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.

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 💋