Reviews with content warning for Racism - Lair of Dreams

Reviews tagging 'Racism'

Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray

37 reviews

hippolyta_vi's review against another edition

I'm thoroughly enjoying this series, though I can't really put a star rating on it - a number won't die Libba Bray's storytelling justice.

I don't belong to any of the marginalized communities she includes, but it seems like she really does them justice and that there was a lot of research and consultation involved in the making of the Diviners series. It's the dedication to her craft that will make me pick up the last few book in the series.

One fault would be the length of the book. Some call for less perspectives, but I actually really enjoy multiple character perspectives. It keeps me on my toes. However, I could do with less of the POVs of random citizens falling ill or dying. I got it the first time, and the second time, I don't really need any more exposition than that. I guess it's purpose is to spook the reader?

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annakh16's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

A fun continuation of the series.

This part is less spooky than the last one but I personally preferred that. It‘s mainly concerned with developing characters and setting up mysteries for the next book.

I did find that this less plot-focused nature made the book slightly too long/slow. It was somewhat compensated by the fact that the characters are an absolute strength of this series. They are very likeable, their relationships are heartwarming (found family!) and so hanging out with them is fun even when not too much happens. Ling was a great addition, though I was sad to see less of Memphis in this book. I also enjoyed Evie‘s character development in this

, and the discussions of how she copes with her trauma

.

The „mystery“ was less interesting - I had guessed

the fact that Louis was dead

almost from the beginning, though not

the role of Wai-Mae as the veiled woman

. Bray‘s continued nuance and comprehensiveness in discussing the historical realities of racism in relation to the sleeping sickness made this more compelling however - and this approach in general, also looking at her discussion of homophobia, trade unionism etc., remains a strength of the series.

I‘ll be very interested to see how the mysteries set up here develop in the next book. I do hope the pace picks up though.

(Also January LaVoy is great as a narrator - drunk Evie was hilarious).

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alaskanfae's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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guessgreenleaf's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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ashdawn's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This one was even better than the 1st book in the series!!!

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jashanac's review

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4.5

Well damn - shit escalated!

That was SO creepy and I probably would be terrified to watch a movie adaptation of this if it ever happened - haha

So far this series is just SO engrossing for me. It is like watching a movie a little bit -- the setting comes to life, the characters come to life... and the MYSTERY of it all! I'm absolutely hooked

I'm very much rooting for Evie and Sam to be endgame... and Memphis & Theta are SO ADORABLE oh my god I love them. And it looks like maybe Henry will get at least a blossoming romance? I hope so, because he wants love in his life and he deserves love in his life -- I adore him as a character.

Ling was a great addition to this little ragtag crew also and I'm so interested to see how she fits in with everyone now that she has met everyone else.

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maddiereadswords's review against another edition

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5.0

Oh, this one hits different in a post-Covid world. :)

That being said, this is still my favorite book in the whole series, mostly because I would both kill and die for Ling Chan, disabled autistic ace-spec mean lesbian extraordinaire. <3 I literally don't even have coherent thoughts about this book, it's just so fucking good!! It's fun, spooky, and it both breaks and warms my heart at the same time, and I swear every time I read it those 600 pages feel even shorter. And that final meeting scene?? These angsty 1920s teenagers are my Avengers.

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