Review: Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1) by Laini Taylor

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 person 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? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving?

The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries—including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo’s dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?

Welcome to Weep.

-- Goodreads.com description --

This book, this book, this book... Wow! That's the only word I can use to truly describe the wonder that is Strange the Dreamer. If you believed The Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy was amazing, think again, because Laini Taylor's newest book is so far above all other young adult novels I read this year, if not of all time.

I started reading this book without knowing anything about it, aside from the fact Laini Taylor wrote it, which was enough information for me. I would definitely recommend going into it as blind as possible. That's also why I won't give a lot of details from the plot.

All I will say is that the characters are absolutely amazing, Lazlo is an awesome protagonist and you will fall in love with him and his story from the very first chapter. That said, there are also characters you will loathe, like Minya. Laini Taylor definitely knows how to craft a perfect story, with toe-curling antagonists, beautiful cities and dreamy love stories. You will definitely be able to tell this is a Laini Taylor book.

And then, there is the ending. I can't wait to see how things will turn out after this, the tables have turned, the sides have been chosen and I have no idea how it will turn out. I'm anxious to see my favourite characters again and find out how their story will unfold.

A final thing I want to mention, is the beautiful cover design. I got this book in the March fairyloot box and it has blue pages, a printed signature and drawings by Laini Taylor. It was nice to start figuring out the significance of the cover and the colour blue. It's a very nice touch!

Obviously, I gave Strange the Dreamer 5 out of 5 stars! I cannot coherently express all the emotions I feel after reading it, but one word sums it up quite nicely: WOW! I believe everyone would enjoy reading this book, young or old, it doesn't matter. Now go buy and read the book, because this one is the one you won't want to miss out on!

Review: Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is about a lady detective in 1920s Melbourne. You can watch the trailer of the first season here. Phryne Fisher is quite a feminist figure and does not let anything stop her from getting what she wants. Each episode follows Miss Fisher solving a murder, as is probably evident from the title. The series sets itself apart from other murder mysteries by the choice of a female detective in 1920s, Australia. I really found that refreshing as I haven't seen many series set in Australia and the time period is really interesting and has not been explored a lot in television. Miss Fisher's costumes alone are worth watching the show! They are incredible! 

Even though they definitely remind you of the 1920s, the clothes would look stunning on women in this day and age as well! It is not surprising then, that there was an exhibition in Australia solely focused on the costumes worn in this series! I for one, would have really liked to see that!

The main cast consists primarily of four amazing characters, starting with Miss Fisher, of course. In the first episode we are introduced to most of the recurring characters. Miss Fisher's helps out a maid accused of murder and hires her as a companion.  

Dorothy Williams, nicknamed Dot, is a catholic girl who has to overcome a lot of her fears and assumptions in order to work for Miss Fisher. However, the two form a band of friendship that will remain throughout the series. Whereas Phryne is outgoing, Dot lacks confidence but the characters develop nicely throughout the seasons.

On her first case, Phryne Fisher comes into contact with detective inspector Jack Robinson. She worms her way into his investigation, but not without Jack's attempts to prevent this. They quickly become a team solving the murders on the show, as Jack reluctantly lets her in on his investigations as it would take a lot of time and effort to keep her out of it. 

Their chemistry cannot be denied however at the beginning of the show, Jack is married and Phryne is portrayed as a modern woman, who enjoys the pleasures of being with men while not wanting to form a permanent attachment to anyone. Jack is a man with more traditional views and finds it sometimes hard to cope with Miss Fisher. Just like for example Booth and Bones, Phryne and Jack have a sort of will they, won't they? relationship that lasts throughout the entire three seasons.

The main cast is completed by constable Hugh Collins. A gullible police officer who works with Inspector Detective Jack Robinson. It is usually through Collins that Miss Fisher is able to find out more about the case. Hugh and Dot develop a slow burning relationship that can only be described as cute! All the romantic relationships in the show are slowly developed which is exactly how I like it! All the characters are so loveable that this is one of my favourite feel-good shows, even though it usually involves murder.

Other colourful characters are Cec and Bert, Mr. Butler, Dr. Mac and Phryne's aunt Prudence. Aunt Prudence is played by the amazing Miriam Margolyes. Prudence is a rich woman who is almost always offended by Phryne's sleuthing as it is not how a lady is supposed to behave. Her often indignant countenance towards everything makes for great comic relief. 

I absolutely LOVE this show! I'm so sad I don't have any new episodes to watch especially because it's not clear if we are going to get more Miss Fisher as the show has not been officially cancelled nor has it been renewed. There has been some talk of a movie and a fourth season but nothing has been confirmed. I really hope Miss Fisher continues! The show has stolen my heart and I already miss the characters very much! I NEED MORE!

The characters, the fashion, the music, the relationships, the mood, just everything fits perfectly in this show. Go watch it right now!

Have you seen Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries? Or are you planning to? Leave a comment down below!