I hate it here so I will go to secret gardens in my mind...

This was a sequel that I didn't think we'd get, nor did I originally think was necessary but I am so thrilled we have. If A Study in Drowning spoke to something in your soul, if Effy in some parts feels like looking in a mirror, and you know that wounds don't just disappear because the big battle is won, I think you should continue this story with some caution that it is heavy. Put down your bows and sheath your swords because there's still strength in your softness.

Effy & Preston return to the University with the secrets they have uncovered and questions about the legitimacy of everything they've been taught but neither comes back from Hiraeth Manor without ghosts. While both characters get POVs, this is definitely Preston's story and somewhere about halfway in Effy does start to kind of fade into the background. Even so, Effy continued to have a profound hold on me. The very accurate depiction of self-loathing, depression, of feeling like a burden and failure, and eventually...the wish to simply exist in dreams to escape reality until the call of not wanting to be anywhere at all becomes too loud to ignore...
Who do you blame for your demons when the monster lurking in the dark has been defeated? How do you keep your head up and fight for your place to belong when you are so very tired.

Preston struggles with identity, especially as the war ramps up. This time, he's the one who thinks he's losing his marbles and doesn't want to burden Effy with more worries. If you're expecting people with cracks in their foundation to come together as their best selves, you won't find that in AToD but maybe it's more realistic this way. Neither of them handles things in their relationship or in their academic life well. They keep things from each other. Neither feels worthy of the other...This book is full of heavy sorrow.

Back in the city as the war is unfolding, you find people clinging desperately to tales of magic and lore. Nationalism built on Fairy tales and tradition and looking to the past instead of progress ahead. How does the story get to benefit the narrative of the one that tells it? Who gets to separate fact from fiction?

I found it interesting that in this world it was the school of arts that held such esteem, the ministry of culture that had such power. What are the arts and humanities without science and what are the sciences without arts and humanities? What do you have faith in when the curtain is pulled to reveal the false magician?

This felt like a story that while not completely necessary to complement ASiD, it was something Ava needed to tell, especially in our current state of the world. Some things could have been fleshed out more, especially at the university, the war, and sometimes with Effy. Our characters while together, felt so far apart but that seemed intentional. There were some new characters (Lotto! 💜) and we got to see more of some we had already met. Some parts might feel repetitive but is it so hard to believe that history hasn't repeated itself?

The writing was as beautiful as I would expect from Reid and the atmosphere was lush and immersive. There were so many quotes I just needed to screenshot and highlight to keep with me. Effy and Preston forever!

If you're currently lost in escaping to your dreams and struggling with the call of the void, I would go into this with some caution, okay? Take care of yourself! You are worthy and loved!

Big thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC. A Theory of Dreaming is out August 5th, 2025!

I love these characters and this world. I am so happy to be back with them all. I think a lot of people felt the political portion was underdeveloped and confusing in the first book. Based on the forward, this book set to remedy that but I personally found it just as if not more confusing than it was in book one since it was a bigger element of this book with no more explanation than the first book. That said, if you liked the first one and want more Preston, you’ll love this one.

Romance: 5💕 incredible. I adore Effy and Preston's love story.

Spice: 1🫑/🌶️ not sure if it would qualify as closed door.

Thank you Netgalley & HarperCollins for approving my request to read A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid. I really enjoyed A Study in Drowning but the sequel unfortunately does not have the same shine as the first book. After the events in ASID, I did not think all Effy and Preston’s problems would be solved, but I at least hoped they’d come out stronger. Turns out they do not. They emerge from the events of ASID more traumatized than ever and make so many terrible choices, especially Effy. After working SO hard to get into the literature college, she folds in on herself and collapses at the slightest (and I really do mean the slightest) opposition and Preston spends the whole book fearing for her while remaining willfully blind to Effy’s self-sabotage. Ava Reid’s writing is still very lyrical and beautiful but the plot and characters were extremely depressing. Also, I’m not really a trigger warning person, but I hope for other readers that there is a trigger warning page either in the finished/published version or a page online, but there is definitely difficult subject matter explored.

Give me anything written by Ava Reid!! She has such a way with words. A short sentence can pack so much meaning.
The scenery is incredible. A wintery, dark academia setting with war and magic. The characters are complicated and real. Even with all the details, with all the deeper meanings, this is still YA, which just goes to show how brilliant Ava Reid is.

I was reading this during the TikTok ban drama, and wow—what a timely read! With its themes of nationalism and xenophobia, it felt eerily relevant, but don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s plenty of dark academia drama, swoon-worthy tension, and just enough fantasy to keep the magic alive.
Effy and Preston’s love story stole the show for me. There is not as much academic rivals-to-lovers banter as A Study in Drowning but their shared moments in this book felt more raw and real especially Preston’s support of Effy’s mental health struggles. Toss in some beautifully written school friendships, and it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy, nerdy blanket—though it’s not without its shadows. Be prepared for heavier themes like societal prejudice, a suicide attempt, and struggles with prescription pills, all woven thoughtfully into the narrative.
Compared to A Study in Drowning, this one feels less fantastical and more like a love letter to academia (with a dash of angst). If you’re here for dual POVs, romantic tension, and a story that balances light and dark like a perfectly brewed cup of tea, you’ll feel right at home.

📚 Dark academia vibes
❤️ Academic rivals-to-lovers romance
💊 Tackles heavy topics

Ava Reid’s *A Theory of Dreaming* is an exquisite masterpiece that beautifully captures the elusive and enchanting nature of dreams. With her signature lyrical prose and a profound grasp of human emotion, Reid takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the blurred lines of memory, imagination, and reality. This book is not just a story—it’s an experience, one that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Reid’s ability to craft imagery is unparalleled. Every scene is painted with words so vivid and poetic that it feels like stepping into a dreamscape. Her exploration of the subconscious is both thought-provoking and emotionally evocative, skillfully unraveling themes of trauma, desire, and the tender vulnerability of human connection.

The characters are achingly real, their struggles and fears woven seamlessly into the dreamlike narrative. Reid invites readers to see themselves in her characters, to reflect on their own dreams and what they reveal about their hidden truths. The balance between the surreal and the deeply human is handled with such care that it feels effortless, drawing you into a world that is at once strange and familiar.

While the book leans into ambiguity and symbolism, Reid’s prose keeps it from ever feeling inaccessible. Instead, it feels like an open invitation to explore and interpret, making the experience uniquely personal for every reader. For those willing to embrace the abstract and surrender to the flow of Reid’s storytelling, the rewards are immense.

*A Theory of Dreaming* is a luminous, unforgettable novel that defies traditional boundaries and lingers long after the last page. Ava Reid has once again proven herself to be a master of crafting stories that speak to both the heart and the mind. A truly stunning achievement, this book is a must-read for anyone who treasures literature that is as beautiful as it is profound.

I was really excited to hear A Study in Drowning was getting a sequel. The premise of Effy learning to navigate the literature college and explore another forgotten female author, along with Preston taking a more significant role, sounded fantastic.
The reality is less exciting. Effy’s story starts out really intriguing but she quickly reverts back to the scared little girl she was at the start of ASiD and spends most of the book lying in bed asleep and depressed. Preston’s storyline was really interesting and kept me wondering what would happen next but I couldn’t help but wonder why he actually cared for Effy. They had none of the chemistry they shared in the first book because they kept lying to each other and withholding information.
I liked the addition of new characters and that friends/teachers/advisers were more involved. It helped make the world seem larger. The political and war storyline was much more prominent and also kept the story interesting.
There are a couple significant trigger warnings I would recommend the publisher warn for, as one of them is casually mentioned multiple times in journal entries.
Overall, I’d probably give this book 3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this so much !!!! It was one of my most anticipated reads this year. I hoped I could read an ARC and I ran to request. I was so happy to be back in this world especially with Effy and Preston. This story did not disappoint! The cover is GORGEOUS!! Preston THE MAN THAT YOU ARE 😍😍🫦! He is absolutely perfect and I knew I was right with my obsession of him in A Study of Drowning. I’m glad we were given a sequel and to learn a lot more about this world. It was quite a surprise that it has dual POVs. Their relationship is so adorable, though they do face many serious problems that I was not expecting. This series will always have my heart, especially Preston. I am left completely satisfied and almost empty with the end of this book. Thank you Ava Reid for feeding us with this one.

I definitely recommend everyone that loved A study of Drowning to read this one!

Thank you to Ava Reid, HarperCollins Publishing, and NetGalley for this e-ARC.

Theory of Dreaming
Ava Reid
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC.
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Theory of Dreaming. I thought that Study in Drowning was a great standalone book and wasn’t sure how Ava Reid would expand upon the world she had created. I was nervous that this book would not live up to my love of the first book. Honestly, I feel like I loved Theory of Dreaming even more than Study in Drowning. I loved how the second book focuses more on the college itself and delves into more of the countries lore and the Sleepers. It gives a more conclusive look at what happens to Preston and Effy after they write their Thesis and the effects that the thesis has not only on them but on their countries as a whole. Overall great book highly recommend. Can’t wait for all to read when it’s released in August. ♥️

I didn't like the first book but I did have hopes for the second book. I feel like nothing really happened - there was no chemistry between the two MCs and all the characters felt flat.

As an avid lover of the first book in this duology, A Study in Drowning, my interest was apprehensively piqued a the news of a sequel. Initially, Ava Reid had said that A Study in Drowning was a contained story with no planned sequel, but then down the line we got news that we would be not only continuing Effy's and Preston's stories, but with an emphasis on Preston. The more that came out about it, especially the gorgeous cover, the more excited I became over this book.

Unfortunately, the book comparatively fell somewhat flat for me, so it will be a 2.5 rounded up. I LOVE a self-contained story, and with the modern leaning towards sequels on sequels on reboots, I find it utterly refreshing when there is a distinct beginning and an end. By no means am I the creator of these characters, and if Reid feels they have more to say, then she's the final say so! But ultimately, I was not quite sure of the why - why was this written? Why did she change her mind? Why did we get more from these characters?

Not that this book contained no redeeming qualtiies, in fact there were plenty. As always, Ava Reid's grasp on prose is utterly gorgeous and I would read her grocery list if she gave me the privilege. Reading more of the love between Preston and Ava was sweet, and the lore of the setting is captivating. What lost me was the listlessness of the plot of this book. In A Study in Drowning, we are told the story of a girl devoted to her stories slowly learn that everything she knows was a lie, and the slow collapse of her heroes as reality settles in and she takes control of her life. In this book we have... a dream world? Even more falsehoods? For me, the story just doesn't really stand on its own, rather it is running on the fumes that were set up in the first. That being said, I have no doubts I will be leaping at the chance to read whatever Reid releases next.

Thank youNetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you HarperCollins Childrens' for the ARC!

A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid is set in the lush and gothic dark academia world of A Study in Drowning, serving as a sequel to all the dreams that lingered with us towards the end. If ASID was Effy's book, this would Preston's book. Despite the shift of major perspective going to Preston, the romance between Effy and him was adorable and amazingly cute.

A Theory of Dreaming also deals with heavy topics and themes that can be triggering but for me, it made me too emotional and I could not hold my sobs in. The way Ava Reid writes about these characters is so painfully lyrical and whimsical, that you're drawn into a world you cannot escape.

In an overall conclusion, A Theory of Dreaming is an amazing sequel and installment for it to become a duology and filled omnious void left by the first installment.

Rating: 3.5 ⭐️

Altogether, A Theory of Dreaming is an enjoyable read! It picks up at the end of A Study in Drowning. Preston and Effy are now back at school and Effy is starting at the literature college. They are both having their own struggles: Effy, in a university that doesn't value her and Preston, in a country that doesn't value him.

A Theory of Dreaming has that same witchy-briny aura of the first and feels like an organic continuation of the original storyline. This book has interesting atmosphere and politics and theming, however, some parts didn't feel fully realized. Both this book and the first revolve around some great work of Llyrian literature. However, in this one, I found that aspect to be less impactful. In A Study in Drowning, the reveal of the true authorship of Angharad is so important because of what it means to Effy. This version felt a little more disconnected. I also found parts of Preston's storyline, especially his "dreaming," to feel a bit disconnected from the rest of the story. What happened in his dreamscape, or even its very existence, didn't feel overly important.

However, this is still a good sequel with some great characters and a great setting. It continues some important plot lines from the first. One, being Effy and Preston's relationship. It continues the Llyrian-Argantian conflict and what that means to Preston, being Argantian. It shows the realities of Effy's acceptance into the literature college and the difficulties she faces being the only woman. It also continues the narrative about female authorship of literature. The addition of this book lends these storylines a more complete, well-rounded conclusion.

For anyone who enjoyed A Study in Drowning, I would definitely recommend that you continue the series!

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for providing me early access to A Theory of Dreaming in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Pre-read:
Already requested on NetGalley. You best BELIEVE I’m getting my hands on this.

EDIT: GUESS WHO GOT APPROVED!!!!!!

A theory of dreaming? How about a theory of devastation 😭😭😭😭😭😭

Ava Reid wow. I’m emotional. I am unsure how to recover from this sequel.

With no trigger warning page, I recommend everyone look up if you have big triggers lol.

This book followed Effy and Preston as they navigate the harsh realities of coming back to school after their semester away in a study in drowning. There’s a lot of miscommunication and a lot of depression surrounding this story as they face racism, a looming war, lies all around them, and hard to explain magic. As two very young characters, it was refreshing and heartbreaking to see them absolutely crack under the pressure.

Finally this story touches on the difference between finding solace and safety in dreaming and the courage to live. Many people have been pushed to dream only due to their circumstances.


THE WRITING IN THIS BOOK CHANGED MY BRAIN CHEMISTRY:
- There is only so much any mind can endure before it must reject reality. Before it must reject wisdom and reason. I have always found my fragments of freedom in fantasy. It has served me better than any shield or sword, and certainly better than any of the laws of men.
- The only inevitability of our existence is death. I wish I did not carry this knowledge at only age fourteen. I can only imagine that it will get heavier and heavier as I grow old.
- Because reality is too much to bear. Because everything else is too fragile, too changeable, too frightening. Because I have no power there.
- The man who I thought had saved me was in truth the one who had caged me. With that epiphany, I drifted and was lost. There is no bleaker darkness than that found when the light of love is snuffed out.
- Does grief alter one’s spirit, or does it merely reveal one’s fundamental nature?
- “I thought I could do it.” A small, choked breath. “I thought I was strong enough to survive all of this. Anyone else could. There’s just something wrong with me. Something that can’t be fixed.”
-“And you are strong. You’re stronger than anyone I know. It’s not a fault, to be in pain. It’s braver to hurt than to feel nothing at all.”

This one was alright. It was fun seeing Preston’s POV. A lot of misogyny in this one too and I felt it was a little too close to the storyline in A Study in Drowning. And poor Effy. She has had a hard life. I hope her and Preston live a HEA.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations.

A Study in Drowning is such a unique, atmospheric book that is a cross between dark academia, thriller and cozy fantasy in a way that made me nervous as to how the second book would replicate that. Ava, my dear, I’m so sorry I ever doubted you.

A Theory in Dreaming takes all of those elements and cranks them up a notch with the college setting, new fantasy elements, darker themes and personal struggles. And socio-political struggles that make this book such a multi-faceted expansion of the amazing groundwork laid by ASID.

what a perfect and emotional and devastating and healing sequel. I fear I am NEVER moving on 🫠😭❤️‍🩹 A Study In Drowning leaves you with a lot of questions. The bells? The controversial thesis? The war between Llyr and Argant? Yet, it still felt like a complete book so I was hesitant about the sequel but guys, IT WAS EVERYTHING AND MORE!!!!!!! 🥹

First, I’d love to talk about Effy Sayre. Effy is such a complex character. I relate so deeply to her want for escapism, for things to stop hurting, not really knowing why your brain works the way it does. I think Ava Reid does an amazing job of portraying mental health struggles. Effy’s journey of acclimating to her new role at college while also dealing with the aftermath of the events of the first book really take a toll on her, more so than in ASID, and it is portrayed so realistic. Effy is a character I will tuck deeply into my heart and never ever let go of. NEW SOUL CHATACTER UNLOCKED!!!! 🫂

Then, Preston! MY LOVER BOY! Some of the quotes that came out of this man’s mouth??? ENGRAVED INTO MY BRAIN! But apart from being a secret romantic, I loved being in his POV and following along on his journey. He deals with so much when he gets back—Master Gosse and the mystery project, the ongoing war, societal prejudices, xenophobia, grief, and being there for Effy. His struggle of believing and giving into magic vs. refusing it, and the portrayal of magic as a form of escapism was a central theme to this book and to Preston’s arc, and I loved how hesitant yet courageous he was.

The romance in this book was EVERYTHING. There is so much love and devotion and consideration between these two to the point where they’d do anything if it meant the other person was happy and safe. All of their obstacles felt right for the story. By the end, it’s impossible to not believe in their love and adoration for each other because you have seen it stand through so many difficulties. I! LOVE!!! THEM!!!!

A Theory Of Dreaming dives deeper into the issues and politics of academia, the media and its power, and the beliefs people hold on to push aside the harsh realities. It does this not just with Preston and Effy, but in a bigger scale with the university and the Sleeper Museum. It was powerful and important and felt so right for the big picture of the story.

Overall, saying goodbye to this story and these characters feels unthinkable. I am in AWE of Ava Reid and her mind. I will protect Effy at all costs and I love Preston with my entire heart. GO READ THIS!!!!!!!😭

The magical sequel to ‘A Study in Drowning’!Im not going to go into more details, cause spoilers ✨
For a book that wasn’t going to exist at first, I found that Reid did such a good job with her characters and the story. The book was just as magical as the first, and brought the same energy. I absolutely loved reading Effy and Preston’s adventure continue and their love story flourish. I’m so happy that Reid decided to write the last book in this duology, it was amazing and I know people are going to love it!
Thank you Harper Collin’s and NetGalley for an eARC of this book!

Wow such an amazing book. I loved the characters and the story line and it didn’t have the second book curse which made me so happy. So happy I got to read this book thank you thank you

<b> Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for approving me for the ARC!!! I LOVE <i> A Study in Drowning </i> and couldn’t wait to finish this duology!! </b>
<blockquote> There are <u> SO MANY </u> quotes I want to include in this review, but since this book isn’t published yet I’ll have to refrain until publishing day, which is <b><u> AUGUST 5th!! </b></u></blockquote>
Ava Reid’s ‘A Study in Drowning’ was an amazing read, one that will be considered a top tier book on my shelf. As much as I loved this book and its poetry, I feel like it lacked elements that the first book was drenched in. I feel like there was no real definitive resolution at the end, and maybe that’s just me being dissatisfied with real world issues, but in my fantasy books I’d at least like them to go away (men).

Effy faces some serious mental struggles, and I do like the way Ava Reid broached these issues, especially given this is a teens book, but I think it Effy’s situation should have been given more attention. Nothing truly changes for her, and I feel it’s implied Effy will go down this path again, which is something that’s ok to admit in adult books, but maybe not in one meant for teens?

<b> I loved how this book is about Preston’s POV!! </b> This book highlighted his struggles with nationality, and having to make every decision with that political unrest on his mind.

<b><u> This book feels like a second book in a series, not the end of a duology. I really hope Ava Reid feels this way too and can continue this series, perhaps even highlighting the side characters who I would love to hear more from! </b></u>