Scan barcode
sara_reads_things's review against another edition
4.0
Picked up this read because my books club suggested it. It was weird... I have to admit... The whole time I was reading it, I was wondering why. Why am I tuning the page. Why am I still intrigued. Even though there were these thoughts of doubt about the book, I still couldn't put it down. This chunk of a read took me a few days, but the strange nature of the story was excellent.
melissaanneclark's review against another edition
DNF at 29% - I really couldn’t get into it. I even restarted it at one point but just kept missing big chunks of info because I couldn’t stay focused. Would maybe try again but reading instead of listening.
emily_jade_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Strange the Dreamer fulfilled all my high expectations which was such a relief as I had heard so many good things about this book and was worried I would be disappointed.
The book is a fantasy told through the eyes of two characters. First, we meet Lazlo Strange, a librarian who has read everything that exists on the mythical Lost City of Weep and dreams of finding it. When the opportunity appears to join a group of warriors on their mysterious mission, he jumps at the chance to leave his ordinary life behind and go on an adventure. We are also introduced to Sarai, the blue-skinned goddess. When she begins to appear in Lazlo’s dreams he is surprised that she feels so real and begins to wonder if all the gods are dead after all.
Laini Taylor’s writing was just breathtakingly magical. It was full of such lyrical prose that it was a pleasure to read. The story never felt too long or drawn out with the fast pacing keeping the story going and the details felt necessary to build a world that you could imagine so easily in your mind. Laini manages to craft a very unique world with unique magic and history that feels very real. The plot is very engaging and full of mysteries that keep you guessing.
The morals and themes of the story were intricately woven into the plot so that it didn’t feel like a book full of messages but they were there all the same. The story clearly touches on race, war, murder, guilt and redemption in a clever and interesting way. The characters are complex and flawed but grow and develop over the course of the book. I enjoyed reading from Lazlo and Sarai’s perspectives equally and loved them both, especially when their stories began to cross over.
I don’t often read fantasy but this book showed me that when it’s done this well I absolutely love it. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel, Muse of Nightmares, which comes out later this year.
The book is a fantasy told through the eyes of two characters. First, we meet Lazlo Strange, a librarian who has read everything that exists on the mythical Lost City of Weep and dreams of finding it. When the opportunity appears to join a group of warriors on their mysterious mission, he jumps at the chance to leave his ordinary life behind and go on an adventure. We are also introduced to Sarai, the blue-skinned goddess. When she begins to appear in Lazlo’s dreams he is surprised that she feels so real and begins to wonder if all the gods are dead after all.
Laini Taylor’s writing was just breathtakingly magical. It was full of such lyrical prose that it was a pleasure to read. The story never felt too long or drawn out with the fast pacing keeping the story going and the details felt necessary to build a world that you could imagine so easily in your mind. Laini manages to craft a very unique world with unique magic and history that feels very real. The plot is very engaging and full of mysteries that keep you guessing.
The morals and themes of the story were intricately woven into the plot so that it didn’t feel like a book full of messages but they were there all the same. The story clearly touches on race, war, murder, guilt and redemption in a clever and interesting way. The characters are complex and flawed but grow and develop over the course of the book. I enjoyed reading from Lazlo and Sarai’s perspectives equally and loved them both, especially when their stories began to cross over.
I don’t often read fantasy but this book showed me that when it’s done this well I absolutely love it. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel, Muse of Nightmares, which comes out later this year.
cindilm76's review against another edition
Not finished, but putting it aside as I can't get into it right now.
impayal's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars!!
Popular YA books have been a mixed bag for me. So, I wasn't sure if I would like this one as I had heard mixed things from people I follow. But, the hype was worth it this time. Everyone has said this but yes, the writing is beautiful and the story feels like a fairy tale.
Gorgeous and full of monsters , thats the best way to describe it.
I didn't have a problem with pacing as some people did because I could tell it was building up to an action-packed climax. Younger me wouldn't have enjoyed this as I used to read mostly plot-centric books. This year, I have really enjoyed slow-paced, character-centric books and Strange the Dreamer just got added to that list. I loved our MCs Lazlo and Sarai and want the best for them in the sequel. Their romance was insta-lovey but I didn't mind it as the writing and their characterization made it believable, at least to me. YA books are filled with cringey, toxic and unhealthy relationships and I was just glad that it wasn't the case in this one. We need more characters like Lazlo and honestly, I prefer this type of insta-love to other problematic ships. I am glad that the sequel is already out and I don't have to wait a whole year after that cliffhanger.
Popular YA books have been a mixed bag for me. So, I wasn't sure if I would like this one as I had heard mixed things from people I follow. But, the hype was worth it this time. Everyone has said this but yes, the writing is beautiful and the story feels like a fairy tale.
Gorgeous and full of monsters , thats the best way to describe it.
I didn't have a problem with pacing as some people did because I could tell it was building up to an action-packed climax. Younger me wouldn't have enjoyed this as I used to read mostly plot-centric books. This year, I have really enjoyed slow-paced, character-centric books and Strange the Dreamer just got added to that list. I loved our MCs Lazlo and Sarai and want the best for them in the sequel. Their romance was insta-lovey but I didn't mind it as the writing and their characterization made it believable, at least to me.
Spoiler
The part where they spent most of the time making-out instead of discussing upcoming battle did annoy me but then again they are young and in-love and as I mentioned earlier I really love them both and wish the world for them.rabid_faerie's review against another edition
2.0
I REALLY want to like this book. I LOVE Laini Taylor and thoroughly enjoy her vivid, lavish writing style. That being said, this book felt like a novella s t r e c h e d out into a full length book, and just didn't grab me the way her other books have. Perhaps this is a case of trying to make a series out of something that should be a stand-alone novel? I guess we will see. Until then, I really can't recommend this one. Go read Daughter of Smoke and Bone instead.
thedeena63's review against another edition
4.0
Actually I’m giving this one 4 1/2 stars. The first 100 pages are brutal to get through; it’s taken me five attempts to read Strange the Dreamer. But 5th time’s the charm, and I’m SO glad I pushed through.
As soon as the ‘caravan’ begins the journey from one land to another the story kicks into gear and quickly finds a satisfying rhythm. Pieces slowly fall into place until you’re captivated by the whimsy and fantastical writing.
Who knew dreams could be such fun! Or that the stuff of nightmares so brutally intense. Once you find out what and who the delicate blue creature is—the one you meet in the first few pages—you’ll be longing for the dreams to never end.
I’m off to begin reading the sequel!
As soon as the ‘caravan’ begins the journey from one land to another the story kicks into gear and quickly finds a satisfying rhythm. Pieces slowly fall into place until you’re captivated by the whimsy and fantastical writing.
Who knew dreams could be such fun! Or that the stuff of nightmares so brutally intense. Once you find out what and who the delicate blue creature is—the one you meet in the first few pages—you’ll be longing for the dreams to never end.
I’m off to begin reading the sequel!
makeworkproject's review against another edition
5.0
I wish I'd waited until the whole series was finished before reading. Waiting will be hard.
msherwood128's review against another edition
4.0
A very interesting book! I think it could have been a little shorter some detail wasn’t needed and it took me a bit to understand and get into the world in the beginning. I also wasn’t the biggest fan of the ending but I liked the story and all the characters :)