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A review by keysmashhh
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-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
5.0
Plot: 4.5/5
Character: 4/5
Relationships: 4/5
World-Building: 5/5
Genre: 5/5
Plot: The plot of this is just breathtaking, like how the author thought of every plotpoint and every twist is beyond me. The four POV storytelling - perfect! It was the best way to do it and I loved how all 4 sides of the story came together in the Abyss. There was such a good sense of progression in this book - I liked that whilst every scene was short there was a sense of the plot driving forward to the finale. That being said, I did feel like all that set-up to the final fight scene and the slaying of the dragon was a bit short. Also I really wanted just a little bit more from every character about how they were getting on after the battle.
Character: Roos is an icon, I loved his perspective so much. Initially he seems like a grumpy old man but he goes on such a journey. Although Jannart isn't technically present as a character in the narration, I loved the flashbacks with him in it. Kit was my favourite character - I was so annoyed he died just as he was staring to go on his adventure. I am glad the author allowed Loch his grieving period, it made his character a lot more impactful. I generally liked all the characters, Sabran was really interesting, Ead was such a girlboss and Loch was so sweet. Tane was the only character I got slightly bored of every now and then.
Relationships: Ok so Ead and Sabran <3 I loved them. I'm not an enemies-to-lovers girl but THEM! they made it work. It was such a good slow burn romance and I was so invested in them. The only other relationship of note was Jannart and Roos, who were adorable and made Roos' character that much more painful to read about. A small thing but I was interested because Loch repeatedly says he wants a companion throughout the whole book but in the end he doesn't find one. It seemed as though they might have been setting him up with Kit, then with the girl in the city whose name I can't remember but in the end he doesn't really have anyone. It was an interesting part of his character that just wasn't really resolved for me. The same with Kit and him sending secret love notes to Meg but then suddenly Meg kind of forgets about them when she married someone else. I'm not sure if I missed the explanation when reading this book but if there isn't one it just felt a little weird.
World-Building: I'm not a high fantasy person but it's hard not to be impressed with the world-building that goes on in this book. Thousands of years of history, and lore, and religion that is all set-up, explored, re-written and broken down is amazing. I found the Court of Inys to be particularly fascinating, especially the whole Knights of Virtues and the way that works. I also loved the setting of Feather Island and Loch's childhood home, I could picture these settings super vividly.
Genre: THE BEST HIGH FANTASY BOOK I'VE EVER READ! I genuinly don't think I will ever read another high fantasy that will reach the same level of amazingness as this one. And I certainly don't think I'll ever read a book as long as this one (over 800 pages!!!) I really underestimaed this book going into it but it truly was amazing!
Character: 4/5
Relationships: 4/5
World-Building: 5/5
Genre: 5/5
Plot: The plot of this is just breathtaking, like how the author thought of every plotpoint and every twist is beyond me. The four POV storytelling - perfect! It was the best way to do it and I loved how all 4 sides of the story came together in the Abyss. There was such a good sense of progression in this book - I liked that whilst every scene was short there was a sense of the plot driving forward to the finale. That being said, I did feel like all that set-up to the final fight scene and the slaying of the dragon was a bit short. Also I really wanted just a little bit more from every character about how they were getting on after the battle.
Character: Roos is an icon, I loved his perspective so much. Initially he seems like a grumpy old man but he goes on such a journey. Although Jannart isn't technically present as a character in the narration, I loved the flashbacks with him in it. Kit was my favourite character - I was so annoyed he died just as he was staring to go on his adventure. I am glad the author allowed Loch his grieving period, it made his character a lot more impactful. I generally liked all the characters, Sabran was really interesting, Ead was such a girlboss and Loch was so sweet. Tane was the only character I got slightly bored of every now and then.
Relationships: Ok so Ead and Sabran <3 I loved them. I'm not an enemies-to-lovers girl but THEM! they made it work. It was such a good slow burn romance and I was so invested in them. The only other relationship of note was Jannart and Roos, who were adorable and made Roos' character that much more painful to read about. A small thing but I was interested because Loch repeatedly says he wants a companion throughout the whole book but in the end he doesn't find one. It seemed as though they might have been setting him up with Kit, then with the girl in the city whose name I can't remember but in the end he doesn't really have anyone. It was an interesting part of his character that just wasn't really resolved for me. The same with Kit and him sending secret love notes to Meg but then suddenly Meg kind of forgets about them when she married someone else. I'm not sure if I missed the explanation when reading this book but if there isn't one it just felt a little weird.
World-Building: I'm not a high fantasy person but it's hard not to be impressed with the world-building that goes on in this book. Thousands of years of history, and lore, and religion that is all set-up, explored, re-written and broken down is amazing. I found the Court of Inys to be particularly fascinating, especially the whole Knights of Virtues and the way that works. I also loved the setting of Feather Island and Loch's childhood home, I could picture these settings super vividly.
Genre: THE BEST HIGH FANTASY BOOK I'VE EVER READ! I genuinly don't think I will ever read another high fantasy that will reach the same level of amazingness as this one. And I certainly don't think I'll ever read a book as long as this one (over 800 pages!!!) I really underestimaed this book going into it but it truly was amazing!