Monday, July 7, 2014

Review: Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor


Title: Dreams of Gods & Monsters (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #3) 

Author: Laini Taylor

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Ever since devouring Dreams of Gods & Monsters in early April, I've spent countless hours reflecting over this novel; picking it apart, looking at it from every angle, and discussing it with numerous readers. Granted, my diction may have veered into vitriolic in parts but, despite the flaws I believe to be scattered throughout Dreams of Gods & Monsters, this is still a novel I really, really enjoyed.

When it comes to romance, it takes a lot for me to fall in love but, trust me, once I fall, I fall hard. While Daughter of Smoke & Bone certainly captivated me with its love story, Days of Blood & Starlight switched my focus to that of a hardcore fan. Literally all I wanted from Dreams of Gods & Monsters was for Akiva and Karou's love story to continue to be as gut-wrenching, emotional, and rewarding as I'd hoped. It's a shallow admission--I know--but it's also a true one. On that count, certainly, Laini Taylor did not disappoint.

When it came to Akiva and Karou, I didn't know what direction their relationship would take but I loved the path of forgiveness, redemption, and re-connection they wound up on. Of course, the sexual tension was beautifully written--Laini Taylor is a master of it by this point--but I loved the small one-liners that carried so much weight. Neither Akiva nor Karou interact a whole lot during the book, but what they left unsaid was just as powerful as what they did say.

Moreover, the secondary characters truly come into their own in this installment. Whether it be Zuze and Mik, whose friendship and romance have been pillars of support for Karou throughout her journey or Liraz whose growth arc was indicative of the entire angel population as a whole and impeccably paced, Taylor doesn't disappoint in these minor technicalities. Her prose, as always, is on point and breath-taking as is her wild imagination and penchance for weaving the most fantastical of worlds. With Dreams of Gods & Monsters Taylor's world-building prowess truly comes to light and stuns; it truly rendered me speechless.

Yet, this novel falters--quite a bit--when it comes to the actualization of Akiva and Karou's dream. Over the course of these three novels, we've seen their love story blossom alongside their fervent hopes to unite their two races and end the war that has been plaguing their beautiful country for years and years on end. Now, however, when the time has finally come to integrate their societies and live as one, the page space felt too minimal. Taylor doesn't end this novel on a definitive note of whether or not Karou and Akiva's dream works. We don't experience much of it first-hand and don't even hear belated accounts of what becomes of this country or its people, which is disappointing after becoming so embroiled in the politics of this nation.

What's even more strange, though, is the fact that new and unexpected plot threads emerge and gain sudden importance. While it has always been evident that there is more to Taylor's world than what meets the eye, the influx of new information she shares with readers comes far too late in the series. I didn't care enough, unfortunately, about this new development or the characters it brought with it and, what's more, it took away from the dream Karou and Akiva had been chasing all their lives. For Taylor to dump this on readers at the very end of the end was to fail to give them enough time to process this twist or what it would mean for these beloved characters. It was simply a case of poor timing, weak plotting, and added confusion. Perhaps if it were confirmed that Taylor had a companion series in the making I would be more comfortable leaving this story at its conclusion, but there remain one too many unanswered questions and open plot threads by the time we reach the final pages of Dreams of Gods & Monsters.

Overall, though, I really, really, really liked this finale. Taylor's writing was gorgeous, Akiva and Karou's relationship totally won me over, the moral and philosophical discussions were thought-provoking, the secondary characters wonderfully developed, and the ending felt right, in a bittersweet way. I definitely expected a lot more in way of a battle, not to mention backlash from the armies concerning Akiva and Karou's final dream, and, what's more, I have a lot of questions concerning the end; but looking at this as an objective conclusion to Akiva and Karou's tale--without all the messy new mythology thrown in--I admire their journey as a whole and the strides they've made. With Dreams of Gods & Monsters I was hooked from beginning to end and have to admit to feeling content when I closed its back cover. Not elated, but not quite disappointed either.

21 comments:

  1. So, so glad you loved this! For me it was almost faultless, I found it hard to see flaws because I was just so thrilled to have discovered this series. I do agree that there was a lot of new info, but I'm willing to ignore that because the rest was so fantastic!

    Mands @ The Bookish Manicurist

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  2. I had the same issue with this one as you, Keertana, in that I thought the new plot twist came too late and I didn't really care for it. But, overall, I really enjoyed the story and writing and was happy with the way Karou and Akiva's relationship progressed in this one.

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  3. Oh, that's definitely NOT shallow! I have a hard time continuing with series I love because I want that initial punch that made me love it in the next books, too! I'll admit I haven't read this one because of that very reason.

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  4. "We don't experience much of it first-hand and don't even hear belated accounts of what becomes of this country or its people, which is disappointing after becoming so embroiled in the politics of this nation."

    That was my issue with this book as well Keertana! That and the introduction of the massive new plot threads you discussed. I just wasn't prepared for such an open ending after all the build up, but like you, I still adored these characters and this series will still forever be one of my favorites. I'm hoping we might get a companion novel or two in the future that takes us back to this world and updates us on how things are going:)

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  5. I've only read the first book in this series, and didn't want to read your review in case of spoilers, but I am so glad you gave it such a high rating! I'm so happy to see that this series continues to impress over the duration of all three books and am eager to continue reading them for myself. Thanks for the review!

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  6. I didn't want to read this ALL THE WAY THROUGH because I didn't want to spoil myself on any of the good stuff BUT I will say what I did read convinced me that i need to continue this series. I'm not sure why, but something about the first book didn't speak to me and I want to GET these books.

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  7. I just scanned your review because I haven't started this trilogy yet but I am so happy to see that 4.5 star rating! I know a lot of people didn't like this one so I was nervous about even starting it.

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  8. I've read the first book in this series and I really enjoyed reading it, but I never got around to reading the second book. I'm glad that this ended strongly for you, Keertana. It's so hard to find a YA trilogy that ends with a bang these days! I loved the author's writing in the first book so I can definitely see why you loved it in this one as well. I've heard about the plot twist coming a little too late, but I think the writing and the lovely characters would be enough to satisfy me!
    Beautiful review.

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  9. Beautifully written, Keertana! I'm glad you loved this one despite a couple of misgivings. I felt the same about the new plot developments, and I feel like they should have come sooner or not at all. I wasn't a huge fan of Eliza, and I was more interested in hearing from Karou or Akiva than I was in her POV. Yet, like you, I still loved the writing! I can't wait to see what Taylor writes next! :D

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  10. We've talked so much about this one, and I'm glad that despite this book's flaws, you were able to love it. Even though we agree a lot, I ended up more disappointed emotionally in this story. I still feel majorly jipped about the Dream actualization and even Akiva and Karou's relationship. I'm so mad about that 85% mark where all these Important Revelations happen. But it's still a good book and I'd still recommend it. Great review.

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  11. We've talked so much about this one, and I'm glad that despite this book's flaws, you were able to love it. Even though we agree a lot, I ended up more disappointed emotionally in this story. I still feel majorly jipped about the Dream actualization and even Akiva and Karou's relationship. I'm so mad about that 85% mark where all these Important Revelations happen. But it's still a good book and I'd still recommend it. Great review.

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  12. I skimmed a bit toward the end of the review since I'm currently listening to it. So far I agree with everything you have said. I'm happy with it, but not completely. I am curious to how it ends and I'm getting there. LOL 18 hrs is a lot to process. :)

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  13. I've heard SO many wonderful things about this series, but whenever I pick it up I always end up getting intimidated for some reason. Your review has definitely made me want to get over that feeling and start this ASAP! Thanks so much for sharing Keertana, and, as always, BRILLIANT review! ❤

    ~ Zoe @ The Infinite To-Read Shelf

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  14. Fantastic review, Keeertana! I definitely agree about this new event that seems like it would be good for a spinoff. I would mind a spinoff at all. I still haven't gotten around to reviewing this one and I read it back in May. It's still something I'm mewling over.

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  15. I've yet to read this one, Keertana, but it sounds like a fantastic novel. I think it's a testament to the strength of the novel that, despite its flaws, you loved it. Wonderful review, girly! I clearly need to pick it up!

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  16. One thing I truly loved with Laini Taylor's series is her writing. It's just so beautiful and alive. Also, Karou and Akiva's presence and love for each other really shined throughout. I do agree with you with how Laini Taylor handled this third book. I felt that meeting new characters and having new story threads in the last book were actually quite confusing. There wasn't just enough time to process all of it, seeing that Dreams of Gods and Monsters is the final book in the series. Despite having flaws, I did love this last installment just like you did. Lovely review, Keertana! :)

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  17. You know, I actually think all that is left unsaid is one of Taylor's greatest strengths as an author - not just in the case of Akiva and Karou's romance, but in all the relationships between characters and the stories overall. The subtleties are just so well developed.
    For me, the new plot thread in this book definitely affected my enjoyment level. I just wish it had been better developed! But I am very glad it didn't prove to be too much of a detriment to your reading experience. :)
    Lovely review, as always!

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  18. I love this review and your passion for the series Keertana! I only started reading them this year and was pretty much able to read all three back to back (feels like cheating after everyone else had to wait so long between books)

    anyway, the highlight for me was def karou and akiva. that is one love story that you could def say was epic.

    i thought i would not be into this series as it's not my genre but i loved it so so much and can't believe i very nearly never gave them a chance!

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  19. It makes my heart happy that you recommend this series finale! I would've been so nervous to start the series, if you hadn't! Despite the minor issues you had, it's comforting to know you walked away from this experience with so much love and respect for Laini's storytelling ability. I can't wait to experience it for myself! Beautiful review, Keertana!

    By the way, I'll be hunting you down once I get this entire series read. There's a lot you didn't revel here, for the sake of keeping the review spoiler free, and I'd definitely like to pick your brain about it. :)

    Marlene @ The Flyleaf Review

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  20. It's nice that you were content with the ending of the series. It's difficult when you have mixed feelings on the ending though, right? I've seen similar reactions to her introduction of new plot threads so late in the game and how it was a bit distracting. Great that the romance worked out! I read the first book in this series and I liked it until the switch about with past history was revealed. I don't know, something about that just bugged me and I never got back to the series. LT does write beautifully, but I just didn't connect with it. Brilliant review, Keertana! :)

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