Dreams of Gods & Monsters (Reprint) (2015-07-22) [Paperback]

I love Lani's prose - it's dancing and inspirational. I adore her characters but I wanted more togetherness for Karou and Akiva. I really didn't understand what happened with everything but the words were beautiful. It was a bit of anticlimactic but a decent conclusion to the trilogy.

The whole series was interesting. Not deep but for what it was interesting. The time on earth was cursory but I suppose necessary to move the plot along to the final conclusion. And on the whole a happy story with a good ending

Wow. Just wow. Laini Taylor has amazed me once again. I don't even have adequate words right now, and certainly not after the beauty of hers. I'm just sitting here with this kind of blank, awed stare, not really quite sure how to process all of what I just read. All I know is that I love this world she created and while this ending was amazing, I'm so very, very sad to see it go.

I was almost afraid to start reading this book, having been disappointed by a few trilogies - and also because I loved the first book so much. But there was no disappointment, just sheer enjoyment of the wonderful writing and exciting plot twists. Readers of the first two books will of course want to read this, but if you haven't started the trilogy yet I urge you to start. (btw, I am not a teenager OR young adult!)

I really enjoyed this series, and I found this ending very satisfying. However, this book is kind of like the Director's Cut Edition... it should be shorter than it is, and once you've finished the book and know why all the characters are there, you can enjoy all the parts of it. But on first read... it's a bit frustrating because there are too many POVs and too much going on, so it's hard to get into it.

This book did not disappoint. It was really intense. I enjoyed the storyline with Aliza, Ester and the Stelians. It all came together wonderfully. I could not have imagined some the twists and turns that came about, which is a bonus for me. It was NOT a fairy tale ending, but it was A W E S O M E!!!

Having enjoyed the first two books, I have to say even I was surprised by how the final book of this trilogy was even better than those. Now THIS is how you write an ending to a series! Absolutely well done, beautifully paced, and left one praying this author will find a way to perhaps create another series beyond this one. And for pete's sake, if you haven't read this series yet, go pick up the first book, this third book will be a great reward!

It's interesting, having just turned the last page, I find that I am still sorting through the rich and satisfying emotions from this great story, which is making it very hard to translate that into words to share with you.

I am an avid reader and this is masterful storytelling at its best. Truly satisfying!

If you love to savor books, take your time with this; there is much to read and ponder and enjoy. If you love to devour books, the story is fast paced enough to keep you turning pages quickly.

If you've read the other books in this trilogy, but not yet this one? What are you waiting for? If you've not yet read any of them, you won't be disappointed. Start now and enjoy this rich new universe!

... And if you're the author? You've a new fan hoping you find that portal to Eretz. I can't wait to read what else you have to share!

Nice ending to a trilogy fraught with so much suspense, drama, tragedy, mystery and longing finally fulfilled, even though it left many unanswered questions and hopefully another book in this series to continue this journey. I was surprisingly pleased to be captivated by each book in this series; usually there is a lag after the first book in a series that highly irritates me to the point of abandoning everything despite investing all my time, but the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy did not disappoint me, in fact it left me wanting to know more about these flawed, likable characters, some of whom had me laugh aloud at times (Zuzanna). Good read for me, highly enjoyable

Taylor's third book wraps up in a predictable manner, but it is nonetheless a good story. She keeps the story going by entangling a new character this third book in the series. I like the new character, though she needed to be developed a bit more. It is a happy ever after story, which helps to keep somewhat of a balance. Depends on your perspective.

This was a fairly satisfying conclusion to the "Daughter of Smoke & Bone " story. However, volume 3 to me read more like sci-fi, and didn't have the same fairytale quality that made the first volume so unique. The characters were still well rendered though - i felt invested in their stories all the way to the last page. Would read this series again!

The first of the trilogy grabbed me, the second held me tight, and the third and final spun me like a comet. How Laini was able to totally wrap me in the whole of these characters, the joy, laughter, sparrow, is amazing. Every emotion known, and some foreign was experienced in each page. Simply cannot wait for what she offers next.

Great conclusion to a beautiful series. Taylor's choices at the end were satisfying as a reader yet atypical, which I really appreciated. The mushy side of me wanted more alone time between Karou and Akiva but so it goes. I'm on to Strange The Dreamer now with the highest of expectations.

Fun, light read. My main problem is that this book is called the last book in the trilogy. However, so much is left unexplained as an obvious set up for future books that it's deceptive to call this an ending. If you are looking to have all the answers after three books and not commit to at least one (more likely three more), don't start to read this "trilogy".

I have read some really good books and some pretty good trilogies. They pale to invisible in contrast the Laini Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone series. No spoilers here. I will say, never has a trilogy come to such a wonderful and completely thought out end without the devolving into trite and cliched prose. This is truly a series that when reading is complete you feel a profound loss, and ache for friends you will not meet again.

Really enjoyed this series. Worse part was waiting for next one to come out. This is a little more fantasy than Hunger Games in that non-human creatures are the main characters. Drama maintained exciting level so that couldn't put the book down. Well written, well paced and very entertaining.

Taylor knows how to deliver an awesome ending to her Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy! I thoroughly enjoyed DofG&M's story. All of my favorite characters and a few more make me want more. I think Taylor has so much more to develop this into spin offs with the Gods and Monsters working toward a healing of all of the universes. And, many dark forces to conquer in their quest! Bravo to Laini Taylor! I am a fan!

I finished the first two books in this series very quickly. Then I had to wait (impatiently) several months for the final book in the series. I'm pleased to say that it was well worth the anticipation! This was a really engaging series. It is young adult, but adults of any age can enjoy it.

4.5 stars.

I love this trilogy, the characters, the worlds, the writing, its all amazing.

I took .5 away from the star rating for reasons I can't explain without ruining the end for anyone who hasn't read it yet.

I loved everything about the book except the end, which was good just not as good as what preceded it, maybe thats just too hard to do though, to end such an epic story in any other way..

Either way I advise anyone even slightly interested to read this series from the very beginning, its beautiful, in every way books can be.

So glad that I came across this series!!! Very different and I can see how it can be a bit much at times but.....Such beautiful prose and loveable characters!!! What a journey it has been!!! There's such a growth of the characters throughout the series that attachment is unavoidable!!!

Beautiful book that did Akiva and Karou justice. Some muddying of the waters with a few new characters, almost seems like a fourth book could still come from it, but that may just be wishful thinking.
Better than the second in the series, and nearly as good as the first. Nearly.

Taylor doesn't disappoint with this conclusion to the Daughter of Smoke and Bones trilogy! I felt she left it open at the end to focus on other characters in another trilogy if she so chooses which would be fine with me as her style of writing is imaginative with vivid descriptions that help paint the story in your minds eye.

This is not cupcakes and puppets, but what a series ender. I lover her writing. It feels like it's written with love. Lots of twists and turns. I definitely didn't see the ending coming. It was a long book but but it had to be to fit everything in it and then some.

Taylor doesn't disappoint with this conclusion to the Daughter of Smoke and Bones trilogy! I felt she left it open at the end to focus on other characters in another trilogy if she so chooses which would be fine with me as her style of writing is imaginative with vivid descriptions that help paint the story in your minds eye.

This is not cupcakes and puppets, but what a series ender. I lover her writing. It feels like it's written with love. Lots of twists and turns. I definitely didn't see the ending coming. It was a long book but but it had to be to fit everything in it and then some.

Fabulous ending to a wonderful series! This takes you beyond where you anticipate it going. On point character development combined with corkscrew plot twists. Taylor has developed a setting which I long to visit!

‘Dreams of Gods and Monsters’ by Laini Taylor is the third and last instalment of her Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy, one that I initially received to review and wasn’t all that interested in… until I read the first page and was hooked on from then. Laini Taylor is now one of my favourite authors, mainly because her writing is almost so good it’s hard to settle and enjoy. It makes you wriggle with excitement and happiness. It makes you want to punch love in the face. I’m not a fan of the usual internet sayings but saying ‘all the feels’ is most apt for Laini’s work, it truly is.

Firstly, I highly recommend you re-read the first two books before diving into this one as the series has quite a large cast of not-often-names characters who will become important in this one. It’s also necessary to note the ebb and flow of emotions which make this series.

A sequel to a favourite series is always a hard thing to read – more so to write, I expect. You always wonder whether it will do the series justice or if your own mind will work against you and has since hyped the book up in your mind that no matter what is written, or how it is written, it simply won’t be able to feel satisfying.

Thankfully, Dreams of Gods and Monsters has nothing to worry about in that regard. Despite being eagerly anticipated it managed to exceed expectations. I squealed/squeaked at work when I received notification the book was ready to be read. I sneakily got it onto my kindle – still at work. I even peeked at it (and that’s when I decided I would indeed need to re-read the series.)

I devoured the re-read of the first two and then this one in four days and throughout it was simply a joy. I thank Hachette tenfold for sending me the first without request which first introduced me to this series early. Laini Taylor’s writing is simply suburb and this book only seems to take that next step forward in her writing ability.

The plot is hard to describe without mentioning spoilers for this or previous books, but it certainly does wrap all plot threads and story arcs – and even each character’s thoughts – neatly and succinctly. The characters develop throughout and yet there’s still time for the wit and razor we enjoy. We see yet more settings throughout the world, and new characters are added which you do manage to feel invested in quickly. Laini has a talent for introducing a character and their traits seamlessly, so they barely have to say anything and you already know whether you loathe or love them.

It’s a hard thing to set a Big World Event in our actual world when there are otherworldly creatures involved. It’s easy to pick out how the world would react and find it unbelievable. This is handled within the novel without fault, even though religion certainly plays a part in it.

Most importantly, this novel is an incredibly satisfying end to an excellent series. It feels odd to say it, but I feel sated with this one. I wouldn’t try to talk Laini out of writing more in this series if she chose to, of course, more would be beyond excellent! But this is one series where I do feel completely and utterly satisfied. We know what happens for them all in regards to plot. We are happy with the worlds involved. We are happy with how the characters are left by the end of the novel.

This book was and incredible ride. Plot twists galore, characters growing and changing before our eyes (Oh man, Liraz!!) It leaves you with many questions and things to ponder at the end. This series would be amazing for a book club read with so many things to discuss!

What a satisfying ending to a delightful escapist trilogy. I really enjoyed these books for the fresh world and stunning characters. Not, for high brow fantasy readers but if you enjoy a good adventure and sweet love story this series is for you.

Such sweet sorrow to part with this beautiful trilogy. I can only hope movies will come soon do I can love Karou and Akiva and all these magical characters all over again! Laini I hope you already have more stories in the works! I'll be waiting!!!!

Liani Taylor's stories are so gorgeously written. I was instantly addicted to her books. They are my own personal drug. I absolutely recommend that you start with the first of the series. The daughter of smoke and bone. Karou and Akiva are destined.

Laini Taylor's storytelling is pure magic. Her prose is lush and descriptive without feeling weighed down. I wanted to savor every word. And her worldbuilding!--I can only hope that she creates more stories for this world so I can have a chance to visit it once again. Read this entire series--you won't regret it!

Great series. Loved every minute of it. We listened to the series on audio CD during our commute, and couldn't wait for this last installment. It didn't disappoint. I think we enjoyed it more than we would if we'd read it. The reader is exceptional. Although I may go back and read the books now. They're that good.

Great story. Like the character development and world building but the ending was severely lacking for me. I would've given it more stars but as I already stated, the ending just didn't do the story justice.

After finishing the second book in the series I thought that there was no way the author could stop Armageddon on earth, heal the Chimera/Angel divide AND get it done in only one additional book. Well she does accomplish all of that, but more with a whimper than with a bang. The central bad guy is dispatched too easily, the love story resolves itself in a fairly pedestrian way and the many side stories that deserved more exploration (e.g., new character Eliza, Mic's final task, among others) didn't get much attention.

Still, I enjoyed it, though it was always with the pang of knowing that it could have been so much better.

I really enjoyed reading Dreams of Gods and Monsters. I feel like it's the best book of the series. There are so many twists and turns. I loved all of the characters. It was well written and kept me on edge. Definitely a must read.

Taylor delivers on everything you hoped for after reading the first two books. She's an evocative writer and I thoroughly enjoyed all three of these books. I was worried that there was no way to provide a satisfying conclusion as my hopes were very high, but she managed to pull it off. Highly recommended.

This trilogy may be listed as young adult, but everyone that enjoys fantasy novels will love it. The third installment tied up almost all of the storylines from the previous two novels, added some wonderful new characters, and didn't always go where you thought it might go. Taylor is an amazingly creative writer and I look forward to more of her work.

I've enjoyed reading this series. They won't necessarily go down as a 'reread' type of favourite but they are lots of fun and I will definitely keep and eye out for Laini Taylor's future efforts and maybe check out her graphic novel as well.

Perfect ending to a wonderful triology.

The ending implies that life goes on, and more adventures will be had, but it ties up ALL the loose ends from the issues at hand, and supplies the hint of a plan of the on-going issues.

It's the most realistic and appealing ending possible for Akiva and Karou.

Laini Taylor's conclusion to her Dreams of Gods and Monsters trilogy did not disappoint. Plenty of Taylor's beautifully evocative descriptions, an unstable alliance, plot twists, forbidden love and a cast of great characters.

Fabulous ending to a fabulous trilogy! Similar to the first 2 books, I was up late at night because I couldn't put this book down. And yet, I hated when it ended because I wanted more. If you are a fan of this genre, buy these books today - you will not be disappointed!