A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid | A Theory in Drowning #2 New

• ⭐️ Plot & Pacing

  • I was instantly swept away by Ava Reid’s A Study in Drowning. I was thrilled when I came across its sequel, A Theory in Dreaming, on NetGalley. This book exceeded my wildest expectations. I was even more captivated by Preston’s story than I had been by Effy’s. I kept turning pages late into the night, eager to find out what happened next.

• ⭐️ Characters

  “Now, without the Fairy King, without the stories, the world was vast and beyond her understanding, beyond her control.”

  “Dismally she realized that she had already gone from wishing to be exceptional to wishing to be invisible.”

  • Effy – As the book begins, our heroine is filled with excitement about her future. However, she soon discovers that the realities of life can dampen even the most treasured dreams. With the support of Preston and their friends, she finds the strength to overcome adversity and forge a bright future, not only for herself, but for all women in Caer-Isel.

  [How do we survive] “the great and terrible, agonizing and beautiful burden and privilege of being in love?”

  “Young unbeliever, your mind as sharp as steel; it is for you and only you that the great bells peal.”

  • Preston – Our hero, allows his past to cloud his feelings about his future with Effy. He spends his waking hours vacillating between thoughts of how much he loves her and fears of losing her. To cope with his fear and grief, he starts to rely on myths and legends, and perhaps, just perhaps, begins to believe in magic.
  • Rhia (and Maisie) – We learn more about Rhia and her dedication to Effy. She is there to support her when she needs her most.
  • Lotto – What a lovable scoundrel! Everyone has had one of those friends who can charm themselves out of almost any situation. You can’t help but root for them to succeed.

• ⭐️ Prose & Style

  • This book is filled with poetic and whimsical prose that evokes the charm of fairy tales. I could write extensively about the notes I took in my advance reader copy (ARC), but I will keep it brief since I will attempt not to quote anything that may not make it into the final version. Here are a couple of my favorite book boyfriend worthy lines for your reading enjoyment.

  “Whatever faults I might have — and I have plenty — just know that I think of you, always. My mind is never empty of you. Not in waking; not even in dreaming.”

  When he looked at her he knew — he knew — beyond the shadow of a doubt, even when everything he did was always couched in exceptions, in what-ifs — that it was exactly where he belonged…In his palace where he worshipped her like a saint. His fairy-tale girl.

• ⭐️ Emotional Impact

  • As I immersed myself in the pages of this book, not a single tear was shed; instead, I found myself enveloped in pure delight. Each character was vividly crafted, their journeys stirring joy and laughter within me.

• ⭐️ Intellectual Stimulation

  • The narrative unfolded with such charm and wit that it held my attention from the very first sentence. The whimsical prose danced across the pages, filling my mind with colorful imagery and transporting me to a world where every moment brimmed with enchantment.