a black ribbon in her golden hair and stars in her eyes meets a handsome boy wearing glasses on his nose and a cloud over his head.

About A Theory of Dreaming
Return to Caer-Isel in Ava Reid breathtaking conclusion to the A Study in Drowning duology.

Effy's life has changed dramatically since the events of A Study in Drowning. With the Fairy King banished and Master Corbenic fired, her abusers are no more. Now she is ready to make history as the first woman admitted to the literature college.

Preston too has flourished since the Fairy King's banishment. As Master Gosse's teaching assistant, he now serves as legate of the literature college.

Will Effy and Preston get their happily ever after, or will a new force enter their lives to wreak havoc?

Who Should Read A Theory of Dreaming

✅ Read if:
- You want more after finishing A Theory of Dreaming
- You love lyrical, fairy-tale style writing
- You enjoy dual point-of-view narratives (male/female)

❌ Don't Read if:
- You're frustrated by couples who doubt their worthiness throughout the entire story
- You don’t enjoy fantasy
- You're sensitive to themes of abuse from authority figures

✏️ Similar Authors:

- V.E. Schwab
- Olivie Blake
- T. Kingfisher

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a fun story to read! I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the plot and the overall feelings of the book. This was amazing and the perfect second book in the series.