Her young adult Daughter of Smoke & Bone series is celebrating its ten-year anniversary now, so what better way to celebrate than by introducing yourself to Laini’s tales? When recently asked how she feels about the novels celebrating an anniversary, Laini Taylor said: “The publishing journey with this trilogy…has been extraordinary, and has lived up to and exceeded all my wildest writerly dreams, with the many wonderful forms that reader engagement has taken, and the opportunities I’ve gotten to travel and meet fans around the country and the world.” Now here’s your chance to travel into some gorgeous worlds with characters you will adore when you follow this suggested reading pathway to Laini’s books. While these books will have you super excited to enter Laini’s worlds, I also recommend Blackbringer, book 1 of the Dreamdark world, and Lips Touch: Three Times. Karou fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious “errands”; she speaks many languages, and not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out. But is she ready to find out the truth about herself? This book, along with the sequels Dreams of Gods & Monsters and Days of Blood & Starlight, is celebrating ten years of publication with gorgeous new covers by Berlin-based artist Jelena Kevic Djurdjevicand, and a box set. You’ll definitely be tempted to read the rest after digging into the whimsical world in this first novel in the series. Yet, when it comes to the simple matter of talking to Mik, or “Violin Boy,” her courage disappears. Now, Zuzana is determined to make the first move, and she has a fistful of magic and a plan. It’s a wonderfully elaborate treasure hunt of a plan that will take Mik all over Prague on a cold winter’s night before leading him to the treasure, which is herself. How will it end? You must read to find out, and it is a completely enjoyable book. This romantic tale will have you swooning and even giggling at times, and the magic is on point, perfect for fans of stories that are as unique as they are touching. Giving him a chance to go to Weep, a stunning opportunity presents itself in the form of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors. Yet, in order to make the visit and opportunity happen, he has to seize his chance or lose his dream forever. Yet, mysteries abound around what happened in Weep 200 years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world, and who is the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo’s dreams? Lazlo is about to be immersed in a world that he could’ve never imagined. This novel will have you excited to pick up the second in the duology, Muse of Nightmares, for a continuation to this universe. Have you read these picks or plan to grab them soon? What’s your favorite Laini Taylor tale if you’ve read her novels? Let us know on Twitter at @BookRiot and let me know as well at @AuroraMiami.
