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A review by kelseydaffodil
A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
i am so sad that this series has now ended. and i am so grateful of the journey it's taken me on.
this book was just as incredible as the first. i enjoyed how we now see effy and preston in their academic setting, rather than secluded in hiraeth like ASID. new characters were introduced, and old ones expanded on. the antagonists of the book now consisted of those from the "real world", in comparison to ASID's ethereal, "magical" enemies.
though more character based, there are multiple plots in this book. there is one i wish had more of a conclusive ending. however, this book didn't feel bogged down by multiple storylines, they all flowed within each other seamlessly - especially since they were shared between preston and effy, having their own plotlines that every so often beautifully intertwined. there is more build on the war between argant and llyr, unethical academic leaders, and prejudice against preston's heritage.
one of the main things i love about these two books are the topic of effy's mental health. i feel as though ava reid reached into my brain and wrote my thoughts and feelings into effy. i connected to her even more this time, and i will never not be thankful for that and so full of love for her character. her mental health is explored so delicately. often the things she says, the way she feels, hits far too close to home, and it makes me feel much less alone.
thank you to del rey for providing me with a copy of the arc via a competition, i feel insanely lucky to be able to have an earlier access to the conclusion of a series i now hold so dear to me.
this book was just as incredible as the first. i enjoyed how we now see effy and preston in their academic setting, rather than secluded in hiraeth like ASID. new characters were introduced, and old ones expanded on. the antagonists of the book now consisted of those from the "real world", in comparison to ASID's ethereal, "magical" enemies.
though more character based, there are multiple plots in this book. there is one i wish had more of a conclusive ending. however, this book didn't feel bogged down by multiple storylines, they all flowed within each other seamlessly - especially since they were shared between preston and effy, having their own plotlines that every so often beautifully intertwined. there is more build on the war between argant and llyr, unethical academic leaders, and prejudice against preston's heritage.
one of the main things i love about these two books are the topic of effy's mental health. i feel as though ava reid reached into my brain and wrote my thoughts and feelings into effy. i connected to her even more this time, and i will never not be thankful for that and so full of love for her character. her mental health is explored so delicately. often the things she says, the way she feels, hits far too close to home, and it makes me feel much less alone.
thank you to del rey for providing me with a copy of the arc via a competition, i feel insanely lucky to be able to have an earlier access to the conclusion of a series i now hold so dear to me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Suicide attempt, War
Moderate: Bullying, Misogyny, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Forced institutionalization, Deportation