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twistingtalesandtastytea 's review for:
The Priory of the Orange Tree
by Samantha Shannon
adventurous
dark
inspiring
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:
Complicated
After spending a good chunk of the year dipping in and out of various romantasy reads (some delightful, some… not so much), I found myself craving something meatier. Something with more substance, worldbuilding, and character depth. Samantha Shannon’s „The Priory of the Orange Tree“ turned out to be exactly what I needed and more!
This novel is truly an epic in every sense of the word: sprawling continents, ancient religions, dragons both feared and revered, political intrigue, assassinations, magic, and prophecy. At over 800 pages, it’s not a quick read, but it’s absolutely a rewarding one.
The story unfolds slowly, the first third of the book is heavily focused on laying the groundwork of a complex world. For some, that pacing might feel like a hurdle, but for me, it was pure fantasy gold. Shannon trusts her readers to keep up, and the payoff is worth every page.
One of the most compelling themes in Priory is the duality between Western and Eastern dragons. In Shannon’s world, Western dragons are associated with chaos, destruction, and evil, a classic take grounded in medieval myth and Christian symbology. On the other hand, Eastern dragons, like the majestic water dragons of Seiiki, are revered as wise, almost divine beings, more in line with East Asian mythology. This contrast not only enriches the lore, but also explores how cultures mythologize power, nature, and the unknown. It’s a subtle but pointed reflection on perspective and how one culture’s monster is another’s god.
Shannon’s world is also distinctly feminist. The narrative centers women not just as emotional anchors or romantic partners but as queens, warriors, scholars, and wielders of deep political and magical power. Queen Sabran, Tané, Ead; each woman is written with nuance and agency. They are flawed, strong, and driven by deeply personal motivations. None of them feel like archetypes, and all of them resist being defined solely by the men around them.
The book is also refreshingly queer. Without spoiling too much, there is a sapphic love story at the heart of the narrative. Tender, quiet, and built on trust and growth rather than instant infatuation. It’s not a side plot. It matters. And it’s handled with grace, without being sensationalized or overly explained. It just is, and that normalcy in representation is deeply satisfying.
One of the things that stood out most to me was how every single character, no matter how minor, felt distinct. Shannon doesn’t lean on stereotypes or tropes to flesh out her cast. She gives them motivations, backstories, and emotional arcs, from the dragon-riding novice Tané, to the haunted Lord Arteloth, to the enigmatic Ead Duryan.
Beyond the characters, the writing style is just solid. Shannon knows how to balance lyrical description with clarity, making her world feel tangible without ever slowing the pace too much. Her prose walks the line between beautiful and readable, a rare feat in fantasy of this scale.
In conclusion:
„The Priory of the Orange Tree“ is a beautifully executed standalone epic. Feminist, inclusive, and as thematically rich as it is entertaining. It’s not light reading, but for those who want their fantasy to challenge and reward, this book is absolutely worth the time.
I’m already eyeing „A Day of Fallen Night“, and whatever else Samantha Shannon has planned. She’s definitely earned a spot on my must-read list.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 of 5 stars
Rich world, unforgettable characters, dragons with meaning and a whole lot of heart.
This novel is truly an epic in every sense of the word: sprawling continents, ancient religions, dragons both feared and revered, political intrigue, assassinations, magic, and prophecy. At over 800 pages, it’s not a quick read, but it’s absolutely a rewarding one.
The story unfolds slowly, the first third of the book is heavily focused on laying the groundwork of a complex world. For some, that pacing might feel like a hurdle, but for me, it was pure fantasy gold. Shannon trusts her readers to keep up, and the payoff is worth every page.
One of the most compelling themes in Priory is the duality between Western and Eastern dragons. In Shannon’s world, Western dragons are associated with chaos, destruction, and evil, a classic take grounded in medieval myth and Christian symbology. On the other hand, Eastern dragons, like the majestic water dragons of Seiiki, are revered as wise, almost divine beings, more in line with East Asian mythology. This contrast not only enriches the lore, but also explores how cultures mythologize power, nature, and the unknown. It’s a subtle but pointed reflection on perspective and how one culture’s monster is another’s god.
Shannon’s world is also distinctly feminist. The narrative centers women not just as emotional anchors or romantic partners but as queens, warriors, scholars, and wielders of deep political and magical power. Queen Sabran, Tané, Ead; each woman is written with nuance and agency. They are flawed, strong, and driven by deeply personal motivations. None of them feel like archetypes, and all of them resist being defined solely by the men around them.
The book is also refreshingly queer. Without spoiling too much, there is a sapphic love story at the heart of the narrative. Tender, quiet, and built on trust and growth rather than instant infatuation. It’s not a side plot. It matters. And it’s handled with grace, without being sensationalized or overly explained. It just is, and that normalcy in representation is deeply satisfying.
One of the things that stood out most to me was how every single character, no matter how minor, felt distinct. Shannon doesn’t lean on stereotypes or tropes to flesh out her cast. She gives them motivations, backstories, and emotional arcs, from the dragon-riding novice Tané, to the haunted Lord Arteloth, to the enigmatic Ead Duryan.
Beyond the characters, the writing style is just solid. Shannon knows how to balance lyrical description with clarity, making her world feel tangible without ever slowing the pace too much. Her prose walks the line between beautiful and readable, a rare feat in fantasy of this scale.
In conclusion:
„The Priory of the Orange Tree“ is a beautifully executed standalone epic. Feminist, inclusive, and as thematically rich as it is entertaining. It’s not light reading, but for those who want their fantasy to challenge and reward, this book is absolutely worth the time.
I’m already eyeing „A Day of Fallen Night“, and whatever else Samantha Shannon has planned. She’s definitely earned a spot on my must-read list.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 of 5 stars
Rich world, unforgettable characters, dragons with meaning and a whole lot of heart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Incest, Miscarriage, Torture, Violence, Pregnancy, War