No proper review can do justice how utterly fantastic this book is. No coherent thought or written word can convey so plainly the magical talent and epic scale put into this ending to a phenomenal, criminally-underrated YA fantasy trilogy; with its grand world building, wonderful and complex characters, and its twisty, topsy-turvy and spectacular storytelling structure.
'Dreams of Gods and Monsters' - What can I say except I love it so? I was so nervous before reading it because I've been bitterly disappointed by endings to trilogies in the past. Even the best ones couldn't seem to live up to expectation when the very last page is turned and the saga is closed for good.
But I finished the 613-page tome in four days. It is that great. It might even be as good as ‘Daughter of Smoke and Bone’, and it’s certainly a huge improvement from 'Days of Blood and Starlight'.
Nothing is wasted on 'Dreams of Gods and Monsters'. No subplot or character left forgotten. Everything comes together and is put into place like a chessboard in an unravelling game that's chaotic, long-winded but exceptional in its suspense and agonising battle of wits. It is surprisingly never boring despite a lot of descriptions of stained-filled, blotchy skies and of different places in different worlds with their histories and many characters.
'Dreams of Gods and Monsters' is the stuff of dreams and the colours one envisions in one's mind. Even the clichéd-sounded title makes perfect sense - Laini Taylor really put effort into making it as big and striking as possible, similar to a church mural in written word.
The imagination is strong with this book. It is compulsively-readable poetry. It might have everything – every ingredient and charm – needed to fall in love with the fantasy genre. It’s got serious soul!
I loved the new characters, such as Eliza (praise be for diverse casting!); they are equal to the old ones. Like Zuzana and Mik - this human power couple are a joy to read as always, even in a war with monsters and other giants. Their dialogue and selflessness could create the path to some of the best webpages ever.
I loved how the themes are handled - of ancient prejudice, and enemies coming to a truce in order to stop bigger threats. I loved how, in the end, the good guys really proved to be better than the bad guys, and no violence and death sentencing is executed. Some fates are worse than death, though. There are other humiliations...
As is the case in 'Days of Blood and Starlight', the word "hope" is used constantly in 'Dreams of Gods and Monsters'. However its very meaning is carried out within the framework of the story, like a magic quilt or a sorceress's scroll. There’s so much darkness and despair and hatred, but love and light and goodwill exist around the corner; in the fire-lit chambers of old caves. It can be very funny and clever too, bringing to mind J. K. Rowling’s work.
I think, after three books, Liraz the seraph is my favourite character. Akiva or Zuzana come close, but Liraz's development is gradual and the most naturally-written, especially for a killer angel woman who was conceived and trained for bloody battle all her life. Initially cold, heartless and emotionless, she now suffers guilt for the dozens of murders she committed against the chimera, and she is willing to receive punishment. Having always been connected to her more relaxed brothers, Liraz herself finally experiences feelings like self-pity and empathy. A softer side emerges from her, and it's lovely. She can sing beautifully as well, ha ha!
SPOILER:
Liraz also falls in love for the first time. Her relationship with Ziri is just so... squeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!! Who knew a romance in a YA book could excite me anymore? Liraz and Ziri are opposites, but they’re a match made in monster heaven, and it's a feat of genius for there to be a love between a chimera and seraph - besides the main couple, Karou and Akiva - because it is one of the beginning signs of peace for the two warring species. New stories born.
SPOILER END.
The ending, like a prophet, speaks of further things to come - universal evil and danger in fact, bigger than ever before. Yet at the same time it is a perfect close to the series and to what it has stood for all this time. It's ambiguous, and up for interpretation. Really, I can't say anymore.
Only read this trilogy; now one of my absolute favourites.
And I wish Karou and Akiva all the best for the future. Their story of hope, beauty, fear, death, rebirth, and triumph has come to an end after an eternity. It's very rare that a love story leaves me wanting more.
And 'Dreams of Gods and Monsters' will leave you wanting more. I don't want to part with these characters, and I don't want this to just be fiction. It can't be that simple!
It must be a blast to live in Laini Taylor's brain - she's a marvel, an enchantress of a writer. She made me love fantasy again.
Thanks again for the ‘Daughter of Smoke and Bone’ books, Ms Taylor. I will not forget the far reaches of their power, their gorgeous magic.
Applause to the stars for you, dear author.
Final Score: 5/5
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