---
product_id: 58655496
title: "Strange the Dreamer: The magical international bestseller"
price: "€ 33.57"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
url: https://www.desertcart.sk/products/58655496-strange-the-dreamer-the-magical-international-bestseller
store_origin: SK
region: Slovakia
---

# International bestseller, top 200 in Coming of Age 4.6⭐ avg rating from 8,005 reviews Immersive, richly detailed fantasy world & prose Strange the Dreamer: The magical international bestseller

**Price:** € 33.57
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> ✨ Unlock the magic of dreams and destiny with Strange the Dreamer 📖

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Strange the Dreamer: The magical international bestseller
- **How much does it cost?** € 33.57 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.sk](https://www.desertcart.sk/products/58655496-strange-the-dreamer-the-magical-international-bestseller)

## Best For

- Customers looking for quality international products

## Why This Product

- Free international shipping included
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## Key Features

- • **Cliffhanger Ending:** Don’t miss out on the sequel setup that will keep you eagerly awaiting what’s next.
- • **Deep, Complex Characters:** Experience nuanced heroes and villains that challenge your perceptions of good and evil.
- • **Thought-Provoking Themes:** Explore powerful topics like war aftermath, forgiveness, and personal freedom woven into fantasy.
- • **Award-Winning Imagination:** Dive into a world where dreams and reality blur, crafted by Laini Taylor’s exquisite prose.
- • **Critically Acclaimed Bestseller:** Join 8,000+ readers who rated this magical journey 4.6 stars on average.

## Overview

Strange the Dreamer is an internationally bestselling fantasy novel by Laini Taylor, celebrated for its lush prose, richly imagined world, and complex characters. With a 4.6-star rating from over 8,000 readers, it explores themes of war, forgiveness, and love through the journey of Lazlo Strange, a librarian who dreams of the lost city of Weep. This critically acclaimed book blends whimsy and depth, ending on a gripping cliffhanger that promises more adventure.

## Description

Strange the Dreamer: The magical international bestseller : Taylor, Laini: desertcart.co.uk: Books

Review: Wonderfully imaginative - Lazlo Strange has dreamed of the mythical lost city of Weep since he was a young boy playing make-believe in the orchards of the monastery where he was raised. Now a librarian in the Great Library of Zosma, Lazlo spends his days still dreaming of journeying to the lost City, until that is the day arrives when his dreams look set to turn into reality. Suddenly he finds himself one of a group of delegates accompanying a mysterious stranger known as the Godslayer as well as a group of legendary warriors from the lost city. What awaits them there is even more extraordinary than anything even Lazlo could have dreamed! I found myself completely immersed in this imaginative and captivating read, drawn into the vividly described fantasy world that Taylor has created. From the Great Library of Zosma, to the vast desert plains of the Elmuthaleth, and to the lost City itself, it was a joy accompanying Lazlo on his voyage of discovery. Lazlo himself makes for a wonderful fantasy book hero, with his nose always behind a book and his mind full of wonder; he's gentle and kind and very easy to like. Yet I thought that Taylor did a really good job of portraying a whole host of more complex characters too. There's Thyon Nero, the arrogant alchemist, who early on in the story seems set on being a clear villain; yet I was surprised to find that it wasn't quite so black and white. The Godslayer too is another prime example, a hero who saved his City and its people from a reign of terrible tyranny, and yet at a great cost too;such that he is haunted by the blood on his hands. Minya, again, is an intriguing character; controlling and manipulative, she might easily have been painted a pure villain, but the tragedy of her past and the great trauma she has witnessed can but render her in a more sympathetic light. I don't want to go into detail regarding the ins and outs of the story, but I thought that Taylor touched upon some great themes within the book, re-working them in an imaginative way. Its a story about the aftermath of tyranny and war, about hatred and how hard it can be to forgive and reach a reconciliation. I thought that Taylor did a good job of portraying two sides of a story; as a reader it is easy to appreciate the suffering that the people of Weep have endured, but by allowing us to get to see things from the Godspawns' points of view, and Sarai's in particular, we gain an insight into what they - the orphans of war - have endured too. I personally found the idea of the Mesarthim and the Godspawn, with their mystical powers, intriguing; and there are still so many unanswered questions regarding them. Who were the Mesarthim, where did they come from, and what happened to all those Godspawn children over the centuries? Sarai's power is a particularly interesting one and obviously shapes a lot of the story; with dream elements becoming more prominent as the book goes on. I really liked the depiction of the dream sequences in which Lazlo and Sarai interact; and thought Taylor really managed to capture that whimsical and magical quality that dreams have. The romance between the two central characters was I thought sweetly rendered; and whilst some people have complained that it felt too instantaneous and also took up too much time I would disagree on both accounts. I think the secluded nature of the lives that both Lazlo and Sarai have lived, makes it believable that they might develop feelings so quickly for each other; and I think the ending of the book makes it quite clear why so much time was invested in their relationship.Certainly the book ends on a cliffhanger, with some very interesting dynamics being set up;such that I can't wait for the sequel. I did guess at the ending of the story, but that didn't at all spoil it. I would also say that the book starts off quite slow, but if you stick with the first few chapters, things soon start getting interesting. A beautifully written book, with exquisite prose and imagery, this is certainly a story I won't be forgetting in a while.
Review: Sensational and Magical - I had delayed reading "Strange the Dreamer" for nearly 3 years after buying it. Why? Having previously read the "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" trilogy, I knew roughly what type of story to expect; I knew it would be beautifully written, and creatively special. But I also had a sort of dichotomy between wanting to read it, and wanting to keep the fizz of anticipation! Finally, I opened its pages and dived in.... This series opener is a sensuous symphony of lyrical language, captivating characters, and incredible imagination. It is simultaneously a compelling tale of a foundling's mystery, relationships of all kinds, and world-changing conflict ... and a glorious illustration of the richness of dreams and fantastical realms. And of course the magical world contains lapis lazuli, which naturally is close to my heart! So there's that. ;-) All in all, I emerge from the reading of Strange the Dreamer feeling that I have been immersed in an extraordinary otherworld of enchantment and curiosity, and learning and understanding ... a world where so much is possible, and connection, love, and intimacy arise in unexpected ways. Of course I am now looking forward to reading Muse of Nightmares ... knowing the story so far, the fizz for this one has a different hue and taste. Maybe I'll let that fizz bubble for a little while longer! ;-) If you enjoyed The Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy, I have no doubt you'll revel in Strange and Sarai's journey, too. And, if you have a rich imagination or busy dreamlife, then this is surely right up your street!

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | 56,688 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) 265 in Coming of Age 453 in Romantic Fantasy 1,023 in Adventure Stories & Action |
| Book 1 of 2  | Strange the Dreamer |
| Customer reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (8,086) |
| Dimensions  | 12.8 x 4.2 x 19.6 cm |
| Edition  | 1st |
| ISBN-10  | 1444788957 |
| ISBN-13  | 978-1444788952 |
| Item weight  | 383 g |
| Language  | English |
| Print length  | 560 pages |
| Publication date  | 8 Mar. 2018 |
| Publisher  | Hodderscape |

## Images

![Strange the Dreamer: The magical international bestseller - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81YpZ5AIQWL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wonderfully imaginative
*by L***M on 5 May 2018*

Lazlo Strange has dreamed of the mythical lost city of Weep since he was a young boy playing make-believe in the orchards of the monastery where he was raised. Now a librarian in the Great Library of Zosma, Lazlo spends his days still dreaming of journeying to the lost City, until that is the day arrives when his dreams look set to turn into reality. Suddenly he finds himself one of a group of delegates accompanying a mysterious stranger known as the Godslayer as well as a group of legendary warriors from the lost city. What awaits them there is even more extraordinary than anything even Lazlo could have dreamed! I found myself completely immersed in this imaginative and captivating read, drawn into the vividly described fantasy world that Taylor has created. From the Great Library of Zosma, to the vast desert plains of the Elmuthaleth, and to the lost City itself, it was a joy accompanying Lazlo on his voyage of discovery. Lazlo himself makes for a wonderful fantasy book hero, with his nose always behind a book and his mind full of wonder; he's gentle and kind and very easy to like. Yet I thought that Taylor did a really good job of portraying a whole host of more complex characters too. There's Thyon Nero, the arrogant alchemist, who early on in the story seems set on being a clear villain; yet I was surprised to find that it wasn't quite so black and white. The Godslayer too is another prime example, a hero who saved his City and its people from a reign of terrible tyranny, and yet at a great cost too;such that he is haunted by the blood on his hands. Minya, again, is an intriguing character; controlling and manipulative, she might easily have been painted a pure villain, but the tragedy of her past and the great trauma she has witnessed can but render her in a more sympathetic light. I don't want to go into detail regarding the ins and outs of the story, but I thought that Taylor touched upon some great themes within the book, re-working them in an imaginative way. Its a story about the aftermath of tyranny and war, about hatred and how hard it can be to forgive and reach a reconciliation. I thought that Taylor did a good job of portraying two sides of a story; as a reader it is easy to appreciate the suffering that the people of Weep have endured, but by allowing us to get to see things from the Godspawns' points of view, and Sarai's in particular, we gain an insight into what they - the orphans of war - have endured too. I personally found the idea of the Mesarthim and the Godspawn, with their mystical powers, intriguing; and there are still so many unanswered questions regarding them. Who were the Mesarthim, where did they come from, and what happened to all those Godspawn children over the centuries? Sarai's power is a particularly interesting one and obviously shapes a lot of the story; with dream elements becoming more prominent as the book goes on. I really liked the depiction of the dream sequences in which Lazlo and Sarai interact; and thought Taylor really managed to capture that whimsical and magical quality that dreams have. The romance between the two central characters was I thought sweetly rendered; and whilst some people have complained that it felt too instantaneous and also took up too much time I would disagree on both accounts. I think the secluded nature of the lives that both Lazlo and Sarai have lived, makes it believable that they might develop feelings so quickly for each other; and I think the ending of the book makes it quite clear why so much time was invested in their relationship.Certainly the book ends on a cliffhanger, with some very interesting dynamics being set up;such that I can't wait for the sequel. I did guess at the ending of the story, but that didn't at all spoil it. I would also say that the book starts off quite slow, but if you stick with the first few chapters, things soon start getting interesting. A beautifully written book, with exquisite prose and imagery, this is certainly a story I won't be forgetting in a while.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sensational and Magical
*by J***S on 5 October 2021*

I had delayed reading "Strange the Dreamer" for nearly 3 years after buying it. Why? Having previously read the "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" trilogy, I knew roughly what type of story to expect; I knew it would be beautifully written, and creatively special. But I also had a sort of dichotomy between wanting to read it, and wanting to keep the fizz of anticipation! Finally, I opened its pages and dived in.... This series opener is a sensuous symphony of lyrical language, captivating characters, and incredible imagination. It is simultaneously a compelling tale of a foundling's mystery, relationships of all kinds, and world-changing conflict ... and a glorious illustration of the richness of dreams and fantastical realms. And of course the magical world contains lapis lazuli, which naturally is close to my heart! So there's that. ;-) All in all, I emerge from the reading of Strange the Dreamer feeling that I have been immersed in an extraordinary otherworld of enchantment and curiosity, and learning and understanding ... a world where so much is possible, and connection, love, and intimacy arise in unexpected ways. Of course I am now looking forward to reading Muse of Nightmares ... knowing the story so far, the fizz for this one has a different hue and taste. Maybe I'll let that fizz bubble for a little while longer! ;-) If you enjoyed The Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy, I have no doubt you'll revel in Strange and Sarai's journey, too. And, if you have a rich imagination or busy dreamlife, then this is surely right up your street!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of the most unique and emotional fantasies I've read this year!
*by E***Y on 20 November 2025*

I needed to sit with this for a while before writing my review, I had conflicting thoughts about Strange the Dreamer. For the first 30% I was enjoying it but somewhat confused, and not entirely invested in the characters. I can see why I’ve seen people dnf at this point, because the writing takes some getting used to, like breaking a shoe in. But once it clicked, I was completely hooked and obsessed with this world, and Lazlo and Sarai. So whimsical, yet with the high-stakes plot you would expect from a complex fantasy. Brilliant twists I didn’t see coming, and perhaps most surprising of all, the cutest romance I’ve read in years I cannot wait to finish the duology with the Muse of Nightmares

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*Product available on Desertcart Slovakia*
*Store origin: SK*
*Last updated: 2026-03-02*