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.
Hardcover, 544 pages
Published March 28th 2017 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Source: Library
Five Stars: An imaginative story that is exquisitely written and a pleasure to read.
Lazlo Strange, a junior librarian, has spent his whole life dreaming about the mythical, lost city of Weep. Stunning tales were told throughout history of a city with magic, heroes and one of wild dreams. Then two hundred years ago, the travelers from the city stopped appearing, and the city was not heard from again. Even the true name of the city was snatched from the world. Then one day, Lazlo's dreams are realized when a band of travelers from Weep arrive in his corner of the world. The Godslayer, leads the group, and he is determined to find people in the outside worlds to solve a mysterious problem that has plagued the city. Lazlo's fondest wish comes true when he finds himself going to Weep. When he arrives he Weep, he begins to have dreams about a mysterious blue skinned girl. Who is this girl and why is she in his dreams? Can she be the key to solving the problem of Weep?
What I Loved:
- I have to admit I put off reading this book because I feared that it wouldn't live up to my exceedingly high expectations. I shouldn't have feared because Ms. Taylor once again delivered. Strange the Dreamer is a gorgeously written book with exquisite details, incredible world building, tremendous characters and one that has a vast array of emotions. I soaked this up, and couldn't get enough. I loved this book!
- The world building was top notch. I was enchanted by the city of Weep and it's dire problem. This was once a city of wealth, magic and dreams, and now it sits in the dark, practically dead and weeping. I won't go on as I want you to experience it for yourself.
- I adored Lazlo Strange. At first meeting, he doesn't appear to be a hero. He is a quiet, shy, strange librarian who has spent his whole life immersed in books, dreaming of Weep. He wears dusty robes, has a crooked nose, and he certainly isn't the handsome, dashing hero type. However, he is so much more than meets the eye. Lazlo is kind, intelligent, altruistic and completely wonderful. I loved him. Then there is Sarai. She is a tortured, blue skinned girl, forced to live a life sequestered away. She bears a terrible burden, and at night she is the Goddess of Nightmares. My heart went out to Sarai. I loved the whole concept of the moths.
- The secondary cast of characters are eclectic and interesting. I loved getting to know all these diverse and interesting characters. Eril Fayne, the Godslayer, was my favorite. I ached for him, and hoped that his tortured soul would find peace.
- The romance is pure, sweet and simple. I loved watching this romance unfold. Needless to say, it is an unconventional romance, one that stole my heart. I am a huge fan of romances that build on emotion and friendship, and ones where there is more passion and fire in a simple touch than a kiss. Just read it.
- The story is amazing. It is one that captured me with its wonderful world, and then broke my heart. I loved the highs and lows, the treachery and the surprises. I need more!
- The writing is gorgeous, beautiful and breathtaking. I love the detailed descriptions and the lyrical beauty of the writing. If you have not read Ms. Taylor before, you need to, her books are masterpieces.
And the Not So Much:
- I was disappointed that there wasn't more detail and history when it came to the gods who preyed upon Weep. I wanted to know all six of them better and understand their powers and how they worked. I am hoping for more revelation in the next book.
- I was a bit frustrated that the story line involving Thyon was left so undone. A great deal of time is devoted to him in the first portion, and then he fades. I didn't like him, but I felt like his story was important. I am certain it will be followed up on in the next story.
- The ending was a cliffhanger. It was shocking, brutal, heartbreaking and I hate that it ended leaving me on edge. It will be a long wait for the next book.
- I loathed that the book opened with a tragic death, I didn't like that I knew what was coming as I read.
- I complained about this with The Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy, and I will do so again. This is marketed at as a YA book. Make no mistake, this is not your typical YA literature. This book is for everyone. If you are a reader that appreciates complex and amazing story telling, exquisite writing and tremendous characters, you need to read this. Else where in the world, Taylor's work is classified as Adult Literature, so I don't know why it isn't here in the U.S. If you steer away from YA literature, please don't miss this one. It is so worth the read!
Strange the Dreamer is my favorite book so far this year. I loved the breathtaking writing, the complex story telling, the amazing characters and the outstanding world building. This is a book that stole my heart and captured my imagination. I wanted so much more, especially after that cruel ending. I need the next book now. Please don't miss this one! I will definitely purchase this book for my shelf.
I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Treat yourself to Laini Taylor's other fantastic series:
