Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

*MINOR spoilers*

The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around—and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he’s been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance or lose his dream forever. What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving? The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries—including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo’s dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?

OH YEAH I READ IT! After months of hearing incredible things and of seeing it on my shelf and wondering if I would like it, I finally picked up Strange the Dreamer. I went in knowing next to nothing about this world. I am happy to report that I have fallen deeply in love with everything to do about this story. Everybody who gushes about this story is completely right and the hype is so worth it.

This book is packed with so many things, it almost seems overflowing. First off, the story. Wow, the story was incredible. This was A STORY. It was told in such a way where I felt reveals happened naturally and exposition wasn’t easily spotted. That isn’t something I read very often and it took a little getting used to, but when I say the payoff, I knew why this story was told the way it was.

The citadel was definitely one of my favorite parts. And the reveal revolving around the citadel was mind blowingly good. I saw things from both POVs so clearly, even when only seeing it through a single person’s eye. Ah, even just thinking about it makes my brain overflow with how it all went down.

There was such a beauty to the world, even though it is seeped in pain and cloaking in darkness. Beauty is created there and it’s almost impossible not to see. The descriptions left me awed and wanting more. Lazlo’s storytelling makes me want more, makes me want to see more things through it eyes.

Speaking of Lazlo, he was so pure. He was so untouched by hatred and such a refreshing character. He’s loving and kind and wants to help simply for the sake of helping. I wasn’t sure I was going to like him, but he proved me wrong in pretty much every single way.

Sarai was also a different type of character for me. It’s harder for me to describe, but I loved her. I loved her passion, her willingness to live with hatred and forgiveness, and everything about her. Her family was also something. I feel like I haven’t seen enough of Sparrow, Ruby, or Feral to make any judgement on them yet, but I recently saw a piece of fanart of Minya that freaking PERFECTLY captured her. She’s seriously creepy, power hungry, and full of hate. I wasn’t sure I wanted to see more of her, but I can’t wait to see where her character goes!

The writing is something to behold. While reading, I don’t think I appreciated it as much as I do now, but Laini simply was a way with words. Its incredible. I feel like her writing drew this story to be something more than just the story told. It drew it out to it’s full potential and made it something spectacular.

The more I think about this book, the more I can’t wait to get Muse of Nightmares. And I’m happy I don’t have to wait! I’ve heard great things about that one too and I cannot wait to see where this story goes!

You can add Strange the Dreamer on Goodreads and order a copy of your own!

Thank you for reading!