A review by stwriter92
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

adventurous emotional 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

4.0

I've had this book on my Kindle for a very long time, though I only just thought to crack it open and read it and I am so very glad I did. It was nice to read a fantasy that was not a part of a huge series. I feel like most fantasy I have read has always sprawled across several books. While Priory isn't exactly a short book, I did enjoy how self contained it was. The story itself follows several different threads that slowly weave together to form a rich tapestry of political intrigue, love stories, and the destruction and rebuilding of beliefs. 

I had been impressed with Samantha Shannon's Bone Season series, but this took my admiration for her to a completely different level. Every single character in this tale was so deeply thought out and complex. I felt sympathetic towards each one, regardless of whether or not I agreed with their actions and their beliefs. I think what I love most about Ms. Shannon's stories is the rich worlds she crafts. I noticed this both in Priory and in The Bone Season series. She is able to craft not just a story but a complex and beautifully designed world for that story to inhabit. At its base, Priory is a very simple story. A world must band together, despite their differences, to take on a common enemy. It isn't a brand new idea when it comes to stories. However, Ms. Shannon breathed new life into this story with the well crafted characters, the clash of belief systems, and the fascinating lore.

The only thing really stopping me from giving a full five stars was the fact that sometimes the story seemed to sprawl out a bit too much. In particular, I did not really see the point of the character of Niklays Roos. He did not really seem to be anything more than a pawn for the plot. His character, in my opinion, felt a little forced, as if he was put there after realizing that a catalyst was needed for the story to continue onwards. I also felt like the pacing was a little inconsistent as we approached the end. Throughout the majority of the book, there was a buildup to a great battle, but that great battle felt a little lacking. The "big bad" himself seemed quite one dimensional at best and did not really live up to the expectations that were set for him. The ending itself, felt too fast paced to justify the grand buildup and left me a little unsatisfied. 

Despite this, I still did enjoy reading this novel. I still do recommend it to anyone that is a fan of fantasy (and, like me, of dragons). 
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