Read every series in the right order
Strange the Dreamer Books in Chronological Order – Complete Reading Guide
Table of Contents
If you’ve ever craved a fantasy series that reads like a dream — lush prose, unforgettable characters, and a world that feels both mythic and intimate — then Laini Taylor’s Strange the Dreamer duology deserves a place at the very top of your list.
This guide is your complete roadmap to reading the Strange the Dreamer books in chronological order, from Lazlo Strange’s first steps into the mystery of Weep to the breathtaking conclusion in Muse of Nightmares.
Whether you’re diving in for the first time or returning for a reread, we’ve gathered every detail you need: page counts, reading difficulty, ideal age range, and even notes on special editions for collectors.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Books | 2 main novels |
| Pages | ~544 (Strange the Dreamer), ~528 (Muse of Nightmares) |
| Total Reading Time | ~30–34 hours (avg. 60–65 pages/hour) |
| Reading Difficulty | Upper YA to Adult (rich vocabulary, layered narrative) |
| Genre | Fantasy, Romance, Adventure, Mythopoeia |
| Content Warnings | Death, violence, trauma, war themes |
| Media Adaptations | TV rights optioned (no release date yet) |
| Ideal Age Range | 15+ for thematic complexity and darker elements |
About the Book Series
Published between 2017 and 2018, the Strange the Dreamer duology captivated readers and critics alike. The first book was a finalist for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Young Adult Fantasy and topped bestseller lists in both the U.S. and the U.K.
Taylor’s prose is almost poetic, drawing comparisons to authors like Erin Morgenstern (The Night Circus) and Leigh Bardugo (Ninth House, Shadow and Bone). But what makes this series stand out isn’t just the language — it’s the emotional stakes.
The series examines universal themes:
- The weight of history — How does a city live under the shadow of a past atrocity?
- The nature of heroism — Can heroes save monsters instead of slaying them?
- The power of dreams — What happens when a dreamer finally meets his dream?
Books at a Glance (with Amazon Buy Links)
| Title | Publication Year | Pages | Goodreads ★ | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strange the Dreamer | 2017 | 544 | 4.3 | Amazon |
| Muse of Nightmares | 2018 | 528 | 4.4 | Amazon |
Chronological Reading Order (Detailed Blurbs)
1. Strange the Dreamer (2017)
From the moment Lazlo Strange heard the name Weep, he was enchanted. Growing up as a war orphan in a monastery, then as a junior librarian, Lazlo collected scraps of knowledge about the city, determined to uncover its fate.
When the legendary Godslayer arrives seeking help with a mysterious problem plaguing Weep, Lazlo seizes his chance — even though he’s no warrior or scholar, just a man with an encyclopedic memory and an unshakable dream.
Along the journey, Lazlo encounters stories of murdered gods, impossible architecture, and a haunting blue-skinned girl who visits his dreams. What connects her to the tragedy of Weep? And why was the city cut off from the rest of the world for two centuries?
This first book balances wonder with tension, setting the stage for the explosive revelations of the sequel.
2. Muse of Nightmares (2018)
The story picks up seconds after the first book’s finale. Lazlo’s identity has shifted in ways he could never have imagined, and Sarai — the girl of his dreams, literally — faces a new existence between life and death.
Minya, a child godspawn consumed by vengeance, holds them hostage, threatening to unleash horrors upon Weep unless Lazlo obeys her commands. But new dangers emerge from beyond the citadel’s walls, unearthing questions about the origins of the gods and the fates of countless stolen children.
This conclusion widens the lens of the story, introducing new worlds and asking the hardest questions of all: Can centuries of hatred be undone? Can a monster be saved instead of destroyed?
Series Timeline & Character Development
Over the duology:
- Lazlo Strange grows from a quiet, self-doubting librarian to someone who can influence the fate of cities — a transformation driven not by brute force, but by empathy and imagination.
- Sarai evolves from a weapon of terror to the conscience of a city, her gift for walking in dreams becoming a tool for healing instead of harm.
- Minya, one of the most polarizing characters, is both villain and victim — a reminder of how trauma can twist love into possession.
- Side characters like the Godslayer (Eril-Fane) and Azareen reveal painful histories that add layers to the story’s moral questions.
Novels Sorted by In-Universe Events
- Strange the Dreamer – Lazlo’s journey to Weep and the uncovering of the city’s haunted history.
- Muse of Nightmares – Immediate continuation, deepening the conflict and expanding the mythos.
Novels Sorted by Publication Order
- Strange the Dreamer (2017)
- Muse of Nightmares (2018)
Companion Works
While there are no direct spin-offs yet, fans of Taylor’s style will find thematic and tonal similarities in her Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy, which also blends romance, mythology, and morally complex characters.
Editions & Formats
- Hardcover – Gorgeous dust jackets with gold or blue foiling (collector favorites)
- Paperback – Lighter, more affordable; UK editions often have illustrated covers
- Kindle – Adjustable font and X-Ray feature for keeping track of characters
- Audiobook – Narrated by Steve West, widely praised for bringing Lazlo’s voice to life
Why Read Strange the Dreamer Books in Chronological Order?
Reading the Strange the Dreamer books in chronological order ensures:
- No spoilers for major twists.
- Emotional arcs develop naturally.
- World-building details unfold at the intended pace.
Skipping or reversing the order would undermine the impact of the revelations in Muse of Nightmares.
Author Spotlight – Laini Taylor
Laini Taylor is a New York Times bestselling author celebrated for her vivid imagination and poetic prose. Her works often explore the interplay of myth and human emotion, set against intricately crafted fantasy worlds. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, illustrator Jim Di Bartolo, and their daughter.
Other notable works:
- Lips Touch: Three Times (National Book Award Finalist)
- Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy
Media Adaptations
While there’s no confirmed release date, TV rights for Strange the Dreamer have been optioned. Given the cinematic scope of the books, fans are hopeful for a faithful adaptation that captures both the sweeping fantasy landscapes and intimate emotional beats.
FAQs
Is Strange the Dreamer YA or Adult?
Officially marketed as YA, but the lyrical prose and mature themes make it appealing to adult fantasy readers.
Can I read Muse of Nightmares without the first book?
Not recommended — it’s a direct sequel that assumes knowledge of events in Strange the Dreamer.
Are there special editions worth collecting?
Yes — UK hardbacks with sprayed edges and US signed editions are popular collector’s items.
How dark is the series?
While not grimdark, it does explore war, trauma, and moral ambiguity alongside moments of wonder and romance.
Conclusion
The Strange the Dreamer books in chronological order aren’t just a reading list — they’re an invitation to step into a world of dreams, gods, and impossible choices. Reading them in the right order allows you to experience every gasp, every revelation, and every heartbreak exactly as Laini Taylor intended.
If you love epic fantasy that values compassion as much as courage — and prose that feels like art — this duology will stay with you long after the final page.
Ready to begin the dream?
Start with Strange the Dreamer and then dive straight into Muse of Nightmares to complete the journey.
And when you’re done, tell us: Which moment in Weep will you never forget? Share your thoughts in the comments and explore more fantasy series reading orders in our Fantasy Guides section.
Strange the Dreamer
