Chaotic but perfect

Effy and Preston return to their daily lives and try to figure out how to exist in a world that is determined to cut them down. The only woman in the literary college constantly belittled and kept from belonging, Effy struggles with being in the spotlight for all of the wrong reasons while battling her own inner demons and the pieces that the fairy king left behind. Preston faces bigotry, hatred, and being coerced by his mentor into exploring the dreams that keep calling him out of reality. Through the constant daily prejudices that Effy and Preston face and their own misunderstandings and miscommunications, they have to come back together to make a better life for the people that they love.

There was a lot going on in this book, multiple storylines that were fused together finally in the last 30% of the book which made the ending feel a bit chaotic and confusing at times. I still felt emotionally invested in the characters and felt the shame, hurt, anger, and love that they experienced along with them. Ava Reid writes in a way that effortlessly brings the reader into the world she’s creating. A great ending for the story of Preston and Effy.

This author has a beautiful writing style however i felt this book had a disconnect of the characters from the first book into this book. While it discussed real themes, it felt like the resolutions werenr clear. The world didnt feel as magical or exciting as the firsr one. I wanted to love it more then i did

For fans of:
- Divine Rivals

"A Theory of Dreaming" is a beautiful return to the world of "A Study in Drowning." Focusing more on Preston and his emotional journey, this book dives deeper into themes of nationalism, propaganda, xenophobia, and academic bias. The entire atmosphere of the book is moody and reflective, so readers beware, this is definitively a more somber read.

I have come to expect poignant political commentary and beautiful prose from , Reid, and this book does not disappoint in that regard. Her skills in wordcraft continue to be hypnotic. However, the pacing of this book was a bit slow, and I felt as if it didn't engage me as much as the first book. Preston's battles are very much so internal, so it sometimes felt like there wasn't much going on. I am interested to know if this series will continue and readers will get more resolution on some of the more open ended questions we were let with. (also it was so funny to me that we were repeatedly reminded that Preston could not carry Effy even tho she was emaciated lol).

I received this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Jenny Williamson, and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to review this book. This review has been posted across my socials under the username @tinynightingales, check out my GoodReads profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863
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. A Theory of Dreaming holds onto the eerie charm of its predecessor, with Reid’s poetic style making the narrative feel almost otherworldly. Moments like, “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,” linger long after the pages are closed, showcasing the depth of emotion she effortlessly infuses into her writing.

I absolutely loved diving back into this world! Effy and Preston truly have my heart in book two — they’re so wonderfully fleshed out, and this was definitely Preston’s book. His POV was everything I wanted; he’s the perfect swoon-worthy lover boy. The story beautifully explores Effy’s mental health and the journey of healing, balancing realistic, deeply emotional issues with the magical, atmospheric world, creating an immersive experience.

That said, I didn’t enjoy this one as much as A Study in Drowning. The plot felt inconsistent, with several scenes reading more like filler than forward momentum. Still, these moments offered a tender exploration of the characters’ healing process after the events of the first book, adding emotional weight even when the storyline faltered.

For those who loved A Study in Drowning, this is a beautiful, if somewhat fragile, encore. While the plot may not hold strong enough to carry the weight of its atmosphere, Reid’s signature lyricism and character depth make it worth the journey. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

First of all, let me just say that Ava Reid is an incredibly talented author. I admire her determination to explore themes that need to be addressed but that some people find uncomfortable. That being said, her exploration of both suicide and prescription drug abuse were quite problematic---not because of the topic, but because of the conclusions the author wants/leads the readers to draw.

For example, we know that drug abuse can worsen emotional instability, impair judgment, and increase impulsivity, all of which contribute to suicidal behavior. Indeed, this is displayed very effectively throughout this book. And yet, Effy's abuse of her medication is never addressed. Not when she completely melts down when she realizes she's almost out of sleeping pills (a red flag if ever there was one), or after her attempted suicide. In fact, no one even seems to be aware of her drug abuse other than herself, and her attempted suicide is chalked up to the fact that "it's all too much" and she fears being labeled mad and being "locked away and forgotten." And while those are both heavily-contributing factors, her drug abuse was never credited as being part of the problem (which it was). Nor is removing means of self-harm or seeking professional help part of the on-page solution. Instead, Reid offers these solutions. 1) Preston will help "shoulder her pain." 2) She's ready to try again, and 3)She knows there will be dark days/medication/etc. in her future, but for right now, she's happy and that has to be enough.

I'm sorry, but that is NOT enough. Not when someone has a history of abusing their medication. Not when suicide is a leading cause of death for teens and young adults, and this book is YA an thus geared towards them. In order to explore these topics responsibly, one ought to offer solutions in line with our modern-day best practices.

Were it not for this glaring issue, I would have likely rated this book 4 or 5 stars. But I can't in good conscience recommend this to anyone unless some of the above is addressed.

After reading the first book of this story, my interest was piqued by the premise of this story. I was curious to see where their next story would take me. I absolutely loved the setting and vibes this book brought. It gave a (darkish) academia feeling like the first book did. Throughout the story, I felt very lost. There didn’t really seem to be a main storyline. Both MCs were doing their own thing, but somehow those things were tied together. This might have been a me problem. I found there were times it was hard to keep my interest. All in all, I’m glad to have been given the opportunity to read this novel.

Thank you for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley HarperCollins Children’s Books, and most importantly the author Ava Reid for allowing me to read the E-Arc of this story 💜.

Rating 4.50

I enjoyed this sequel! It kept my focus for the most part, it has its slow moment but still a good read.

It's more of Preston's book then Effy which is still fine. The story is less action and more emotional "attack" on our main characters. These two have such an innocent and realistic love story that I adore it. Still has some elements of magic but the main focus is how the characters are navigating life after defeating the Fairy King. The gothic, whimsical, dark academia vibe continues into this story as well but they hold a darker atmosphere. I think if your looking for a story that's less on action and more on brain theory (hence the title 😆) then you'll like the continuation of this story.


"I love you, he thought as he looked at her sleeping form. I love you. For some it had become difficult to speak aloud. Perhaps because his next thought, always, was I might lose you."

Thank you to Net Galley and HarperCollins for the ARC. I was a huge fan of A Study in Drowning and was super eager for a sequel but alas, I was disappointed with A Theory of Dreaming. The good was that I still think Ava Reid has a beautiful writing style, and I am glad that was also present in A Theory of Dreaming. Her writing style truly suits this kind of setting, and I really enjoyed revisiting this world, at least at the beginning of my read. Alas, the world building was not as great as the first novel. A Study in Drowning truly had that fairytale vibe and such a beautiful presence of literature throughout the story. Effy has finally gotten into the literature college, but things were more interesting outside this setting, when we were near the water in book 1. Here, the literature and world lack the feeling of book 1. Magic is present but magic is so boring. I also really enjoyed the romance in book 1, but here it was just so frustrating, especially the lack of communication. Also, it was a bit of a letdown that both characters were so distant from each other in terms of plot, as in their journeys were super disconnected.

Let me just begin by saying that my jaw dropped to the floor when I was approved for this arc! I read A Study in Drowning after receiving it for my birthday this past year and it was totally purchased based on the beautiful cover and sprayed edges!

I was thrilled to find out that this sequel was coming out! The first book is amazing! Fell in love with Preston and Effy and was so excited to read more about their relationship. Totally recommend starting with A Study in Drowning first, but this story just keeps getting better!

Ava Reid is now one of my top authors, I’ll read anything she writes!

I got approximately 50% of the way through this book. I really wanted to love it. I loved the first book. This felt like an unneeded sequel. I think the story was best contained in a single story, a duology was unneeded. I might feel differently, and go back and finish it someday, but not at this time. The story here is slow. The characters don't feel the same as they did in the last book.

I'd recommend reading the first book before diving into this one. It picks up right where the previous installment left off, and having that background will really enrich your reading experience. The author’s writing is nothing short of spectacular; it draws you in and connects a captivating narrative that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. One of the standout aspects of this book is the character development. I found myself deeply connected to the characters as they navigate their journeys, and their growth is seamlessly intertwined with the unfolding story. Giving realistic views of how individual realities blur together and the possible consequences based off actions. Ava Reid has a unique gift for crafting relatable and multidimensional characters, which makes the emotional stakes feel all the more real. I loved the perspective offered through Preston’s point of view. With the passion and creativity that Reid pours into her storytelling, I knew from the start that this was going to be a must-read for me. I own almost every book she's come out with. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy when it releases!

A Theory of Dreaming is such a masterpiece - a book that may be a continuation of the bigger story set in motion with the events of A Study in Drowning but also constitute a brilliant individual novel on its own, putting together a captivating yet very introspective plot, an in-deepth discussion of social issues, and a brilliant handling of the emotional aspect of its characters.

Quite the book to read while trapped inside during a snow storm!!

While this sequel wasn’t as whimsical or ethereal as the first novel, it felt very real and reflected the current political climate. I did love the “dream” portions of this book and the cast backs to ASID as Effy and Preston step back into their university with newfound (and controversial) information for their thesis when they studied at Hiraeth Manor. This was a great way to wrap up the story and I can’t wait to see what Ava Reid writes next!!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

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.