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

adventurous emotional hopeful slow-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

I had heard this book talked about online and though the length of it is a bit intimidating, I can't pass up sapphic high fantasy. There is the perfect amount of world buiding and lore dropping, without it being overwhelming. Using the multiple narrators with them being in different parts of the world and some not even really knowing of the others, fleshes out the world in such a natural way. I loved reading it and putting together all the pieces of the mystery and the truth of the legends in the world. 

A diverse cast of characters, and it felt like they were all so human and real. None of them seemed tokenized, they just were. The characters were just so good, and the relationships that they had with the others were so real and raw at times. Ead and Sabran and the moments of weakness and strength they shared together. Roos' grief and process of truly living. Tane finding herself and learning to live. Loth being this glue that brings people together. 

I would kill for this to be a couple of movies or a tv show, because the moments of action were so vivid and encapturing. I could only imagine what it would be like to watch it. Overall this is an amazing fantasy book and I would recommend everyone read it. 
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