Ratings
Content Warning: Death, Blood, Violence, Language, Depression, War
Introduction
Gods, I wish there was another book! I have so many questions! I love the overarching plot. It’s something I never saw coming, but I love it. It’s the right blend of magic, science, and realism that I crave more of. Everything came together perfectly in the first two books. I was not disappointed, but I do want more of this world.
This series got me back into reading again and I will forever be grateful for it. I do wish there was a bit more romance in this book, though. Most of it was just a communication issue, which isn’t my favorite trope, but it did work out here. I just personally wanted to see more of Karou and Akiva.
Pros:
- A map!
- The story & world-building
- Eliza/Zuzanna
- Multiple POVs
Cons:
- Uncertain about another book
- Teasing romance but always ripped away too soon
- Not a lot of romance
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
Plot
WTF. This world blew up. The past 3 books have only been a lead up to the big bad and even then we don’t know how everything will play out. I need another book delving into the multiple realms. I’m obsessed with the direction this book went and I need more!
Characters
Karou
My girl was such a badass in this book. She stood up for herself, went after what she wanted, and planned the demise of the damn Empire. Atta girl! I adore Karou and feel for everything she has been through.
She didn’t deserve the hand she was dealt, but dammit she took it and ran with it. She continued Brimestone’s legacy and found an end to the war, bringing Serphim and Chimera together. Of course, she had help, but she was like the puppet master behind it all along with Akiva.
Akiva
Akiva did it. He made his and Karou’s dream come true. He fought so hard for this war to end and dammit it did. However, I wish his ending was a bit happier. Akiva has a heavy burden to bare. He just kept getting kicked in the ass, all the way until the end, but that’s what makes his story (and Karou’s) beautiful and heart-wrenching.
Side Characters
My strong and lovely Ziri has been through hell. I’m happy he didn’t lose himself to Thiago’s facade, but I hate that he struggled with it. He deserves the world and I’m glad he found Liraz. I adore those two together. He took on more than he needed to, but because of Ziri the Chimera survived and banded together with the Serphim. Without him, the war wouldn’t have been won. It would have crumbled before Karou could fix it.
Liraz’s character development is beautiful. I hate she had to lose Hazael in Days of Blood and Starlight, but it changed her for the better, I think. She grew to care for the Chimera, especially Ziri. She no longer considered them an enemy after a while and fought for what Hazael would do. Liraz is a beautiful character who deserved a happy ending, which she got.
Mik and Zuzu were the light of the book. They provided muchneeded relief and their humor was timely. It was also, as bad as this will sound, refreshing to see them cope with the horrors of war instead of Taylor glossing over it. It was a powerful scene and I appreciate it.
I was unsure about Eliza’s role in the whole scheme of things at first. Taylor had me guessing what she was and boy was I not expecting it! She may not be the original, but the fact Eliza remembers what’s beyond the tear in the realms is terrifying. No wonder she had nightmares. I also love her free spirit after she figures out who she is. And I love her interactions with Zuzu and Mik.
Writing
The strategic planning, the conflicts, and the realities of war were all so well written and portrayed in this book. The different POVs really helped build and form this world and the overarching plot. Taylor’s writing is beautiful and fascinating. I couldn’t stop reading, it just dragged me into the pages and engulfed me with story. She could write a textbook and I’d read the whole thing– maybe then I’d actually learn something!
Final Thoughts
This entire series will hold a special place in my soul. Dreams of Gods and Monsters was the perfect ending to the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy. Every loose end was tied up or explained, characters got a somewhat happy ending, and the book didn’t hold back on the reality dose it served up about the effects of war. Truly a masterpiece.
I loved all the main characters, even if they made questionable decisions. They felt real and experienced real events. They grew and loved and just wanted a better life. How could you fall in love with such well-developed, gray characters?
I would love a prequel about the godstars and traveling realms before this series started. I want to go back to the beginning and truly see what happened. I hope Taylor gives us that or another book about how the crew handles the endless monster.
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What did you think of the book? Did you like it or could you have done without it? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Check out the links below to see my “to-read” list, my spicy rating scale, the author’s website, and a chance to recommend a book for me.
Facebook Page | Goodreads TBR | Spicy Rating Scale | Laini Taylor’s Website
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