The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

"High Fantasy with lots of interwoven threads of fate getting all knotted up together, as they do. Though Shannon's ambition is incredible and inspiring, in the end it all felt a bit off pace and quickly fell into "information overload."

Pros: High fantasy, true and brilliant world building. You have different kingdoms with their own customs and beliefs, Shannon has truly created something incredible. But this is both a Pro and a Con.

Cons: Too many characters to remember/Too many countries/histories/legendary figures to keep track of.

Full Review:

It all starts when Tane breaks her seclusion, wishing to swim in the sea one more time before choosing day. In the morning she'll see if she's earned the revered title of Dragon Rider. But just tonight, she wants to swim and feel free. She's horrified when she runs into a man named Sulyard, who begs for her help.

She helps him asking a childhood friend Susa to take him away and she does, allowing Tane to return to her life. But unbeknownst to Tane, she's started a chain reaction of violence, murder, intrigue and mayhem that no one could've predicted.

Meanwhile, across the world, Ead, a foreigner convert keeps vigil over Sabran Berethnet the Ninth, Queen of Inys and representation of all Virtudom. Ead is actually an apprentice of The Priory of the Orange Tree, a sisterhood of mages and she's been sent to protect the Queen. Dragons are a constant threat and the Priory's sole purpose is protecting the world from the Wyrms.

Though I try, I find it utterly impossible to "summarize" this book. This behemoth, at just a shade over 800 pages (paperback) is an undertaking in every sense of the word. Though Shannon is amazingly ambitious, my brain isn't as pliable as it once was and so the onslaught of characters and countries just became background noise eventually. And though I enjoyed the ending, or endings I should say because, to me, there were multiple, it felt rushed somehow.

I enjoyed this book enough to feel accomplished and content at the ending but not sad that it was over. I think, what I struggled with was the pacing of this book. Some parts dragged while others felt rushed. But I give Shannon all Kudos for this beautiful world she's created.

Comments

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