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

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

5.0

This book isn't perfect, a few moments bordered on plot contrivance for me, but it does not lessen the enjoyment of the ride. For me the 848 page count didn't feel laborious and I enjoyed each POV fairly equally with Ead standing out as my favorite character, and Niclays being a surprising second favorite. Rich in worldbuilding, lore and characters I thoroughly enjoyed this female centered tale of epic fantasy. The characters are diverse in many ways including age. I loved this aspect especially and appreciated the 64 year old POV, the rest of the POV characters were younger adults. The friendships, relationships and romances in the book felt well fleshed out and lived in. I particularly loved the various religions and politics being very distinct yet intertwined in each different nation and region of this world. Eager to return to this world in it's prequel, A Day of Fallen Night, at some point in the near future.