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lilifane's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
If I had to describe this book with two words, I would say: Emotional Damage!
I haven't cried this much while reading for a long time. I think I didn't last a single chapter without tears.
Although I think the plot is the weakest point and the pacing is not as well done as in the first book, I still loved it a lot. Personally, I hoped we would focus on the characters and problems still present from book one and maybe a little discovering and adventuring. But it was a lot of talking instead, and then new characters were introduced who brought new problems or rather another layer of the same problems.
Still, I loved the characters with all my heart and even if we didn't see some of them as much, I was glad about every second we got. I was also impressed by how trauma and healing were discussed in the book. These were the main themes in this duology, and they were explored in a very nuanced way.
But beware of triggers. So many hard and dark and triggering topics.
I haven't cried this much while reading for a long time. I think I didn't last a single chapter without tears.
Although I think the plot is the weakest point and the pacing is not as well done as in the first book, I still loved it a lot. Personally, I hoped we would focus on the characters and problems still present from book one and maybe a little discovering and adventuring. But it was a lot of talking instead, and then new characters were introduced who brought new problems or rather another layer of the same problems.
Still, I loved the characters with all my heart and even if we didn't see some of them as much, I was glad about every second we got. I was also impressed by how trauma and healing were discussed in the book. These were the main themes in this duology, and they were explored in a very nuanced way.
But beware of triggers. So many hard and dark and triggering topics.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Rape and Sexual content
anneroza's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
fullmooncreations's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, and Suicide
dlrosebyh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Lazlo and Sarai are not the same people they were before the disaster. They both struggle to understand their new identities as ghosts and gods, respectively, as dark-minded Minya holds them captive in order to get revenge on Weep.
While Sarai is more powerless than ever, Lazlo must make the impossible decision of whether to save the woman he loves or everyone else. The muse of nightmares, Sarai, has yet to fully realize her potential since sometimes, only the most desperate need can teach us our own depths.
I suppose I liked everything about this sequel, with the exception of the fact that the primary plot didn't really get going until the 30% point. It wasn't as intense as the previous book in the series, but it was still quite enjoyable. I adored the character depth, and the cliffhanger really caught my attention. I truly believed that this was the final installment in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Grief
Moderate: Rape, Slavery, and Trafficking
doodeedoda's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Violence, Trafficking, Grief, Murder, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Self harm, Sexual content, Blood, and Death of parent
aliveironically's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Rape
natsbooknook's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
We continue our wonderful journey in Weep, starting where we left off at the end of Strange the Dreamer. The storyline in this book moved more consistently than the previous book - I found Strange the Dreamer had a bit of a lull in the middle of the book, whereas this book did not.
It was a bit odd, though, how we spent the first half of the book thinking Minya was going to be our villain, and then the real villain literally punches a hole through the sky in the last 100 pages . Additionally, there were bits and pieces of information that were repeated almost word for word later in the story. Rather than creatively integrating it and relying on the reader to remember this tidbit of information, it was just regurgitated.
Other than those two minor grievances, I thought the story was beautifully written, the characters were lovable, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
forgettingtofly's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I’m mourning that this duology had to end, but so grateful I got to read it. I can’t quite express it yet, but this book was deeply moving and so good. Well-written, achingly sad, wonderfully hopeful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
lis98's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I have mixed feelings about this one. Overall it was an excellent book.
Pros:
The exploration of past trauma and how it affects us in the present is done masterfully. Especially concerning the circle of revenge and violence Laini Taylor handled the topic in a way I’ve never seen before. This book is a truly unique piece of art.
The characters felt so real and believable. Except for Skathis there’s no real evil people in this book. Every person has such rich emotions and motivations that you can’t help but feel for them even when they do the most horrendous things. Which gives the book quite a sad undertone throughout the whole story, I suppose.
Contrary to the opinions I’ve seen on the internet so far I really enjoyed Nova’s story line a lot, especially in the beginning of the book. As tragic as it was, I felt the completion of her story with her committing suicide quite fitting since it was hinted at from the start.
Cons:
This time around, since the general tone of the book was heavier than the last I sometimes felt as if the poetic writing was kinda out of place. At times it would also feel a bit corny.
I personally didn’t like the turn the plot took. The expansion of the scale of the story felt too grand for me, I didn’t like the idea of the different worlds.
The pacing in the beginning was extremely slow. I think that some of the scenes we spent with Sarai and Lazlo could have been cut as much (as I adore the two together) while we could have spent a little more time in the end which felt a bit rushed at times.
Pros:
The exploration of past trauma and how it affects us in the present is done masterfully. Especially concerning the circle of revenge and violence Laini Taylor handled the topic in a way I’ve never seen before. This book is a truly unique piece of art.
The characters felt so real and believable. Except for Skathis there’s no real evil people in this book. Every person has such rich emotions and motivations that you can’t help but feel for them even when they do the most horrendous things. Which gives the book quite a sad undertone throughout the whole story, I suppose.
Contrary to the opinions I’ve seen on the internet so far I really enjoyed Nova’s story line a lot, especially in the beginning of the book.
Cons:
This time around, since the general tone of the book was heavier than the last I sometimes felt as if the poetic writing was kinda out of place. At times it would also feel a bit corny.
I personally didn’t like the turn the plot took. The expansion of the scale of the story felt too grand for me, I didn’t like the idea of the different worlds.
The pacing in the beginning was extremely slow. I think that some of the scenes we spent with Sarai and Lazlo could have been cut as much (as I adore the two together) while we could have spent a little more time in the end which felt a bit rushed at times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
Moderate: Child death, Sexual assault, and Murder
nytephoenyx's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
As with Stranger the Dreamer, I was enamored with Laini Taylor's writing, which blossoms like orchids on the page. The story is good - there are a lot of exciting elements and complex characters - but Laini Taylor's writing steals the show. She may be a bit flowery for most, but she steals my heart and weaves gossamer threads through it, and I am in love.
There were a few things that were too easy, especially redemption arcs and resource acquisition, but I'm willing to forgive all of it. However, I lament that Muse of Nightmares felt like a middle book, and I'm crestfallen at the lack of continuing adventures.
Altogether well-worth reading and a breath of beauty and joy in this otherwise dismal universe. An easy five-star because Laini Taylor has a gift for weaving magic in her worlds and creating characters of all shapes and sorts that the reader can't help but love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Rape, Torture, Trafficking, and Death of parent
Minor: Slavery, Fire/Fire injury, and War