Review of Laini Taylor’s Dreams of Gods and Monsters

Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sometimes, you start a trilogy, fall in love with the characters, become invested in the plot, and wind up disappointed with the ending. Maybe the author fails to deliver on the promises made in the beginning. Or they introduce too many questions, leaving unresolved issues. Perhaps they get in over their head and reach for the hated deus ex machina. I’ve seen all of the above, and the pattern leaves me wary – especially when I find myself adoring the first two books.


But Ms. Taylor? She carved out a different space for herself. From the first moment (who introduces a new plotline in the finale?), you stumble along, guessing the direction she intends to lead you. And while it seems like NOTHING should work and make sense, it does. Everything comes together as seamlessly as the resurrection of a chimaera. It’s a level of emotional poetry on par with the first two volumes.
Even the ending feels satisfactory. And I didn’t want to close the pages and accept the words, not with the impact of everything Karou, Akiva, and Eliza went through (to say nothing of the others). It FELT true to the tale, though, which was all I could ask. Ms. Taylor delivered on the story she set out to tell. What more could you want from a writer?

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And I’ve upped my goal (AGAIN). Another five books by the end of the year may be a tad bit optimistic – only because most of them are on the hefty side of things. We’ll see how things go. I DID take off the final week in December, so I can always cram some last-minute reading time in there!

Author: Andria Kennedy

I speak the thoughts rattling around in my brain, sharing topics I think other people want and should hear (or are afraid to talk about themselves). I bring my personality and quirky state of mind to everything I write; serious topics shouldn't be devoid of humor. That includes my blog and freelance work (part of my charm). I've been writing for as long as I can remember. It's a source of solace and enjoyment for me. I'm lucky enough to call what I love my career - so it's NOT work! I live in Virginia with the Minions (four cats and a Greyhound) and my wonderful husband, who ensures I stay fed - no cereal for dinner - and as close to sane as I can get.

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