A Theory of Dreaming Deluxe Limited Edition - by Ava Reid (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Return to the immersive, lush, and dreamlike world of the instantly bestselling dark academia fantasy A Study in Drowning as 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. This collector's edition features stunning foil case design, antique-style endpapers, filigree cover, and gorgeous designed edges.

All stories come to an end.

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?

Review 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

"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

"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 Favors