Title: Strange the Dreamer (Book 1)
Series: Strange the Dreamer
Author: Laini Taylor
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Synopsis from Goodreads:
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.
Honestly, it is so hard to review this book because I’m trying to avoid spoilers at all cost! I feel like if I go into detail with plot, summary, and the CHARACTERS, then I will definitely just spoil the whole experience of this book. Therefore this is going to be short and to the point.
Strange the Dreamer is about the story of a boy that goes by the name of Lazlo Strange. He is an orphan and left by monks to take care of him. We see Lazlo Strange grow up from child to young adulthood throughout the first quarter of the book. Lazlo Strange is fascinated with the lost city of Weep, he loves it so much that he became obsessed with it. Finding remnants of the city throughout this huge library in his town for years and years to come. He had a collection of books, pages, and thoughts all over his room. There is various reasons why he is called Strange the Dreamer but you should read the book to find out why!
Lazlo Strange is a soft nerdy boy that we all just want to take care of. I mean, at least I do. He has a sweet soul and is in search of all the answers to his questions in regards to the lost city of Weep. However, one mysterious day the Godslayer from Weep comes into town and things are about to take a drastic change in Lazlo’s life. Maybe all his questions will be finally answered. But things aren’t as always as they seem. And instead Lazlo is filled with even more questions.
There are a lot more stranger things happening in the lost city of Weep and definitely some secrets being kept that get unraveled throughout the book. We meet a lot of important characters and when I say a lot, I mean PLENTY! Lazlo who felt like he never had a purpose in life, finally feels like his purpose is coming to life.
Strange the Dreamer is definitely a fantasy book filled with fables/storytelling vibes. I loved Laini’s writing and rich detailing. This story is told in third person divided into different sections. I am even surprised that I loved this one so much since I never finished her other series. I would highly recommend this one. I apologize for being really vague here, but again. I feel like anything in this book can be a spoiler.
this photo is not mine, credit goes to Midnight Designs
have you read this book? what were your thoughts?
let’s talk in the comments!
Instagram: @chicnerdreads
Twitter: @ChicNerdReads
Goodreads: Gretchen (ChicNerdReads)
I absolutely loved Daughter of Smoke and Bone, so I’ll be reading this one for sure. She always has the greatest names, doesn’t she? Lost city of Weep? Laszlo Strange? Those are great! If it’s anything like DoSaB, it’s going to be great. I’m glad you didn’t spoil anything, lol.
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I love the names and the town names, just everything! Laini is a really great writer! I hope you like this one! And thank you, I tried to stay as vague as possible.
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So glad you liked this! I’m so excited to read it!
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Hope you like it too!
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I certainly hope so! 🤞
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You are right, you can’t write anything about this book without it being a spoiler… I think I like your cover better than mine. Is it the UK edition.?
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Yeah it’s the UK edition, definitely way better than our USA edition
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I will save my thoughts for mine and Debby’s review, but I am afraid I might break your heart my dear friend ❤ I disagree with Debby though on the cover haha. I like the US better 😛 The yellow pops! Anyways ladies, I do agree that little can be said without spoiling so I refrain from further comments aside from the fact that I am happy this was a big win for you and beautifully handled and written review ❤
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thank you so freaking much Danielle!!! there was a point where i was going to totally give up on this review lol. it was the ultimate STRUGGLE!
i cannot wait to read you and debby’s review. Laini is definitely hit or miss. i didn’t like her first series at all but this one was a quite a change. again, can’t wait to read your thoughts!
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Soon! Denny finally finished.. bahah.
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Lol is that both your names combined?! cause if it is lmfaoooo I LOVE IT!!
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No hahahah no, total typo.. that would be very creepy of my 😉 I am not sure Debby would approve! I am losing it now!
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LMAO!!!!
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Great review for this book Gretchen. You managed to avoid spoilers quite well but still write an informative review. I loved Strange the Dreamer, Laini Taylor is such an amazing author and this is my favourite type of fantasy, one with fable/fairytale vibes like you said in your review!
Have you read her Daughter of Smoke and Bone series? I think if you enjoyed this book you’ll love that series as well! 😀
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Thank you Beth! I tried really hard to keep spoilers away, especially when the synopsis is just as vague! I actually read the first two books of Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy and then DNFed the trilogy. I couldn’t get into it after book two. So I am very surprised that I loved Strange soooooo much! ❤
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That’s all right. Yeah I always try and do that in my reviews, I guess there are just some books where it’s harder than others to do that and still have a coherent review.
Oh that is strange, still at least you enjoyed this book, that’s something isn’t it? 😀 ❤
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I loooooved this one and cannot wait for the next one! This world, characters, and lyrical writing was DELICIOUS! lol ❤
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Neither can I. I feel like the wait is going to be way too long but then again any wait more than a couple of days would be too long! 😀
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Lol you’re so right about that!
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I am BEYOND happy to see that you fell in love with this book! cuz you know a part of me died when you told me you didn’t like Daughter of Smoke & Bone LOL! I am only sorry to be tied up with books I committed to earlier in the year *sobs* I do feel better about that now that I know you loved it so much & the wait for the sequel would’ve crushed me. Perhaps it’s a blessing then that I will get to it later this year lol. Laini is one of my top fave authors as you already know lol. I can’t wait to be able to talk about this one in detail with you! Great review twin! 😉
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Thanks so much twin!!!!!! I’m kind of jealous that you get to wait because literally that ending…omg I just can’t…I’m so happy this book worked out for me after I denied myself from reading it since I didn’t like the other series. BUT THIS IS WORTH ALL THE TIME!
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I haven’t read this yet but I’m planning to read it soon. 🙂
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I really hope you like it ❤
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Gretchen. This whole review was just one gigantic teaser for this book! Ugh! Now I want to read this. Why is that bad? Because it’s the first in a series. I hate starting series and having to wait for the next book. I just want to binge them all! Well, I might have to break my rule for this. Awesome review– I’m on board. 😀
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Thank you so much Jackie! This is a duology so not too much of a commitment lol.
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Hey! That helps a ton actually. Now I just need to wait until the next book comes out…
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yessss!!!!
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Awesome review, Gretchen! You managed to write a very helpful and interesting review without avoiding any spoilers! 😀 I think you summed it up pretty perfectly, actually. And I will admit that I died a little when you said you never finished her other series, Daughter of Smoke and Bone. Did you mean you haven’t finished it yet (I haven’t. I still need to read the third book) or did you mean you DNF’d the entire trilogy? Even so, I’m so happy you loved this one! Laini’s writing is so lyrical and fluid. I just love the way she describes her setting and mythos. And I also love it when there’s a huge cast of characters, especially when they’re all pretty flushed out and have memorable personalities 😀 Once again, fantastic review! ❤
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Thank you sooooo much Azia…and umm..yes I DNFed Daughter of Smoke and Bone lol. *hides face* I tried the first two books and when I got into the third one, I just couldn’t do it.
I definitely agree that her writing is very lyrical and fluid. I looooooved this book with all the characters, world building, the settings, and plot. It was quite a surprise. I loved that she didn’t rush anything too. This was AMAZING and I cannot wait to read the second book!
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Noooooooo!!! LOL. That’s all right. I know the trilogy isn’t everyone’s cup of tea 😀 Out of curiosity, what was it that chased you away from finishing the third book?
I felt like everything in this book was just really well-done. The characters and her world-building were exceptional and were possibly the strongest aspects of this book.
Can’t wait to see what becomes of Lazlo in the next book! 😀
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I feel like the back and forth from book 2 definitely drew me away from book 3. Because I got into like 60ish pages from book 3 and I just couldn’t do it at all.
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That’s a shame 😦 Well I hope Strange the Dreamer keeps our attention throughout the series!
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I hope so!!
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I feel like this is “THE book” for 2017! I really need to pick it up and give it a go for myself. Everyone’s reviews are so vague lol BUT I will probably appreciate that when I read it and experience it for myself 🙂
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Yesssss!!! I felt the same as you before reading it myself and then everyone’s review made sense =)
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Glad you ended up enjoying this one, Gretchen!! I so need to get around to reading it soon. I know that I adore Laini’s writing from having loved her other trilogy but I also heard this one is on the slow side. Not sure if I could get into a slow read right now so I’m holding off until I can. Great review as always!! 💕😃
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I would definitely hold off till the second book comes out, it’s a duology so if you can marathon it, then hey why not! It does have it’s slow moments but it’s worth the read xoxo
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I just might. I always enjoy marathoning books, especially because it means no waiting lol. By then I should definitely be in the mood for a slower read. 😁
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I’ve heard nothing but great things about this book, so I am so glad you enjoyed it so much as well! It sounds like such a magical and beautifully written story. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! ❤
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Thank you so much Zoe! I hope you enjoy this book if you get around to it. It is definitely worth the read ❤
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