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Strange the Dreamer #1-2
Laini Taylor Collection 2 Books Set
Please Note That The Following Individual Books As Per Original UK ISBN and UK EDITION Cover Image In this Listing shall be
Laini Taylor 2 Books Collection Set (Strange The Dreamer, Muse of Nightmares):
Strange the
Since he was five years old, Lazlo Strange has been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to go 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.
Muse of
The magical sequel to Strange the Dreamer In the wake of tragedy, neither Lazlo nor Sarai are who they were before. One a god, the other a ghost, they struggle to grasp the new boundaries of their selves as dark-minded Minya holds them hostage, intent on vengeance against Weep.Lazlo faces an unthinkable choice - save the woman he loves, or everyone else? - while Sarai feels more helpless than ever. But is she? Sometimes, only the direst need can teach us our own depths, and Sarai, the muse of nightmares.
Laini Taylor 2 Books Collection Set (Strange The Dreamer, Muse of Nightmares):
Strange the
Since he was five years old, Lazlo Strange has been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to go 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.
Muse of
The magical sequel to Strange the Dreamer In the wake of tragedy, neither Lazlo nor Sarai are who they were before. One a god, the other a ghost, they struggle to grasp the new boundaries of their selves as dark-minded Minya holds them hostage, intent on vengeance against Weep.Lazlo faces an unthinkable choice - save the woman he loves, or everyone else? - while Sarai feels more helpless than ever. But is she? Sometimes, only the direst need can teach us our own depths, and Sarai, the muse of nightmares.
1104 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2021
About the author
Laini Taylor
36 books39.8k followersHi! I write fantasy books. My latest is STRANGE THE DREAMER, about a young librarian, a mythic lost city, and the half-human children of murdered gods. Check it out :-) Before that I wrote the DAUGHTER OF SMOKE & BONE trilogy, which has been translated into 32 languages. It's about a blue-haired art student raised by monsters, a broken angel, and a war that has raged for 1000 years in another world. I also wrote LIPS TOUCH: THREE TIMES, which was a National Book Award finalist, and the DREAMDARK books. As well as various short stories and novellas.
Thanks for reading!!
www.lainitaylor.com
@lainitaylor
Thanks for reading!!
www.lainitaylor.com
@lainitaylor
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 23 reviews
April 5, 2022
This is an absurdly beautiful set of of books. The full-color art, the slipcase, the notes by the author in the margins about the process of writing it... absolutely, perfectly glorious.
January 3, 2023
You know that moment when you wonder: why didn't I read this sooner? Yup, that's me! This is now one of my favorite things that I've ever read and I am SO glad I have this incredible edition to cherish.
Bullet review:
- Dreamy prose
- Found family
- Myths and legends
- High stakes
- Excellent resolution
- Deep themes
- Fascinating characters
I was completely entranced by this magical and lyrical story and I just had to read them back to back. Not only were the characters interesting and layered, but the plot surprised me several times with the subversion of a few tropes. Laini Taylor does it all! Including an impressive exploration of trauma, on an individual and societal level that I didn't not expect but shook me up big time! I also loved the easter egg nod to the Daughter of smoke and bone Trilogy! One could argue there is some instalove here but I think it fits with the fairytale-like vibes. I was enchanted, I laughed, I cried, I swooned, I was anxious... I LOVE this so much!
Bullet review:
- Dreamy prose
- Found family
- Myths and legends
- High stakes
- Excellent resolution
- Deep themes
- Fascinating characters
I was completely entranced by this magical and lyrical story and I just had to read them back to back. Not only were the characters interesting and layered, but the plot surprised me several times with the subversion of a few tropes. Laini Taylor does it all! Including an impressive exploration of trauma, on an individual and societal level that I didn't not expect but shook me up big time! I also loved the easter egg nod to the Daughter of smoke and bone Trilogy! One could argue there is some instalove here but I think it fits with the fairytale-like vibes. I was enchanted, I laughed, I cried, I swooned, I was anxious... I LOVE this so much!
April 9, 2021
OMG I NEED THESE IN MY LIFE!!!
October 13, 2023
A story that feels like it fell straight out of a dream.
There genuinely is no other way to describe the duology that is made up of “Strange the Dreamer” and “Muse of Nightmares” than to say that it is dreamy. The entirety of the two books has the aura of a particularly strange and vivid dream, and this feeling is enhanced by both the duology’s storyline and the writing style. The books are written in a way that is mysteriously distant and yet shockingly emotional at the same time, and I found that I greatly enjoyed that. There are few things I appreciate more than a genuinely well-written story.
The plot of the novels is unlike anything you could imagine upon first opening them, as there are new revelations and new perspectives on the familiar at each turn of the page. I moreover very much enjoyed how the different plotlines came into connection with each other, and how there was not one big showdown, but rather a series of them, leading right up to the ending of the second book.
Given that I awarded the duology only 4.5 stars, you have already guessed that I will mention a perceived downside, and so here it is: I am a sucker for a good, passionate romance, and sweet and innocent as those romances these books focus on are, they were not what I was hoping for.
If you wish to delve into this world of dreams, I cannot stress enough how much I recommend reading this duology – Trust me when I say that you will be caught up in its magical world immediately.
There genuinely is no other way to describe the duology that is made up of “Strange the Dreamer” and “Muse of Nightmares” than to say that it is dreamy. The entirety of the two books has the aura of a particularly strange and vivid dream, and this feeling is enhanced by both the duology’s storyline and the writing style. The books are written in a way that is mysteriously distant and yet shockingly emotional at the same time, and I found that I greatly enjoyed that. There are few things I appreciate more than a genuinely well-written story.
The plot of the novels is unlike anything you could imagine upon first opening them, as there are new revelations and new perspectives on the familiar at each turn of the page. I moreover very much enjoyed how the different plotlines came into connection with each other, and how there was not one big showdown, but rather a series of them, leading right up to the ending of the second book.
Given that I awarded the duology only 4.5 stars, you have already guessed that I will mention a perceived downside, and so here it is: I am a sucker for a good, passionate romance, and sweet and innocent as those romances these books focus on are, they were not what I was hoping for.
If you wish to delve into this world of dreams, I cannot stress enough how much I recommend reading this duology – Trust me when I say that you will be caught up in its magical world immediately.
October 11, 2023
This was a great book. It had a hard time putting it down.
December 12, 2023
This is the book that got me back into the fantasy genre after I foolishly convinced myself that I'm "too old" for fantasy books. For that, it will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Laini builds the world that rests on it's own set of rules and logic, introducing them effortlessly. We pick them up as we go, and they just make perfect sense. Fantasy elements are rather curious and imaginative, creating magic that we've not seen before. Although the story does rest on a few common tropes (I won't say any further to avoid spoilers), they are beautifully integrated and add up to something great. The writing style is clear and familiar - you can vividly picture every described scene and place in your head, and it simply makes you want to read more. The story doesn't shy away from serious and painful topics, but it covers them gracefully without watering them down. Every character has their own unique personality, and they feel like real people with real wants, needs and struggles.
I would recommend the book to anyone who wants to go on an adventure and feel both love and dread navigating the world that is so familiar yet so unknown.
Laini builds the world that rests on it's own set of rules and logic, introducing them effortlessly. We pick them up as we go, and they just make perfect sense. Fantasy elements are rather curious and imaginative, creating magic that we've not seen before. Although the story does rest on a few common tropes (I won't say any further to avoid spoilers), they are beautifully integrated and add up to something great. The writing style is clear and familiar - you can vividly picture every described scene and place in your head, and it simply makes you want to read more. The story doesn't shy away from serious and painful topics, but it covers them gracefully without watering them down. Every character has their own unique personality, and they feel like real people with real wants, needs and struggles.
I would recommend the book to anyone who wants to go on an adventure and feel both love and dread navigating the world that is so familiar yet so unknown.
September 4, 2021
These editions from Litjoy are absolutely stunning. Beautiful artwork and the slipcase is a nice touch. Laini Taylor's prose is so beautiful and she comes up with such imaginative and unique stories. One of my favorite authors.
March 12, 2022
Ink in the form of art; you've never read anything more lyrically arresting.
“And that's how you go on. You lay laughter over the dark parts. The more dark parts, the more you have to laugh. With defiance, with abandon, with hysteria, any way you can.”
“And that's how you go on. You lay laughter over the dark parts. The more dark parts, the more you have to laugh. With defiance, with abandon, with hysteria, any way you can.”
November 11, 2023
I loved both of these books! Full of adventure and mythical characters. I’m pretty good at being able to guess what happens next but with these two books I was surprised every time! I need a third book please!!
April 20, 2021
By far one of my favorite series of all time
October 5, 2022
Still one of my favorite stories and I love this LitJoy Edition!
February 7, 2023
I absolutely love this author! I'll read everything she writes. This duology is so fantastic! Loved every moment ❤️
March 21, 2024
This annotated version is lovely ~ every chapter has a authors note with insight on their process writing the novels. The art is lovely, and slip case lovelier 💫📝
Read
August 14, 2025Read separately.
March 19, 2026
Wonderful but sad story. Rich, dreamy language. It's so sad I am debating whether to read the sequel! Characters I loved, especially Lazlo. But I wish he had stayed human...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2026
I absolutely love the first book. The second book had two plots going simultaneously that were both interesting, but I didn't love that they were mashed together.
July 22, 2020
Es hat mich total gefreut, die liebgewonnenen Charaktere aus Strange the Dreamer, wiederzutreffen.Vor allem nach dem Ende, das mir den Atem hat stocken lassen.
Ganz besonders gefreut habe ich mich auf Lazlo und Sarai.
Wie auch der Erste Teil von Strange the Dreamer, betrachte ich diesen Teil als eine Art Einführung in das Geschehen. Wir erfahren einiges über die "Götterbrut", die Bewohner des Engels aus Mesartium, besonders über die furchterregende Kindgöttin Mynia und ich muss ehrlich zugeben dass sie mir im Grunde sehr leid tut. Ich hoffe Sarai gelingt es, durch das eindringen in ihre Träume sie besser zu verstehen und sie "umzupolen".
Ach ja Sarai und Lazlo, seufz, ihre Liebesgeschichte geht weiter, obwohl Sarai zum Geist geworden ist. Laini vermag es diese Liebesgeschichte so wundeschön zu beschreiben, dass einem das Herz dahinschmilzt und sie macht klar und deutlich dass es keiner harten Sexszenen bedarf ( derer sich so viele Autoren bedienen) um den Leser an eine Geschichte zu fesseln.
Wir lernen auch alle anderen Protagonisten und deren Geschichte ein wenig besser kennen, außerden gibt es zwei neue Protagonistinen durch die, die Vergangenheit der Götter und der Menschen, erzählt wird.
Ich bin genauso begeistert wie von den ersten beiden Bändern der Reihe und empfand diesen ersten Teil des zweiten Bandes, sogar viel weniger Langatmig als den ersten Teil von Strange the Dreamer.
Natürlich spreche ich hiermit eine Lesempfehlung aus und freue mich schon sehr zu erfahren wie es weitergeht.
Ganz besonders gefreut habe ich mich auf Lazlo und Sarai.
Wie auch der Erste Teil von Strange the Dreamer, betrachte ich diesen Teil als eine Art Einführung in das Geschehen. Wir erfahren einiges über die "Götterbrut", die Bewohner des Engels aus Mesartium, besonders über die furchterregende Kindgöttin Mynia und ich muss ehrlich zugeben dass sie mir im Grunde sehr leid tut. Ich hoffe Sarai gelingt es, durch das eindringen in ihre Träume sie besser zu verstehen und sie "umzupolen".
Ach ja Sarai und Lazlo, seufz, ihre Liebesgeschichte geht weiter, obwohl Sarai zum Geist geworden ist. Laini vermag es diese Liebesgeschichte so wundeschön zu beschreiben, dass einem das Herz dahinschmilzt und sie macht klar und deutlich dass es keiner harten Sexszenen bedarf ( derer sich so viele Autoren bedienen) um den Leser an eine Geschichte zu fesseln.
Wir lernen auch alle anderen Protagonisten und deren Geschichte ein wenig besser kennen, außerden gibt es zwei neue Protagonistinen durch die, die Vergangenheit der Götter und der Menschen, erzählt wird.
Ich bin genauso begeistert wie von den ersten beiden Bändern der Reihe und empfand diesen ersten Teil des zweiten Bandes, sogar viel weniger Langatmig als den ersten Teil von Strange the Dreamer.
Natürlich spreche ich hiermit eine Lesempfehlung aus und freue mich schon sehr zu erfahren wie es weitergeht.
June 9, 2020
An absolutely beautiful pair of fantasy novels by the author of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series. Lazlo Strange is an orphan boy used to hard work and little love. But he is a collector of stories, and when circumstance brings him to the Great Library of Zosma he begins what might have been a lifelong obsession with the ancient stories housed there. Until a caravan right out of ancient myth arrives at the library, and he is chosen to accompany the travelers back to their city, where the gods have been slain, but continue to curse the land over which they ruled. And so begins the adventure of his life, when a gentle librarian becomes a savior and is in turn saved, by love, friendship, and the power of myth. With certain world building and characters who are never beyond redemption, Taylor weaves magic into the very air.
March 16, 2026
Despite not reading in 2018, I decided to continue with this series. It wasn't as good as my beloved DOSAB, however, I really liked the world-building, the characters I remembered were questionable. still a solid read.
August 20, 2021
Both of these books are great! I have loved the entire series. An intoxicating fantasy romance, though the romance is well written it gets a little hot and heavy in places and the violence gets a little bit intense too. I wouldn't suggest it for teens, but a great adult read.
Read
April 24, 2020Great books. My sister gave them to me for my birthday. I love how they are connected to her other books. Can't wait for the next book in either series.
February 6, 2021
Loved it
Displaying 1 - 22 of 23 reviews