Unlike A Study in Drowning, A Theory of Dreaming is not plot focused and is instead very character focused. I think after loving ASID, I was expecting a bit more plot rather than just the characters learning to live with their trauma. That aside, I did very much enjoy being back with Effy and Preston especially as they worked to overcome the barriers between them and build a stronger relationship. I think this could've been a more successful novella - as it stands it's a bit longer than it needed to be. Ava Reid's writing remains wonderful - even though this book didn't live up to my admittedly sky high expectations, she's still one of my favorites to read.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

This felt more dark academia than the first book, and also just darker in general, especially the second half of the book. I actually realized I need to go back and reread the first one. I liked getting to see more of Effy and Preston, even if there's a lot of sadness/fear they are both working through on their own terms.

Thank you to Netgalley for the e-arc!

The second I got this book, I read it. In one sitting. Like a maniac. Ava Reid is one of my favorite authors ever. This book is just fan-service, and Reid delivered about 400 pages of it. I will say, however, that this book could've, and should've, been a novella. This book is much slower than A Study in Drowning, and in its scope/stakes, was much less intense. There's no set structure, and the development of the characters was more subtle.

IF YOU DID NOT LOVE THE ASID CHARACTERS WITH YOUR FULLY HEART AND SOUL, YOU WILL HAVE A ROUGH TIME WITH THIS BOOK. Be warned that there is barely any plot, and you're just following Preston and Effy as they deal with their internal turmoil, insecurities, and trauma. Repeatedly.

Overall, 3 stars. I am very excited to see what Ava Reid is going to publish next.