City of Lost Dreams: A Novel (City of Dark Magic Series)

This was a birthday gift to add to The City of Dark Magic series.

City of Lost Dreams, the sequel to City of Dark Magic, surprised me by surpassing its predecessor on every level. I wish I had a 3.5 star option! The first book left me divided, feeling let down by some aspects and really loving the potential existing in others. Ambivalence is resolved in this second installment! The potential in City of Dark Magic is fully delivered in City of Lost Dreams. The heroine is more capable, easier to love. You get to know lovable Nico much better and get a sense for what he faces in his peculiarly long, long life. And Max...there's a character a girl can have a book crush on ;0). Flyte creates the character depth in this one that is missing in the first one, allowing the reader to emotionally invest in the fate of the characters in a way that wasn't possible in City of Dark Magic. Though not entirely removed, the bizarre sex scenes that were so disruptive in City of Dark Magic were less abundant in City of Lost Dreams. Add in the exciting and unexpectedly twisty ending and you have a winner in City of Lost Dreams!One of the things I love about reading across all genres of fiction is the opportunity to pick up something of value in what appears to be the unlikeliest place. I wasn't disappointed when I found the "life lesson" I'm always on the lookout for anytime I have a book in hand. This particular gem, delivered from the mouth of Pollina, young musical genius in need of a miracle, reminds City of Lost Dreams heroine of what's really important when she says, "Don't put such stock in this physical body. [...] Passion, in all its forms, that's what endures." Well said and an excellent reminder. I wasn't sure I would follow the work of Magnus Flyte after City of Dark Magic but coming off a City of Lost Dreams high, I can be counted among the many, many fans.

It took me a while to string characters and interwoven plots together, but it was worth the effort. A good read for mystery lovers.

Continuing the story of Sarah Weston, her time-tripping quests and lusty dalliances as alchemists and once-noble families seek power. Themes regarding science, the role of faith and ones locus of control, as well as moral questions regarding life and death, are gently unrolled. Fondly depicted characters reappear, and true love may yet triumph.Not quite as rollicking as the first novel, it is nonetheless a good read that will leave you wanting jet off to Vienna as soon as possible. If the lovely Flyte ladies can make it a trilogy, can I ask for Budapest, with its glorious mix of ruin and Parisienne sensibilies, Liszt, Bartok and the Esterhazy and Szechenyi families and palaces? With Istanbul side trip?

I love this one almost as much as the first one "City of Dark Magic".The campy humor is still present, even though less than in the first one. The two main characters Sarah and prince Max are not as prominent and funny as in the first one, but are still very likeable.I love the accurate and historical background of the locations, and I love the fact that in both books foreign terms and names are spelled very accurately.I love the "international" feel of the book, as it jumps from Vienna to Milan with a deal reached over a "cotoletta" at Bice!The odd characters are still there and they are quite likeable. I think it is a very original story, and I am really looking forward number three.

As great as the first, can not wait for the next!

I came to this book with great memories of its predecessor City of Dark Magic and was fearful of a let-down. Happily, the City of Lost Dreams is absolutely delightful and a great follow-up to book one. If you haven't yet read City of Dark Magic, then I recommend you do so and here's why. In book one you meet and learn to love the two leads, both as individuals and as a couple. Perhaps you ponder and worry a little about their future. Now read book two and all that happens will be so much richer for you. Others may say it doesn't matter but if you are a romantic at heart you will read them in order. You have been warned. Heh.

After too long of a hiatus from reading, I returned to this book with great anticipation. The first was such a wonderful treat that I quickly grabbed up the second one and then just as quickly stopped reading it.Life intervened - - until now.I am positively in love with this story - both parts - and its characters. It is such a rich world with just the right mix of mystery, fantasy, and romance to make it perfect. The characters all received their happy endings without it being over-saturated with sappiness and fluff.A marvelous read, one I'm sure I will return to in the future as one of my favorites.

Great story, own this as hard copy and book now.