Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor
I loved Strange the Dreamer , as you might recall from my earlier review. I always look forward to sequels or “next books” in series I love with anticipation, as well as a frisson of nervousness. If a book doesn’t meet expectations, the disappointment is so much more intense when it is an author or characters that have really been engaging to you. So last week, I turned to Laini Taylor’s most recent book with mixed feelings. And. . .I loved it. I can happily recommend the novel as a delightful and engaging holiday read, or anytime read. The depth of the characters of Lazlo and Sarai, as well as Minya and new characters like Kora and Nova, are deeply explored and contain nuances and surprising plot twists that show the reasons for their personal strengths and foibles.
Book 2 picks up right where the first novel leaves off. It is not a stand-alone, so if you haven’t read Strange the Dreamer, you’re going to need to read that first. At Book 1’s conclusion, Sarai dies. And yes, she is still dead in Book 2, but survives as a ghost, tethered to Minya’s will, making Sarai a kind of hostage to Minya’s plans.
The novel switches back and forth between this Sarai/Lazlo narrative, and the backstory of Nova and Kora, which all comes together in an intricate and well-designed plot. I don’t want to include any spoilers, so just let me say that if you enjoyed Strange the Dreamer, I feel confident you will be swept up in Laini Taylor’s eloquent sequel. Enjoy!