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A review by beebeewin
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I thoroughly enjoyed this books. The characters were complicated, interesting, and fun to read. I appreciated the casual queerness of it and lived for the Sapphic romance. Like the characters the world was rich and extremely fun to immerse myself in. It was fun to see the world from so many diverse perspectives. I was drawn in by the mystery, action, and romance, as I tried to figure out how all of it came together. The way that realities of our world, such as sexism, classism, and religion, were included and discussed was artful. The intersection of all of these resulted in me really relating to this world and it's characters. My favorit related quote,
"He had built his religion like a wall around his shame. And to save his legacy, he had seen no choice but to sanctify the lie." ooof how shame and masculinity create religion too true to life!
My complaints about this book is simply that some of the back stories, historic moments, and just general information that were supposed to tie up loose ends and help with the climax felt a little under explained. I wanted a little more exposition and built in understanding of why this information was important to know.
That said, the ending did feel mostly fleshed out and satisfying. I did in fact cry reading the last chapter from Roos. This portions of text specifically hit so hard as I wish this is how all straight people could think about those they love who are LGBTQIA+."'Jannart swore to give nobody else but you his favor. He swore it in a sanctuary, before witnesses,' Nicalys said tautly. 'You were always a pious woman, Ally.' 'I was, and am,' she conceded, "and that is why, though Jannart broke that vow to me, I refused to break mine to him. I swore, first and foremost, to love and defend him.' She laid a delicate hand over his. 'He needed your love. The best way I could honor the promises I made him was to let him have it in peace. And to let him love you in return.'" Just goes to show the power of having queer authors write books!
Despite my qualms, I would read this book again and recommend to anyone who wants a fantasy book with some beautiful Sapphic love!
Also, as someone who rented this book from the library I can't help but highlight a quote from the acknowledgements. "We must never underestimated the value of libraries, or the urgency of the need to protect them, in a world that often appears to forget the importance of stories."
"He had built his religion like a wall around his shame. And to save his legacy, he had seen no choice but to sanctify the lie." ooof how shame and masculinity create religion too true to life!
My complaints about this book is simply that some of the back stories, historic moments, and just general information that were supposed to tie up loose ends and help with the climax felt a little under explained. I wanted a little more exposition and built in understanding of why this information was important to know.
That said, the ending did feel mostly fleshed out and satisfying. I did in fact cry reading the last chapter from Roos. This portions of text specifically hit so hard as I wish this is how all straight people could think about those they love who are LGBTQIA+.
Despite my qualms, I would read this book again and recommend to anyone who wants a fantasy book with some beautiful Sapphic love!
Also, as someone who rented this book from the library I can't help but highlight a quote from the acknowledgements. "We must never underestimated the value of libraries, or the urgency of the need to protect them, in a world that often appears to forget the importance of stories."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and War