The Priory of the Orange Tree

This is the first book from Samantha Shannon I have read, and I have really liked it. The overall story is very good, the characters are very interesting and the worldbuilding has many layers (as it should).

I like how each chapter starts by having a geographical distinction, which helps situate the different characters in the map. It also cements the differences between each region and the lore.

Another important topic of the book is the rupture with other fantasy novels in the importance of the women in the plot (which is good) and the prominence of queer characters in it (which is also good).

I am looking forward to more works from the same author and I imagine that I will be reading them as soon as I know that they are released.

I’ve long been intrigued by Samantha Shannon’s ‘Bone Season’ series, but couldn’t quite bring myself to start such a long, as-yet-unfinished saga without at least getting a sense for whether I liked the author’s style. Shannon publishing a standalone fantasy novel seemed like a good opportunity to find out.

Initially I got bogged down a bit by the intricate world-building and high number of characters in this book, but once I adjusted, I was hooked. Ended up devouring the rest in short order and loving it. Truly epic standalone fantasy novels seem rare these days; finding one I enjoy this much is a gift.