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  • Published: 2 December 2025
  • ISBN: 9781529971828
  • Imprint: Del Rey
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $45.00

A Theory of Dreaming





From Sunday Times bestselling author, dive back into this lush and dreamlike world of Ava Reid's dark academic masterpiece A Study in Drowning in this stunning sequel and conclusion.

The aftermath of their first discovery pulls Effy and Preston on a final adventure and brings their haunting love story to its end in this stunning sequel and final book in the duology.

RETURN TO THE DREAMLIKE WORLD OF THE INSTANTLY BESTSELLING DARK ACADEMIA FANTASY A STUDY IN DROWNING
_________

All stories come to an end.

'An academic treat, gowned in gothic darkness' Daily Mail
Reid is a singular, extraordinary talent' Sasha Peyton Smith, The Rose Bargian
'We've been counting down the days until we can find ourselves reunited with Effy and Preston' Cosmopolitan


Effy learned that when she defeated the Fairy King. Even though she may never know exactly what happened at Hiraeth, she is free of her nightmares and is able to pen a thesis with Preston on the beloved national fairytale Angharad. She has finally earned a spot at the literature college, making her the first woman in history to enroll.

But some dreams are dangerous, especially when they come true. The entire university - and soon the entire nation - is waiting for her to fail. With the Fairy King defeated and Myrddin's legacy exposed, Effy can no longer escape into fantasy. Who is she without her stories?

With Effy under threat, Preston is surprised to discover a rage simmering inside him, ringing in his ears like bells. He begins to dream of a palace under the sea, a world where he is king - visions that start to follow him even in waking.

As the war between Llyr and Argant explodes, Effy and Preston find themselves caught in the crossfire: Effy losing her dreams and Preston losing himself in his.

Are dreams ever truly just dreams?

  • Published: 2 December 2025
  • ISBN: 9781529971828
  • Imprint: Del Rey
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $45.00

About the author

Ava Reid

Ava Reid was born in Manhattan and raised right across the Hudson River in Hoboken, but currently lives in Palo Alto, where the weather is too sunny and the people are too friendly. She has a degree in political science from Barnard College, focusing on religion and ethnonationalism.

Also by Ava Reid

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