A Theory of Dreaming : Sequel to A Study in Drowning

Summary: Return to the immersive, haunting, and lush world of the bestselling A Study in Drowning as the aftermath of their first discovery pulls Effy and Preston into a new adventure with the promise of magic, romance, and stories that might be washed away—and may be safer that way. Effy has yearned to study literature, but finally becoming the first woman enrolled at the literature college draws the ire of her classmates—and the whole nation.With Effy under threat, Preston is surprised to discover a rage simmering inside him, ringing in his ears. And at night, he begins to dream of a palace under the sea, a world where he is king.As the war between Llyr and Argant explodes, the Llyrians turn to fairy tales, and Effy and Preston find themselves caught in the crossfire, pulled away from each other by their dreams—dreams that are becoming dangerous.Are dreams ever truly just dreams? HOTLY ANTICIPATED SEQUEL: Effy and Preston's story began in A Study in Drowning, Ava Reid's YA debut and an instant #1 New York Times and #2 Indie bestseller and an Indie Next Pick; it garnered a star from Publishers Weekly and a loyal following online. This book picks up just where the last left off.PRESTON'S PERSPECTIVE: With alternating third-person limited points of view, this novel lets fans get to know both Effy and Preston on a new level, seeing how they love each other—and fight for each other.NEW LORE, SAME WORLD: While A Study in Drowning introduced the mythology of the Sleepers, the magic of the Fairy King, and a lush dark academic setting, A Theory of Dreaming builds on and evolves the lore, bringing us back to the University and the Sleeper Museum, while also giving us a palace beneath the waves and more of the history between Llyr and Argant.DEEPENING LOVE: Preston and Effy fell in love in A Study in Drowning, and they now face the complexities of being in love, with a nuanced and complex look at what it means to truly give your heart to a partner, including the intimacy and fear that comes with a true relationship.EVOLUTION OF DARK ACADEMIA: This book builds on the dark academia ambience and themes, as Effy enrolls at the literature college and faces entrenched sexism and Preston faces blatant bigotry for his Argantian heritage.DEFT PORTRAYAL OF DEPRESSION: Effy struggles with her mental health, and her journey is presented unflinchingly and sensitively, in a way that will be affirming and healing for many readers.OVERFLOWING WITH ATMOSPHERE: Readers loved the lushness of Hiraeth Manor, and Ava turns us now to the University and the palace beneath the waves, breathing life into Gothic settings in stunning detail.SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING: Effy learns SELF-AWARENESS through self-confidence; Preston struggles with SELF-MANAGEMENT through stress management; and both work on RELATIONSHIP SKILLS through relationship-building. The book also deals with emotionally abusive parents, racism, sexism, depression, and suicide.Quotes:Praise for A Study in Drowning: “Reid wields lyricism, dark academia, and fairy-core elements to eloquently imbue the narrative with originality and depth that ferries themes surrounding grief, gender, and the value of folklore.” -Publishers Weekly (starred review)“A dark and gripping feminist tale.” -Kirkus Reviews"Lusciously evocative and dripping with verbal texture." -Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books“Achingly atmospheric and beautifully sharp, A Study in Drowning will draw you in from the first page. A spell-binding mix of magic, myth, and mystery.” -Rory Power, New York Times bestselling author of Wilder Girls “This is one of those books that makes you remember why we read in the first place. A Study in Drowning takes dark academia to magical new heights. Reid is a singular, extraordinary talent.” -Sasha Peyton Smith, New York Times bestselling author of The Witch Hunt"A Study in Drowning is everything: a dark fairytale, a tender romance, a haunting historical mystery, and a quietly furious tribute to the people whose stories have been stolen from them. I absolutely loved it.” -Alix E. Harrow, New York Times bestselling author of Once and Future Witches“Incandescent, tender, and fierce. A Study in Drowning is a deftly woven mystery, brimming with lyrical writing and compelling characters who will steal your heart. This is a story that lingers, long after the last word.” -Rebecca Ross, bestselling author of Divine Rivals “Lyrical, moving, and sensitive, A Study in Drowning is a magically romantic tale, filled with writing that will sweep you into a whimsical and gothic world. I’ll recommend this beautiful and thoughtful book over and over again.” -Isabel Ibañez, author of Together We Burn“Both haunting and tender. Set amongst crumbling cliffsides and a raging sea, this atmospheric story will settle in your bones. Romantic, beautifully written, and powerful.” -Rachel Griffin, New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches“As always, Ava Reid's worlds feel lived-in and rich in history. This one is also full of myth and superstition, and heavy rains that fall upon crumbling old houses. A rewarding, romantic read, with much to chew on.” -Kendare Blake, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Three Dark Crowns“Piling invention upon invention, Reid conjures a bleached-bone jewel box of a tale, full of strange treasures and captured bits of dangerous lore. A Study in Drowning is as merciless as a rising tide and as beguiling as a fairy’s bargain.” -Melissa Albert, New York Times bestselling author of The Hazel Wood“Lyrical, incisive, and tragically beautiful, this book will haunt your dreams. Reid delivers in every way—--from the atmospheric house by the sea to the achingly hopeful romance to the examination of power, gender, and control, A Study in Drowning ruins and rebuilds you.” -Vaishnavi Patel, New York Times bestselling author of Kaikeyi “A dark and tender YA debut from the lyrical genius Ava Reid. A Study in Drowning is a beautifully eerie story about the myths we are told, the people we admire and what happens when the truths we hold begin to unravel. I am in awe of Reid and her storytelling abilities. You are going to need this book in your life!” -Joseline Diaz, Kepler’s Books “Drenched in atmosphere, and as wondrous and haunting as a dream half-remembered. A Study in Drowning is a love letter to stories—and to everyone silenced or forgotten in their retelling. Effy and Preston are spectacular leads, tenderly drawn and sure to win readers’ hearts as they’ve won mine.” -Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic “A Study in Drowning is a brilliant novel that's part fantasy, part dark academia, part modern gothic, part horror fairytale, and altogether too gripping to put down. A gothic that manages to be both breath of fresh air and the familiar claustrophobic feel of the walls closing in around you, A Study in Drowning is an undeniable testament to Ava Reid’s mastery of their trade.” -Brittany Smith, Barnes & Noble, Greenville SC "A Study in Drowning is everything I’ve ever wanted to read: dark academia, romance, mystery, and a powerful story of a survivor, one I can hold close to my heart because Effy feels so real. Addictive and brimming with atmosphere, Ava Reid weaves a striking tale that will sweep readers away to a harrowing sea.” -Bridey Morris, RJ Julia Booksellers, Madison CT "Ava Reid's YA debut is a deft exploration of strength in survival that's as nuanced as it is quietly impactful and delicately romantic. There is a healing quality within her works that makes A Study in Drowning feel like not just another breath of fresh air, but a necessary one. It's a read that should have a permanent space on your shelves and in your collections immediately.” -Kalie Barnes-Young, Barnes & Noble at the Grove, Los Angeles CA “In A Study in Drowning, Reid questions the idea of stories, who writes them, and who they are for. Between heart-wrenching discoveries, lush worldbuilding, and prose as beautiful and cruel as the sea, she delivers an answer I won’t soon forget. I could read this book again and again - absolute perfection.” -Courtney Gould, author of The Dead and the Dark “Haunting and elegantly rendered, A Study in Drowning is a lyrical examination of stories told, cherished myths, and an unraveling of truths held dear. Darkly romantic and unsettlingly eerie, I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come.” -Erin A. Craig, New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows and Small FavorsAuthor Bio: Credit: Author Image 1 Credit: Author Image 355 Credit: Author Image 457 Credit: Author Image 920 Ava Reid is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning, A Theory of Dreaming, Lady Macbeth, Juniper & Thorn, and The Wolf and the Woodsman. Her books have been published in over fourteen territories. She lives in the New York area. Follow her on Instagram @avasreid and find her online at tumblr.com/avasreid.