Muse of Nightmares (Strange the Dreamer, #2) by Laini Taylor Review

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.

You can catch up with me and my current reads by friending me on Goodreads and following this blog, my Twitter, and my Instagram in order to stay up-to-date with any reviews, blog tours, and more!

Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer, #1) by Laini Taylor Review

 

This is a spoiler-free review! A list of trigger warnings can be found here.

Lazlo Strange is a twenty-year-old librarian whose dreams show him what others cannot remember, and his passion for magic proves to be useful as he embarks on a journey he never thought that he would join. It is definitely a lot of information to take in at first, but if you have experience reading more high fantasy novels, it is a quick adjustment and you become oriented in the world very quickly.

Sarai, Ruby, Feral, Sparrow, and Minya are remaining survivors of Weep, living in the citadel while being bearers of magical gifts. With each having a unique ability, they can be viewed as a tool or a curse. Sarai, called the Muse of Nightmares, is able to enter into the dreams of others and scream moths into existence for her purpose.

Thyon Nero is such a massive pain throughout the book, especially due to the way that he speaks to and treats Lazlo. As for a number of other characters, I cannot say that this behavior surprised me, but Lazlo continues to be kind and understanding to everyone around him, despite the way they treat him. A decent amount of the characters that Lazlo is traveling with do not speak kindly of the godspawn and the general concept of Weep, which results in Lazlo constantly defending their existence.

The relationship and connection between Lazlo and Sarai is so interesting -- he the dreamer, she the nightmare. A beautiful symmetry between their abilities that draws them to one another. The way that Sarai longs for a nightmare-less sleep and Lazlo longs for dreams filled with Sarai shows how their stories begin to intertwine as they learn more about one another and as Lazlo discovers the mysteries and horrors of what happened in Weep.

The world building is done in a way where Taylor is sure to explain what the terms mean, instead of just throwing in italicized jargon and hoping that they reader will understand what and who she is referring to. I enjoyed the way that we are given multiple perspectives -- not just from Lazlo and Sarai, but from other characters as well, even if it is for only a few pages at a time, it provides a great insight into the story.

Taylor's writing carries such heaviness and expression -- the way she is able to bring life to these characters, making you feel everything that they experience is fantastic. Lazlo and Sarai's inner thoughts alone bring with them such awe and admiration for what they do not yet know about one another, as well as what they discover about themselves. It was captivating and grew as the story progressed, and had me turning the pages as fast as I could while holding onto her words.

I definitely recommend this to those looking to get into high fantasy -- it is not as complex (or long) as The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon, but builds a world and group of characters that possess individuality and growth. I will definitely be completing the series, especially after that ending. Be sure to read Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy as well!

You can add Strange the Dreamer and the rest of the series on Goodreads now, and follow the author to stay up to date on releases and publications.

You can catch up with me and my current reads by friending me on Goodreads and following this blog, my Twitter, and my Instagram in order to stay up-to-date with any reviews, blog tours, and more!