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

adventurous emotional mysterious 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

This is probably the longest book I've read in the past few years. It is also the book that has taken me the longest to finish, some two-and-a-bit months. It is also probably one of the best books I've read in that same time. There is such a richness of detail and love in this book that I haven't seen in many places. The world is amazingly built, but not overly explained, such that you constantly wonder what could be happening beyond the bounds of the story.

 The characters are wonderfully diverse and act like actual human beings. The near complete absence of the misunderstanding that leads to tragedy trope is my favourite thing in the whole world. Yes, characters still argue, get angry, disagree with each other, but it's resolved so well and with real reactions you would expect. People in this book also learn and accept that what they once knew is wrong, which also amazes me to read. 

If I could give this more than five stars I would. It is not the fastest book, nor the most engaging, nor the funniest, but it is absolutely the most compelling and detailed story that weaves together so well.