2025 Reading Challenge discussion

This is the discussion thread for Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor Chapter 1-17

The opening image... wow. I fell in love with Laini's storytelling in these first chapters. Such wonderful descriptions.

Sheryl_at_Ubookquitous wrote: "The opening image... wow. I fell in love with Laini's storytelling in these first chapters. Such wonderful descriptions."

Her writing is very beautiful!

i have read to part 2. so far this book is beautiful!
i actually never planned to read this book so i'm glad it was on our group read.

The opening scene had me hooked and this is the first I've put it down in hours. So far, the marvel of Lazlo's dream has me intrigued. Not just because I have a soft spot for him so far. If someone is THAT passionate about a topic, it sparks my curiosity. The stories of magic, warriors and beasts may also have me i terested. But the author tethered me in by Lazlo's obsession and commitment to the Unseen city. This is why I am excited to keep reading.

I agree with your reasons for liking Lazlo, Aubrey. I was thinking while reading this that I loved how the main character didn't have any "defining characteristics" like they are the most powerful, most intelligent, hereditary masterpiece that ever lived. It's just that he's the most passionate and he puts tons and tons of time and effort into that passion. I think he's a great protagonist.

I finished chapter 17 last night.

I will definitely be reading more of Taylor. Her writing style is so conversational and I find myself writing this way sometimes: using periods to separate thoughts instead of a grammatical necessity.

The double story aspect of her writing is also well done. It's not every other chapter, and seems at random, but follows the same timeline, assuming they will fit together at some point.

I still love Lazlo and his newly found confidenece. "You know me, Stange the dreamer, head in the clouds...Miracles for Breakfast."

But now I have my full attention on the godspawn. The first scene of the book was intriguing and now I am nose deep in this book. I picked up my readin speed because I must know everything about them. The story of Sarai is picturesque and frightening and a superpower I would not wish to have. I cannot read this fast enough now that the gods are involved.

One last quote that I wrote down to remember forever: "And that's how you go on. You lay laughter over the dark parts. The more dark parts, the more you have to laugh. With difiance, with abandon, with hysteria, any way you can."
Simply put- If you don't laugh, you'll cry- my motto.

Also, I really wish we had lull on earth. I'd drink it to keep my own mind from having nightmares.

I had the opposite reaction to the writing style - a few too many similes for my taste, gets a bit overwrought. Enjoying the story, though, especially looking forward to resolving the mystery set up in the prologue.

The writing is lyrical. I couldn't stop humming "Sorta Fairytale" by Tori Amos while reading.

I would never have picked up this title had it not been the group read for this month. It is a genre that I generally do not explore but her writing is beautiful. Her ability to create this world and all the characters, as well as have parallel stories happening is quite remarkable. I am enjoying this book!

Normally I don't read this genre, but I'm liking this book so far. I like Lazlo he seems like such an underdog. I'm routing for him.

Only a few chapters in but I'm really intrigued by the mystery of "Weep", and I love Lazlo so far. Obviously I can always relate to bookworm characters :)