Muse of Nightmares: the magical sequel to Strange the Dreamer

Das Buch hat mich träumen lassen. Absolut bezaubernd. Ein wirklich schöner Abschluss für eine einzigartige Geschichte.

„Muse of Nightmares“ ist der zweite Teil der Doulogie, die mit „Strange the Dreamer“ begann. Es ist ebenso schön wie der erste Band und bringt die Geschichte wunderbar stimmig zuende. Die Charaktere bleiben komplex und die Handlung spannend und emotional. Für mich war insbesondere dieser zweite Teil ein echtes Wohlfühl-Buch - nicht im Sinne von Cozy Fantasy (dafür passiert einfach zu viel), aber es fühlt sich an wie ein Buch, in das man sich einkuscheln und verlieren kann. Obwohl als Young Adult Fantasy kategorisiert, sollte man sich davon nicht abschrecken lassen. Die Geschichte ist vielschichtig und entfaltet sich über beide Teile hinweg langsam. Die Charakterentwickung stimmig und tiefgehend. Insgesamt weit davon entfernt, oberflächlich oder kindlich zu sein. Es fühlt sich eher an wie ein langes Märchen.

It's been a while since I read 700 pages in less than 48 hours. I'm a little conflicted about this second book. I liked it, but not as much as the first one. Things I liked: - I say this in all honesty: Thyon Nero, Calixte, Tzara and Ruza gave me life. I loved it whenever they had a chapter(part). I squealed when they were teasing Nero (especially at the beginning when Calixte and him discovered the books) and my heart warmed at his character development and how they were accepting him into their friend group - how the the mesarthim children accepted Lazlo and how Sarai's power was affected by her being a ghost - that my fears of disliking Minya more hadn't come true and I feel for her now - I think I liked to Koraandnova storyline enough (at least the beginning) - Eril-Fane and Azareen - foreshadowing Things I didn't like/I am conflicted about - I loved the first quarter or something, I loved the last pages, the stuff in between... I didn't like as much - it felt less magical and adventurous than the first book for me and that makes me a little sad - somehow the last third before the book's end felt a bit out of place - I'm not a fan or resurrection (here I'm conflicted of cource, because everything would have gone BAD if it hadn't been there, they deserved a happy end and because it was foreshadowed) - I had some problems with Lazlo... But I still like him I somehow wish to not have finished it yet. It felt so nice being captured by these books, especially the first one, but also the second one.

I can't believe I have to write this review, especially with how low the amount of any rating below 4 stars for this book is. But well. I was disappointed, so I'm talking about it. I reread my review for Strange the Dreamer (I gave it 4 stars, but through 75% of it I thought I'd give it 5) while reading Muse of Nightmares and remembered the things that put me of in those last 25%. It was the romances and well those are a way bigger part in this book. Sarai and Lazlo were so underdeveloped in Strange the Dreamer and reading this, I legit skipped through every of their romance scenes cause a) they were boring and annoying to me (I know, very subjective) and b) this book is long enough as it is and the romance scenes did nothing for the plot. Actually, there were a lot of scenes that did nothing for the plot and I just didn't care enough for most characters to enjoy it. What won this book a 3 and not a 2 star rating is basically just my endless love for Theon and Calixte (no matter how unnecessary their scenes were, I loved every second of banter and their romance plots were SO much better developed than the main ones). Oh and the writing is still really beautiful. I feel like Strange the Dreamer was even more beautiful, but that doesn't take away from there being quite some great quotes in this book. It was also a fast read and kept me interested, so there's that. If this story is ever continued though, it better be with Theon or Calixte at the center or I'm not even gonna think about touching it.

4,5 ⭐️ Ich konnte nicht aufhören! Und als Daughter of smoke and bone aufgegriffen wurde, war es um mich geschehen. Taylor hat es wirklich drauf zu schreiben. Das einzige, was bei mir nicht so richtig wollte, war diese tiefe Verbindung mit den Charakteren. Irgendwie wollte das bei mir nicht klicken. Nichtsdestotrotz eine wundervolle Duologie, die ich aus vollsten Herzen weiter empfehle. Auch wenn es nicht so relevant ist für das Verständnis der Geschichte, würde ich jedoch zuerst die Daughter of smoke and bone Reihe lesen. :)

ZU Teil 1 von 2 in Deutsch Fazit Eine gelungene Fortsetzung, die Lust aufs Finale macht, aber stellenweise zu seicht und kitschig daherkommt. Sarai und Lazlos Geschichte, war mir dieses Mal einfach zu zuckersüß. An sich war es aber wieder wahnsinnig faszinierend und lesenswert und legt den weiteren Grundstein, für ein hoffentlich großes Finale. Ich bin gespannt was da noch kommt, vergebe aber nur 4 Sterne

Finally, after a long time, I was able to read this. What should I say? What COULD I say? If you loved the first book, then the second can't be disappointing either. It was so heartbreaking to return to this world, but so wonderful at the same time! While Strange the Dreamer felt like a love letter to all the dreamers and readers, Muse of Nightmares felt like an actual dream. Well, a dream with a few nightmares within, but still a dream! The first chapters were a bit hard for me to read. I love the characters and they were still dealing with the consequences of the end of the last book even though they all deserve happiness and a happy ending! The feeling of dread never quite disappeared, even though it was often overshadowed by the lighter moments of hope. The writing style fits perfectly with those moments and it was simply beautiful. The ending, of course, turned out to be extremely captivating and I could not stop crying. Granted, I still cry whenever I think of this book now. I just fell in love with the characters and I relate to them so much - they feel like a part of my soul now. Do you know the feeling of reading a certain book and suddenly it just feels like home? As if it was only written for you? That's how this book is for me. It might not have prompted such a strong reaction if I had read it at another part in my life. But I am so glad that I found it now! I really love it so much. I can only say: This duology is enchanting and beautiful and suspenseful and written with so much love that it sometimes hurts. Do not pass up the chance to read it!

I liked Strange the Dreamer a tad more but this was amazing nonetheless! A wild ride with amazing twists and turns.

I'm not crying, you are

Laini Taylor is an artist with words. Her writing style is magical and unique, unlike anything else I've read so far. The language alone transports you to another world, full of gods, myths and dreams that fill your heart with a warm feeling of wonder. It brings the characters to life in a way that made me dread the final turning of the last pages. One of the reasons for why I adored every single character in these books is the fact that none of them is purely good or evil. All of them are complex and there is no villain to blame for all bad in the world. I feel for the antagonists just as much as for Lazlo himself. The world-building is just as intricate and it turns out to become even more fascinating and original within the second book. It all wraps up perfectly. Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmares both earned a special place close to my heart.

I had trouble getting into the book. Somehow the story did not pull me in as much as the first one did. Fortunately, the last 200 pages picked up speed and I became much more invested. Loved the ending.