Muse of Nightmares: Strange the Dreamer
#2 of 2 in Strange the Dreamer Series
on Goodreads (67,116)
What’s inside...
Sarai has lived and breathed nightmares since she was six years old. She believed she knew every horror and was beyond surprise. She was wrong. In the wake of tragedy, neither Lazlo nor Sarai are who they were before. One a god, the other a ghost, they struggle to grasp the new boundaries of their selves as dark-minded Minya holds them hostage, intent on vengeance against Weep. Lazlo faces an unthinkable choice—save the woman he loves, or everyone else?—while Sarai feels more helpless than ever. But is she? Sometimes, only the direst need can teach us our own depths, and Sarai, the Muse of Nightmares, has not yet discovered what she's capable of. As humans and godspawn reel in the aftermath of the citadel's near fall, a new foe shatters their fragile hopes, and the mysteries of the Mesarthim are resurrected: Where did the gods come from, and why? What was done with thousands of children born in the citadel nursery? And most important of all, as forgotten doors are opened and new worlds revealed: Must heroes always slay monsters, or is it possible to save them instead? Love and hate, revenge and redemption, destruction and salvation all clash in this astonishing and heart-stopping sequel to the New York Times bestseller, Strange the Dreamer.
Character compass
Lazlo Strange
Sarai
Kora
Azareen
Thyon Nero
Eril-Fane
Nova
Minya
Ruby
Feral
Ruza
Suheyla
Calixte
Sparrow
Discussion points
How do Lazlo and Sarai's dreams and aspirations influence their decisions? What do you dream about and how does it guide your choices?
What role does fear play in the characters' development throughout the story? Can you recall a time when you were afraid but had to overcome it?
Muse of Nightmares explores themes of revenge and healing. How do the characters' experiences with these themes relate to real-life situations?
In what ways do the characters show strength and vulnerability? Have you ever felt strong or vulnerable in similar ways?
How does the concept of 'family' evolve in the story? What does 'family' mean to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their personal experiences relating to the themes discussed, helping them make real-world connections.
Ask follow-up questions that are specific to your child’s responses to understand their thoughts and feelings deeper.
While discussing the book, relate the themes to age-appropriate real-life events to make the conversation relevant and meaningful.
Promote empathy by asking how your child might feel in the situations encountered by the characters in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Muse of Nightmares', characters strive to understand each other’s fears and dreams, bridging gaps between different worlds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and show compassion in real-world interactions with peers from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Courage
Explanation: The protagonist, Lazlo Strange, exemplifies courage as he faces obstacles in the mysterious city of Weep, showing that bravery is crucial in overcoming fears.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of facing challenges head-on and not giving up when situations become difficult.
Example Lesson: The Power of Knowledge
Explanation: Lazlo’s transformation from a librarian to a dreamer highlights the importance of knowledge and learning in achieving one’s dreams.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage in learning and curiosity, understanding that education can empower them to fulfill their dreams.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness and Healing
Explanation: Characters in the book learn to forgive past wrongs, which is essential for personal and communal healing.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn the value of forgiveness, aiding them in resolving conflicts and mending relationships in their lives.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters must collaborate to solve complex problems that they couldn't fix alone, emphasizing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s daily life by encouraging teamwork in school projects or family activities, highlighting how collaboration leads to success.