Book Review:
Title: Strange The Dreamer
Author: Laini Taylor
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
I received an ARC/PROOF of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
“You’re a storyteller. Dream up something wild and improbable," she pleaded. "Something beautiful and full of monsters."
“Beautiful and full of monsters?"
“All the best stories are.”
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?
Welcome to Weep.
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?
Welcome to Weep.
I am writing this review about 10 minutes after finishing the book, which probably isn't the best idea since I'm feeling a little emotionally unstable. Just a little. Okay, I'm lying - I'm a mess! But, this is the only time I have spare to write this review, so we're going with it. Prepare for possible babbling:
Strange the Dreamer was a dream!
It's no secret that Laini Taylor is a master of words. Her writing is lyrical, whimsical and all round beautiful. Every sentence she creates has an air of specialness to it - like it has been crafted with the utmost care and love. There's simply nothing ordinary and dull with Laini's work, it's magical.
There's this one quote I read,
Truthfully, I never expected to love this book as much as I did. The size of the ARC was seriously intimidating. The writing can take a bit to get used to. And the pacing is quite slow.
But honestly, the book wasn't big enough, I was left craving more after the end. The writing was exquisite, I simply cannot fault it. And the story pacing was lush. It really allowed me to fully appreciate the story at hand and be able to emotionally connect with each and every character.
I was captivated from the very start to the very end.
A lot of that captivation was due to the awesome cast of characters. They were all equally as complex and interesting to read about. For starters, we have Lazlo Strange, who is a librarian and a professional dreamer. For most of his life he has been obsessed with the lost city of Weep & he pretty much spends his days trying to learn everything and anything he can about the city. It's so endearing to read. Lazlo is probably one of the sweetest and kindest MCs I have ever read about - A true cinnamon roll!
We also have Minya, a six year old godspawn (half god/half human,) who I think is probably the most complex character. She has good intentions, in trying to protect her own, but her methods to do so were definitely questionable.
And then we have possibly my favourite character of the book, Sarai. She is a godspawn, like Minya, and a cinnamon roll, like Lazlo. I loved her so much - for a good 80% of the book, my heart ached for her and I just wanted to jump into the story and give her the biggest hug ever! (I've also created my own group in honour of Sarai. It's called #ProtectSaraiAtAllCosts)
There were also some amazing side characters like, Ruby, Sparrow, Feral, Thyon & The GodSlayer.
I understand why some people may struggle to get into this book, but personally, I adored it. There was nothing I didn't enjoy (well, apart from that ending!!!!!) & I cannot wait till I get my hands on the sequel!
Roll on 2018!
Overall, Strange the Dreamer is a slow-burn, yet lush, story filled with mystery, rich world-building and the most lovable main characters. (AND heartbreak - can't forget the heartbreak! *cries*)
Definitely a Top 10 Read of 2017!
5 Stars
Goodreads
It's no secret that Laini Taylor is a master of words. Her writing is lyrical, whimsical and all round beautiful. Every sentence she creates has an air of specialness to it - like it has been crafted with the utmost care and love. There's simply nothing ordinary and dull with Laini's work, it's magical.
There's this one quote I read,
and immediately I thought, 'I wish I was in a Laini Taylor story' because I know whoever I was, whether I was a hero or villain or just a passerby, my character would be written beautifully.“I think you're a fairy tale. I think you're magical, and brave, and exquisite. And I hope you'll let me be in your story.”
Truthfully, I never expected to love this book as much as I did. The size of the ARC was seriously intimidating. The writing can take a bit to get used to. And the pacing is quite slow.
But honestly, the book wasn't big enough, I was left craving more after the end. The writing was exquisite, I simply cannot fault it. And the story pacing was lush. It really allowed me to fully appreciate the story at hand and be able to emotionally connect with each and every character.
I was captivated from the very start to the very end.
A lot of that captivation was due to the awesome cast of characters. They were all equally as complex and interesting to read about. For starters, we have Lazlo Strange, who is a librarian and a professional dreamer. For most of his life he has been obsessed with the lost city of Weep & he pretty much spends his days trying to learn everything and anything he can about the city. It's so endearing to read. Lazlo is probably one of the sweetest and kindest MCs I have ever read about - A true cinnamon roll!
We also have Minya, a six year old godspawn (half god/half human,) who I think is probably the most complex character. She has good intentions, in trying to protect her own, but her methods to do so were definitely questionable.
And then we have possibly my favourite character of the book, Sarai. She is a godspawn, like Minya, and a cinnamon roll, like Lazlo. I loved her so much - for a good 80% of the book, my heart ached for her and I just wanted to jump into the story and give her the biggest hug ever! (I've also created my own group in honour of Sarai. It's called #ProtectSaraiAtAllCosts)
There were also some amazing side characters like, Ruby, Sparrow, Feral, Thyon & The GodSlayer.
I understand why some people may struggle to get into this book, but personally, I adored it. There was nothing I didn't enjoy (well, apart from that ending!!!!!) & I cannot wait till I get my hands on the sequel!
Roll on 2018!
Overall, Strange the Dreamer is a slow-burn, yet lush, story filled with mystery, rich world-building and the most lovable main characters. (AND heartbreak - can't forget the heartbreak! *cries*)
Definitely a Top 10 Read of 2017!
5 Stars
Goodreads
Thank you for this amazing review <3
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to start it!
Thank YOU for taking the time to read it!
DeleteI hope you enjoy the book as much as I did x