Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor is a whimsical young adult fantasy, the first in a duology.

You’re following Lazlo Strange, an orphan raised by monks, now a junior librarian, with an obsession with the lost city of Weep. Weep is not the real name of the city, but a word which replaced the name in everyone’s minds when Lazlo was a child.

It’s Lazlo’s life mission to rediscover this lost city; he learns all there is to know.

One day, a caravan arrives from across the desert, recruiting experts in their field, such as alchemists and engineers, to help the citizens of Weep “solve a problem.” Lazlo, being the “expert” on Weep itself has the opportunity to travel there.

Lazlo is about to find out what happened to Weep all those years ago and what problem they could possibly have that they needed to search for help from across the desert.

This book is the most magical, whimsical, lyrical read I’ve ever experienced. I loved every second of it. It’s definitely a slow paced fantasy read, not the action-packed fantasy I’m accustomed to, which is the biggest critique many others have had. I, however, would not have wanted this book any shorter. I thoroughly enjoyed the pacing and learning so much about the world and characters. I didn’t feel there needed to be more plot to move along the story.

This couldn’t possibly be anything but 5 stars from me! This is a new favourite book of all time. I’m itching to pick up Muse of Nightmares, the second book in this duology.

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