Lost in Pages

Muse of Nightmares was the conclusion to the Strange the Dreamer duology, and I’ve never been more satisfied with an ending. I loved everything about this story — the characters, the setting, the plot. I didn’t think it was possible for me to enjoy it more than Strange the Dreamer because I LOVED Strange the Dreamer. But here I am, post-Muse, still in awe over Laini Taylor’s brilliant writing and storytelling.

There comes a certain point with a hope or a dream, when you either give it up or give up everything else. And if you choose the dream, if you keep on going, then you can never quit, because it’s all you are.

I could ramble on for hours about my love of this duology, so I’ll try to make it as concise as I can. The story starts right where Strange the Dreamer ended, and Lazlo and Sarai are basically in Minya’s control. The action is subdued in some parts of the story, but never once did I feel bored by anything happening. Some people need fantasy books to have constant action, but I enjoyed this story for its ability to hook me without incessant battle scenes.

One of my favorite things about Muse are the characters. Readers get to see Lazlo grow into a stronger, confident person. Sarai learns what good can actually come from her abilities. Ruby, Sparrow, and Feral all learn how to come together and harness their own strengths. Even Nero shows growth, which I didn’t expect from him. Minya’s character dealt with the most, I believe. It was incredible to see her past and see her overcome so much.I never really liked her character before — which I’m sure is an intention move from Taylor — so it was strange (no pun intended) for me to actually care for her over time. Overall, Laini Taylor is really masterful at character development and expanding on a character’s traits.

I enjoyed the extra flashback scenes dealing with Nova and Kora. They helped me understand what truly happened in the Citadel and how everything came to be. It was nice to have some backstory and to see the gods interact before the current events. Nova and Kora’s sisterly relationship was encouraging yet incredibly heartbreaking at times, and I looked forward to each chapter they were featured in.

The epilogue actually had me in tears, mostly because I had to leave such an immersive world. Both Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmares have a way of sucking you into the world and making you feel like you’re actually a part of Weep. I laughed when the characters laughed, I cried when they cried. I’ve never been as fully invested in a story or the characters as much as I have been with this duology, and I can only hope that Laini will one day expand on the world and give us more. I’m totally fine with a third or a four in this series, or even a spin off or novella bind up. I will take anything as long as it puts me back in the world of Weep.

Until next time,

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What did you think of Muse of Nightmares? Let me know in the comments down below!