Strange the Dreamer

"Strange the Dreamer" is an intricate young adult fantasy novel about Lazlo Strange, a war orphan and librarian, who has always been captivated by the myth of the lost city of Weep. When an opportunity arises to join an expedition to this mysterious place, he embarks on a journey that reveals a complex history of conflict, trauma, and hidden magic. The story delves into themes of identity, belonging, prejudice, and first love, as Lazlo forms a connection with Sarai, a "godspawn" living in secret. Parents should be aware of themes of historical violence, trauma, and a significant character death at the end, which sets up the sequel. It's a beautifully written, emotionally rich story suitable for mature young adult readers aged 12 and up who enjoy complex world-building and poignant romance.

An instant New York Times bestseller and Michael L. Printz honor book! Eleven best of lists including an NPR Best Book, a Goodreads Best YA Fantasy and Science Fiction Nominee, and more! From National Book Award finalist Laini Taylor comes an epic fantasy about a mythic lost city and its dark past. The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around--and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old, he's been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the form of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance or lose his dream forever. What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? And who is the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo's dreams? In this sweeping and breathtaking novel by National Book Award finalist Laini Taylor, author of the New York Times bestselling Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy, the shadow of the past is as real as the ghosts who haunt the citadel of murdered gods. Fall into a mythical world of dread and wonder, moths and nightmares, love and carnage. The answers await in Weep.