It is safe for me to say that I love everything I have ever read that Laini Taylor has written. Strange the Dreamer has been on my wish list since the second I knew she was writing it and when I got a copy of it in my hands, I may have squealed a little bit.

A great character driven story is my favorite and this book has so many great ones! Lazlo Strange grew up an orphan and I think he won me over immediately. He didn’t grow up in an easy life nor was he given every opportunity to be something but his mind and his love of books is what helped him become a junior librarian and his obsession with the lost city of Weep is what takes him on the adventure of his life.

It is because of his knowledge and obsession with the lost city of Weep that he takes a chance and does something someone of his station would never do – draw attention to himself in front of the queen by speaking out to Eril-Fane, the Godslayer and by doing so, Lazlo is invited to join his group headed to Weep. As Lazlo experiences a life very different from what he has been used to, he makes friends, learns more about himself, and begins to uncover the mysteries of Weep.

In addition to Lazlo, there is Thyon. I have very mixed feelings about him there were times I hated him and times I felt sorry for him. Even when Lazlo was just trying to help him, Thyon couldn’t help but doubt his reasons. Eril-Fane is a great character and I loved the interactions between him and Lazlo but he carries so much guilt and that really does impact his relationship with those around him.

Sarai’s is the other main perspective we have in this story. She is a blue skinned goddess who shows up in Lazlo’s dreams. I won’t say much here but her story dragged a bit for me at first. Her gift is an interesting one as it allows her to spy on the people of Weep but she also has the ability to impact their dreams (Goddess of Nightmares). It is her gift that puts her in a tough position with Minya, one of the other goddesses who live with her in the Citadel. As the book progresses, I found Sarai’s story definitely got more interesting and the ending really sealed it for me - I can't wait to see what happens next.

I have to mention here that I truly believe that Laini Taylor is some sort of magical being. Her ability to write the stories she does and build out the worlds that she builds always amazes me and this book is right up there with her Daughter of Smoke and Bone series in both world / character development and imagery. I don’t even know what else to say here – you just have to read to understand.

I mentioned the world – well Taylor has created this story that combines humans with Gods and I loved every minute of this book. I don’t want to say much about the whole story as I don’t want to ruin any part of it for you. If you liked Taylor’s other books you should definitely read this one. It has fantastic characters, magic, and a story that will have you wondering what Taylor will do next. Definitely check this out when you can. I seriously can’t wait for the next book in the series.