Diving Back into a Dreamscape: A Review of A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid
As a book blogger perpetually on the hunt for intricate worlds to get lost in, I was absolutely elated when I discovered that Ava Reid was granting us a sequel to A Study in Drowning. Imagine my sheer delight when I finished that first book, reveling in its haunting beauty and complex themes—only to find that A Theory of Dreaming awaited me, ready to pull me back into the emotional depths of Effy and Preston’s journey. Spoiler alert: I may have danced on my couch a bit when the digital copy landed in my hands!
In this continuation, we step back into the lives of Effy and Preston, who are now navigating the choppy waters of academia after exposing Angharad Myrddin’s true legacy. The contrast between their earlier triumph and the hostility they face upon returning to school is striking. Effy, one of the first female students, has already caused waves, and her past encounters with the fairy king leave her precariously dependent on sleeping pills, seeking refuge in dreams. Preston, with his Argentinian roots, faces prejudice from the Lyrans and finds himself burdened with the weight of his own identity within an elitist environment. The backdrop of their academic struggles is as captivating as the otherworldly dreamscapes they navigate, and it serves as a poignant critique of the cruel injustices often woven into the fabric of intellectual circles.
Reid’s writing is immersive, weaving a hypnotic tapestry that feels both intimate and grand. I often found myself pausing to savor the depth of her language—a delightful mix of poetic imagery and raw emotion. The pacing felt deliberate, allowing the reader to wrestle with the uncomfortable truths about societal prejudices and the ethical dilemmas of academia. One moment that struck me deeply was the diary’s twist, which brilliantly merges the characters’ realities with their dream explorations. It left me pondering the delicate boundaries between truth and imagination, and I felt Reid’s skill in drawing the reader into this existential struggle.
What resonated with me most is how Effy and Preston’s challenges extend beyond mere academic hurdles; they mirror larger societal issues that resonate today. Their fight against the wronged narratives motioned me to reflect on the importance of reclaiming one’s voice and legacy, a theme increasingly vital in our current landscape. As Preston grapples with his growing fears of losing Effy to her dreams, I felt that tension tug at my own heartstrings—a reminder of how vulnerability and love can intersect in the most volatile ways.
- A Theory of Dreaming* is undoubtedly darker than its predecessor, yet it also magnifies the dreamworld’s allure and danger. It’s an exploration of what it truly means to escape—whether from trauma, societal judgment, or the weight of expectation.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed A Study in Drowning; however, familiarity with the first book is crucial for fully grasping the rich narratives and character complexities that fuel the story. If you’re a fan of dark fantasy interwoven with academia, societal critique, and poignant relationships, this is a treasure you won’t want to miss. Personally, this sequel has solidified my appreciation for Reid’s gift as a storyteller and has left me yearning for even more of Effy and Preston’s adventures.
Until next time, happy reading! You can catch my musings on various platforms like Medium, or join me on social media for more bookish discussions!
Discover more about A Theory of Dreaming (A Study in Drowning, #2) on GoodReads >>