A review by annevivliohomme
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

adventurous tense
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

The mind that created the world of Mesarthim and the progression of events is a truly wonderful mind. However, the language used to describe the world and its characters' thoughts struck a nerve: it was difficult to get used to, and even more difficult to be unbothered by the occasional pretentious air. In addition to this there is a section of the story which gave me a genuine reason to be bothered. The theft and assault of young inhabitants was unsettling, and this violence never felt truly acknowledged because it was largely unspoken of, and often only hinted to. It was mentioned casually, as if it were expected of this world, and thereby lost its gravity and respect. 

Last of all, there was a certain romantic relationship which added nothing to the story, nothing to the characters, but instead added a feeling of discomfort. (it gave me the icks if I'm being honest) Two-dimensionality does not disappear after a sex scene, especially not if one of the characters is 15 years old. 
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