A Theory of Dreaming had a lot going for it after the success of A Study in Drowning. However, I think that just because you can create a sequel doesn’t mean you always should in this case. 

I found the plot to be lacking overall. This was a very character driven story, and it focused on both Effy and Preston, which was very different from the first book. I loved Preston’s povs, but I felt like his whole adventure into the realm of magic was lackluster and just patched together. The plot didn’t feel well thought out at all, almost like Reid was told to write a review and didn’t know where to go. A Study in Drowning had the magic, the mystery, the relationship, and the pacing that this one did not have. 

I struggled with Effy in this one, as she felt somewhat annoying. I rolled my eyes a lot tbh. I understood her at various points and how she was clearly struggling. But the way it was executed? I found it insufferable 🙈

It wasn’t all bad, and I enjoyed touching on academia and the role women have played in it—women’s work being stolen from them by their husbands or fathers is something I will always love to read about. But again, those concepts felt like they were there just to have something to talk about. The entire plot line of Preston and the dream world? What was the point? I was given crumbs of something that I expected the story to be about. It was just a mid read tbh, and I feel deceived lol.  

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy!

Ava Reid, one day the people will erect statues in your honor. i can see it now!!!! you have written another literary masterpiece right here. i will never ever be over Effy and Preston’s story. they will haunt me in my dreams for the rest of my life!!! and to everyone reading this review: you BETTER buy this book when it comes out. this is a threat <3

A Theory in Dreaming was a great sequel to a Study in Drowning, following Effy and Preston as they go back to school. The dark academia vibes were once again great, and it was very interesting to follow Preston for this story. They ending felt a little rushed but it was still a story worth telling and a great wrap up of the story started in boom one. Thank you netgalley for the ARC! 

Preston is a MMC we can all swoon over-the glasses, his undying devotion!  I loved meeting these two characters back at the university setting.  Ava’s prose reallllllly shines in the literary interludes in this book.  They feel so real it makes me wonder if she’s a reincarnation of an 18th century poet.  There are echoes of Coleridge “kubla khan.” (If I’m not mistaken) i found myself so angry for Preston and Effy in their clashes with their peers, and genuinely invested in their academic discoveries! 

A Theory of Dreaming picks up after A Study in Drowning left off, giving us both Effy and Preston’s POVs. Effy is struggling to moving on without escape of the Fairy King & stories she relied on in ASID while maneuvering her new life as the first female student in the literature college. Preston is also struggling with his new reality post-ASID and is on a journey to unravel the mystery of the bells only he can hear.

I will be honest. I found this follow up to A Study In Drowning difficult to continue caring about Effy and Preston’s journey. It took until around 65% for me to start feeling invested in the story. Ava Reid writes beautifully and I will continue to read her work, but this story just wasn’t for me. 

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collin’s for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.