Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor Summary
Overview of Strange the Dreamer
In "Strange the Dreamer," Laini Taylor weaves a mythic fantasy that spontaneously combusts imaginations. Garnering rare starred reviews across major publications and praised by Leigh Bardugo as "so damn good," this collector's-edition-worthy tale asks: what dreams are worth dying for?
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A World Where Dreams Choose Dreamers
Have you ever felt that your deepest dreams chose you, rather than the other way around? This is the reality for Lazlo Strange, a war orphan raised by indifferent monks who escapes his harsh childhood through stories of a mysterious desert city. When five-year-old Lazlo suddenly finds himself unable to speak the city's true name-only "Weep" emerges from his lips-he becomes convinced that magic exists. Years later, after a fortunate twist of fate lands him a position at the Great Library of Zosma, Lazlo devotes himself to uncovering the secrets of the forgotten city. His colleagues mockingly call him "Strange the dreamer" for his obsession with fairy tales and myths, never seeing the profound purpose driving him. "The dream chooses the dreamer," he reminds himself while examining ancient texts for traces of Weep. When warriors from the forgotten city arrive seeking scholars for a mysterious mission, Lazlo's impossible dream suddenly becomes reality. Though lacking qualifications, he offers his knowledge of stories and, to everyone's surprise, is accepted into the expedition. With nothing but the clothes on his back, Lazlo mounts a spectral stag and leaves his gray life behind for the adventure that has always called to him.
The Shadow That Swallowed the Sun
The Blue-Skinned Children Above
When Dreams Bridge Worlds
The Muse of Nightmares Awakens
The Blue Truth Beneath His Skin
Between Dreams and Ghosts
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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