reader_taylor 's review for:

Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray

3.5

adventurous mysterious tense 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

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Honestly this book was just okay. I was really excited for it, because after how slow The Diviners was I thought this book would pick up more speed now that most of the characters and world is already established. While it does, it instead focuses on meandering subplots that really aren't that interesting. At the end of the book, not that much has actually happened and changed for the characters. I wasn't engaged in the majority of the book. The pacing was still quite slow. While I do appreciate the description, it's one of the few things I did really like about this book. To me the villian was a lot more interesting in The Diviners, especially with the murder mystery plot going on. The sleeping sickness never captured me the same way. It's a given that new characters are introduced and new powers are explored. I wasn't able to relate to Ling as much as I wanted to. I did appreciate seeing Louis and Henry's relationship, as well as Evie's. There was definitely a bigger focus on romance in this book which I usually like, I just don't like a lot of the ships in this book. The villian was a little surprising but also very predictable. I also thought the way all the Diviners met was very rushed for the anticipation building for nearly two books. I won't be continuing the series due to it's slow-paced plot and the lack of connection I feel with most of the characters.