Author Spotlight: Laini Taylor
The Poetic Seamstress
There are some books you are immersed into completely, some you inhale and need more of, some that stay with you for years and some that bring out this ache within you that you cannot explain to those who do not bring words into their soul. When I re-read Laini Taylor's writing it is as though I am breathing in each word and holding them inside me to blossom into flowers (or moths). Being able to blend fantasy with poetic language is a skill Laini has mastered beautifully. I'm constantly amazed by her imagination and her ability to see into the folds of my soul, bringing to life characters that have depth inside them that I love to read about and that is why I chose to feature her, she's something quite special to me.
I first met Laini through the lovely Karou in Daughter of Smoke & Bone. I know some people are not drawn in by the original artwork but it really struck me. I remember I was working at Chapters when it was released back in 2011 and all I could think was "Daughter of Smoke & Bone, oh my what a beautiful title, what a mesmerizing title" and then I saw the cover and I just felt this twinge and thought "you know what I'm going to give this one a shot".
After reading the beginning of Karou's story the first time I was so deeply dragged into her world I wanted to live alongside her. It was the first time my need to visit Prague emerged and the first time I was completely happy with the portrayal of creatures. I adore Laini's vision, mostly because she brought to life my imaginings of chimera. Thank you for giving me this gift Laini.
Side note: as a human that feels deeply, I am in constant battle with my emotions. Alex keeps telling me it's a good thing and that I shouldn't apologize for it. I've had to look around my own perceptions to truly see that by being someone who feels so deeply actually enabled me to connect to Laini's words and her fantasy on a different level.
From Daughter of Smoke & Bone I continued on to her smaller work and felt like I was seeing more of her personality and it wasn't until Strange The Dreamer this year that I fully realized that Laini, you truly are one of my favourite authors and quite possibly, the favourite author. I am always hesitant to put anything in the number 1 spot. However when you find someone that effortlessly slides into that spot the realization will come upon you like dawn comes upon the sky, illuminating the sky just like the mind opens up.
I hope you've enjoyed my first Author Spotlight, this one is near and dear to my heart. Karou is forever with me as are Laini's words, see a glimpse of them below and her complete list of works.
Quotes of Dreams & Wonder
Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there's no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic. -- Daughter of Smoke & Bone
She moved like a poem and smiled like a sphinx. -- Daughter of Smoke & Bone
A dream dirty and bruised is better than no dream at all. -- Days of Blood & Starlight
Life doesnt need magic to be magical. -- Night of Cake & Puppets
Dream up something wild and improbable, something beautiful and full of monsters. -- Strange The Dreamer
The Spirit Grows Sluggish when you neglect the passions. -- Strange The Dreamer
Creatures with no dreams of their own can do naught but destroy the dreams of others. -- Blackbringer
Boredom is a terrible affliction of the soulless. -- Lips Touch: Three Times
The Complete Works from Laini Taylor, the Goddess of Words
Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Days of Blood & Starlight
Dreams of Gods & Monsters
Night of Cake & Puppets
Lips Touch: Three Times
Blackbringer
Silksinger
Goblin Fruit
Strange The Dreamer
Muse of Nightmares (upcoming)
Visit me on Instagram for more photos HERE and you can order any of these titles from Book Depository HERE
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