Reviews

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

tatyanavogt's review against another edition

3.0

Okay, soooooo.... I don't know how to fully say my thoughts on this book. I did really enjoy it, but I found myself a little lost at times on what I should "focus" on caring about. We follow several different characters across two(?) different main areas. I did listen to the audio book, and it took awhile for me to really realize that we were going back and forth between locations and not just characters and about half way through when I realized that, I thought it was pretty cool.

I do think I like the story more now that I am done with it and thinking about it after the fact. But during it I just wasn't as engaged as I would have liked to be because I didnt have that "focus" to care about for a large part of the story. I did realize fairly early on some of the things I was supposed to care about, but I don't really think I cared as much as I was supposed to. Possibly because I just wasn't sure about everything and possibly because I missed stuff.

ALLL that being said, I would like to read it again, and I imagine I would enjoy it more on a second read. I went into it 100% blind the first time around and I don't think that was NOT beneficial for this type of book. Also keep in mind that I don't read a lot of fantasy so i'm not used to its structure over romance or thriller books (which I read way more of).

sammie_readsalot's review

adventurous slow-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? No

4.75

jhole's review against another edition

3.0

Beautifully written, just not necessarily my type. The love stories were compelling though, and the diverse female characters would enjoyable.

aethan_ey's review

5.0

god i loved this book so much and im not good at writing reviews. i don’t read high fantasy all that often which may affect my view on it compared to other more dwelled readers but this book had my heart wrenching and caused an all time high in my sleep depravity. i love this book and i can’t wait to read the prequel!

heather_d_'s review

adventurous challenging inspiring medium-paced

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

5.0

noravora's review

adventurous slow-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? It's complicated

4.0

starlight_szn's review

adventurous dark emotional 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

5.0

gurdeepp's review against another edition

5.0

A MASTERPIECE!!! everyone that likes fantasy should read this
so excited for the prequel

laurenpat's review against another edition

5.0

Wow, this book was unreal. The story was so complex and epic and I really think it will serve as a cornerstone to compare all other high fantasy books. It was if medieval legends and King Arthur was made feminist and progressive. And SO many complex female characters!!! The author wove intricate plots and you don’t even realize they’re intertwined until it’s already so ingrained that you’re shocked you didn’t see it before. I don’t think I’ll ever read a book quite like this again.

aclassi_k's review against another edition

5.0

4.5 starts

I LOVED this. The world, the characters, the story - it was all SO good. The characters were complex and the world-building was wonderful, I also realised Queendoms are the coolest thing ever. I especially enjoyed the themes of faith and its questioning when nothing is as it seems.

I'd love to read more books set in this universe as it has so much to tell.