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Strange the Dreamer

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017

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Book Brief

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Laini Taylor

Strange the Dreamer

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

544

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Weep • Fantasy World

Publication Year

2017

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL820L

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Super Short Summary

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor follows orphan-turned-librarian Lazlo Strange, who ventures to the lost city of Weep where he discovers magic and confronts horrors, while Sarai, a god's daughter, struggles with empathy for those who killed her family; their paths intertwine, revealing themes of love, trauma, and the consequences of violence. The book discusses sexual assault.

Mysterious

Fantastical

Emotional

Adventurous

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.4

133,661 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Laini Taylor's Strange the Dreamer garners acclaim for its richly imaginative world-building and lyrical prose. Many readers appreciate the intricate plot and compelling characters. However, some criticize the pacing as occasionally slow and the central romance as overly melodramatic. Overall, it is praised for its evocative storytelling and vivid imagery, making it a must-read for fantasy lovers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Strange the Dreamer?

Fans of lush, imaginative fantasy with intricate world-building and deeply emotional narratives will love Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. Similar in tone to Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson and The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, this novel appeals to readers who cherish lyrical writing and epic mythologies.

4.4

133,661 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Lazlo Strange

An orphan with a passion for stories and dreams who seeks to uncover the mysteries of the mythical city of Weep and prove the existence of magic. He works in a library and is known for his deep compassion and vivid imagination.

A young woman with the ability to enter people's dreams, who is caught between two worlds and struggles with her identity. She longs for a normal life and seeks empathy and understanding in the face of challenges.

The eldest of the godspawn, who harbors intense hatred and seeks vengeance against humans. She has the ability to control ghosts, reflecting her traumatized past and complex motivations.

A heroic leader known as the Godslayer, he bears the weight of a dark past and the expectations of being a savior. His experiences have left him with emotional scars that he struggles to overcome.

A warrior and Eril-Fane's steadfast companion, whose enduring love and hope persist despite trauma and emotional distance. Her relationship with Eril-Fane highlights themes of love and healing.

An arrogant and privileged alchemist who achieves fame through a major alchemical breakthrough. His character presents a contrast to Lazlo, emphasizing the intersection of science and myth.

Book Details
Pages

544

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Weep • Fantasy World

Publication Year

2017

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL820L

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