This is a spoiler-free review! You can read my review of Strange the Dreamer on my blog, here.
The copy I read is the 2018 ARC from BookExpo, so if there were any major changes or edits in the final published copy, I am not aware. Strange the Dreamer ended so strong and with lots of build up for the next book, and I have to say that I was satisfied with Muse of Nightmares.
Taylor's writing, once again, is so beautifully done and truly shows the emotions and depth of her characters to the fullest extent. Sarai and Lazlo have such a unique and intense relationship compared to a lot of fantasy couples, and the way that they grow individually and together reflects on what they personally needed to discover as well as what they needed each other to find.
The action really takes off in this sequel compared to Strange the Dreamer -- with mostly world-building and character introduction accompanied by relationship development, the first book gave us a solid groundwork for Taylor's story. Muse of Nightmares brings a heavy resolution to this world, as Sarai and Lazlo's worlds come to their greatest struggles as they are brought together. No character was safe in the battle between Godspawn and mortals, as we see just how tragic and fatal it was for a number of characters on both sides.
Weep's existence is hanging by a thread as Minya continues to become even more unhinged than she was in the first book, in addition to characters we least expected having their villain moment at the worst possible time. Much like the first book, it does have a slower pace to the story and Taylor devotes a lot of time on proper development, but at times it did feel like the story was moving slower than it should have been, and what felt like days passing in the book was actually only hours.
I really enjoyed how much more we saw of Sparrow, Feral, Ruby, and Ruza in this sequel. They were present in the first book, but they very much fell into their roles of side characters, placed there for the enhancement of other characters and their stories. However, Muse of Nightmares provided them a new environment to thrive in, and their personalities and characterization received a lot more expansion.
Kora and Nova's involvement in the story was also skyrocketed to near-main character level, and their own stories were very interesting to see play out in the end. I do wish we got to see more of Thyon in this installment -- he was heavily involved in the first book and I felt as though his character and story took to the back-burner in Muse of Nightmares. I would have loved to see more of his dynamic with Lazlo in this book.
There were definitely some points of the story that left me a tad confused and some questions left unanswered, but overall Taylor was able to pull together the story's conclusion in a rewarding end for Weep and for its inhabitants. I was able to do short power-reads to finish this book in only a few sittings, but at times it did feel as though my eyes wanted me to skim the story but I had to force myself to stay on track.
Once again, I recommend this duology to readers looking to enter the fantasy genre with something that is easy to understand while also encompassing the genre's core values and influences. Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy is a must-read as well, and is a great introduction to her writing style and characterization.
You can add Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmares on Goodreads now, and follow the author to stay up to date on releases and publications.
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