A Theory of Dreaming: Sequel to A Study in Drowning

A Study in Drowning was a 5 ⭐️ read for me, so I was super excited to read the sequel, A Theory of Drowning. Unfortunately, I did not like it quite as much.Ava Reid writes beautifully. Her lush prose makes reading her books such an enjoyment. However, A Theory of Drowning, despite her gorgeous writing, seemed to have no plot. It was just a book of filler. I found myself getting distracted from it easily because there really wasn’t much going on, no matter how much I loved to read about Effy and Preston.Either way, I’m glad I read this book, to see some closure come for a certain story line, and to read more about Effy and Preston, though I felt disconnected from them this time around. If you loved A Study in Drowning, I would definitely recommend reading the sequel.

A Theory of Dreaming by Ava ReidRating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️3 starsAva Reid undeniably writes flawless prose and that reason alone is why I’ve rated this a generous (in my opinion,) 3 stars. When interviewed in regards to this novel Reid stated she never planned to write a sequel to ASiD and this book absolutely shows that to be true.This is dual POV but focuses more on Preston, picking up where ASiD left off with the dark academia theme/vibe. The pacing was slow and I oftentimes felt confused by what I was reading, unable to really identify the actual plot. The miscommunication issues that Preston and Effy suffered from in ASiD carried right into this novel and a great portion of the book is spent reading about how both of the main characters felt they were burdensome and not worthy of each other. Thus, no real character development from the first book as they had the same exact issue then. This became so repetitive it was frustrating.I feel like a lot of things were touched on but never really explored to depths that would make the novel more interesting such as the War on Argant and the Llyrian-Argantian conflict. Reid did do an amazing job with mental health representation which I feel is delicate subject matter and difficult to write with grace and accuracy.Overall this novel just wasn’t it for me. This book took me a MONTH to read (unheard of for me,) and each time I set it down I really wasn’t inspired to pick it up again. I feel like it was unnecessary and ASiD should have been left a standalone novel.

Ava Reid has an uncanny ability to write soft, lovable characters with deep complexities. I feel connected to Effy and Preston in the depths of my soul. I loved A Study in Drowning, but was skeptical when I heard that we were getting a sequel. I didn't feel that it was needed, and I hate when authors drag out a book/series. I am happy and relieved that I was wrong. A Theory of Dreaming was necessary and beautiful. It continues Effy and Preston's stories, with the added bonus of Preston's POV. The nuance that Ava is able to weave throughout her writing is poetic and perceptive, not only in the depth of their characters, but in the metaphors they create and the exploration of heavy topics and traumas. I especially appreciated the obvious undertones and ties to the Israel/Palestine conflict (not to mention Ava's outspokenness on their socials related to this as well). Ava really has cultivated a unique writing style that I haven't seen anyone else accomplish and I don't know how else to describe it besides "beautiful".I loved this book and highly recommend it.

Some possible light spoilers.The story, while well written, wasn’t as good for me as the first book. It felt like the main characters didn’t just take steps back but jumped down a hole, plummeting even lower.I just, I guess felt let down. Granted healing isn’t all climbing and success it just felt disappointing that it was all downhill until the end. Then a miraculous change in attitude. It just didn’t feel realistic.All that aside I did enjoy the book for the most part and I’m glad I’ve added it to my library. The first book will continue to be one of my favorites.

Ava Reid has truly cemented her place as one of my favorite authors over the past year. Her writing is visceral, lyrical, and utterly enchanting—I feel completely spellbound every time I step into one of her beautifully crafted worlds, and A Theory of Dreaming was no exception. Picking up where A Study in Drowning left off, this sequel follows Effy and Preston as they navigate the emotional aftermath of the first book’s chaos. Set against the haunting backdrop of the University, the novel masterfully blurs the line between dreams and waking life, unraveling layers of longing, trauma, and transformation. This a story that doesn’t sugarcoat reality. Academia isn’t just about chasing knowledge—it’s a messy game of thrones, packed with politics, manipulation, and behind-the-scenes power struggles. Governments are quick to weaponize belief, using it to fan the flames of patriotism and justify conflict. And if you dare to expose the truth, don’t be surprised when people turn on you. Most would rather dig in their heels than face the fact that everything they’ve believed in might’ve been a lie.By the time I reached the end of this book, I was in tears—something I absolutely didn’t see coming. I had enjoyed A Study in Drowning for its beautifully eerie atmosphere, but it was A Theory of Dreaming that truly resonated with me, thanks to Preston and Effy’s emotional journey. One of the highlights for me was the dual POV. Giving Preston his own voice and history made all the difference. His character gained so much depth, and watching him finally step into focus brought me so much joy. Effy’s battle in this book is a completely different kind of war. This time, she’s not up against a mythical king or a manipulative mentor—her greatest challenge is her own mind. I care for her so deeply, and watching her try to piece herself back together was genuinely heartbreaking. The portrayal of depression and trauma here was so raw and real—I could feel every bit of it echoing inside me. There was also something hauntingly beautiful about how water and waves ebbed and flowed through the novel’s imagery. The thread of literature stitched the world together with elegance. What stayed with me most, though, was the commentary on women being silenced and written out of history by the men who controlled their fates. The final act of reclaiming a woman’s lost voice felt like a healing echo across both stories. Ava Reid doesn’t just tell a story—she breathes life into it, and this one left a lasting mark.The worldbuilding and backstory in this novel were incredibly compelling. I especially appreciated how Reid expanded on the lore of the sleepers—it added an extra layer of depth that made the story even more engaging. One of my favorite aspects of her writing is how she seamlessly weaves literature into the narrative. It’s clear that Reid has a profound love for words and storytelling, and that passion shines through in both Effy and Preston. While I thoroughly enjoyed following their emotional journey, the ending did feel a bit rushed, possibly because so much time was devoted to developing their characters and struggles. The pacing felt a bit slower in certain parts, but the tension was more palpable this time around compared to the first book. Instead of the eerie, haunting vibes we got in A Study in Drowning, this installment leans more into academic and historical aesthetics, creating a noticeable tonal shift. The core themes—female authorship, elitism in academia, and the dismissal of survivors—remain present, echoing the concerns of the first novel. However, what stood out this time was how the narrative didn’t shy away from tackling racism and nationalism. These issues were finally brought to the forefront, and they were explored in a way that felt timely, relevant, and deeply woven into the story. The conflict between Llyr and Argant felt slightly disconnected from the rest of the plot—more like a backdrop created to support Preston’s storyline than a central thread. That said, it didn’t take away from my overall experience. Despite those moments, I still found this book deeply moving and beautifully written.In the end, I’m giving this book a solid 4 stars. I genuinely enjoyed the reading experience and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loved the first book and is curious to follow the story further. That said, A Study in Drowning stands strong on its own—so if you felt content with how things wrapped up there, you could skip this one without missing out too much. While A Theory of Dreaming adds emotional depth and expands the world, it doesn’t feel absolutely essential to the overall narrative.Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for this eARC.