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heebymeg's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
nereven's review against another edition
5.0
This is the first fantasy book I have fallen in love with in years. Probably the first since I read Eragon as a kid. I thought this was a wonderful read. I do have a few complaints; like how the story mostly focused on the west and even then half of our time spent in the east followed Roos. I just wanted more of Tané’s story.
I understand that the length is a bit daunting for a single book but that never dissuaded me. There were many times I actually struggled to put this down for the evening. I only wish some of the fights (especially towards the end) had more grandeur and spectacle too them. Some scenes which I felt should have gone on for pages only lasted paragraphs.
I really do hope there is more to read about this world even if we follow different characters in a different time. I’m very much looking forward to the next book coming next year.
I understand that the length is a bit daunting for a single book but that never dissuaded me. There were many times I actually struggled to put this down for the evening. I only wish some of the fights (especially towards the end) had more grandeur and spectacle too them. Some scenes which I felt should have gone on for pages only lasted paragraphs.
I really do hope there is more to read about this world even if we follow different characters in a different time. I’m very much looking forward to the next book coming next year.
claysc107's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
uchi_thereader's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
kdawg420's review against another edition
3.0
I’m so sad. I wanted to love this book. I appreciate the matriarchal world and the break from boring heterosexual love stories. However, the book was a drag. At no point did I fully understand what the plot was, and I was only invested in one of the POVs (bet you can guess which one!). I’m willing to give Day of Fallen Night a try, but I need a palate cleanser first.
aimedington's review against another edition
I have taken too long, I must start over
shelvedbyjasi's review against another edition
5.0
Oh. My. God. This book completely blew me away. I went into The Priory of the Orange Tree thinking it would be good, but I wasn’t ready for it to become my new favorite book of all time. Seriously, I’ve never read anything like it.
What I loved most was how the story took its time. It didn’t rush, and that’s what made it so special. I got to really KNOW Ead, Loth, Tané, and Niclays. Following them on their separate journeys was like peeling back layers of the story, one at a time, and by the end, I felt so connected to each of them. When their paths finally crossed, it was like everything just clicked, and I was like, “Yes, this is exactly how it should be!”
The world-building? Absolutely stunning. Every detail was so vivid, I could practically feel the magic in the air. And speaking of magic—the magic system in this book was top-notch. It wasn’t just there for show; it was integral to the story. I kept switching sides, rooting for one character and then totally changing my mind after seeing things from another perspective. The way Samantha Shannon wrote these characters was just that good.
But let's talk about Sabran. Wow, what a character! She's the queen at the center of everything, and her journey is intense. From the beginning, you can feel the weight of the world on her shoulders. The pressure to marry, to have an heir, to protect her queendom from an ancient evil-it's all so overwhelming. And then there's the fact that assassins are creeping closer to her every day. Honestly, I was stressed for her!
What's so amazing about Sabran is how complex she is. On the surface, she's this powerful, commanding queen who seems unshakable. But as the story unfolds, you see all the layers of her character-the fear, the vulnerability, the doubts. She's trying so hard to live up to her lineage and do what's right for her people, but the stakes are so high, and the choices she has to make are brutal.
And then there's her relationship with Ead.
Swoon. The tension between them is just off the charts. Watching their connection grow, despite all the secrets and dangers around them, was one of my favorite parts of the book. Ead's role in Sabran's life is so crucial, not just as her protector but as someone who sees her for who she really is, beyond the crown and the duty. Their dynamic adds so much depth to the story, and I was absolutely living for it.
Sabran's journey isn't just about surviving threats from outside—it's also about her own internal struggles. She's haunted by the legacy of her family, the weight of history, and the fear of failing her people. Her evolution throughout the book is incredible to watch. By the end, she's still the strong, determined queen we met at the start, but she's also someone who's faced her fears and come out the other side, changed for the better.
And when the storylines finally came together? Perfection. It was like watching an epic movie unfold in my mind. Every twist and turn felt earned, and I was completely invested in every moment. I was on the edge of my seat, but also totally emotionally wrapped up in everything that was happening.
But beyond the plot and the magic, what really got me was the emotion. This book hit me HARD. It’s about love and duty, sacrifice and redemption, and the impact of the choices we make. By the end, I was emotionally drained in the best way possible. I’m still thinking about it, and I know it’s one of those books I’ll revisit again and again.
This isn't just a book I loved.. it's a book that has become a part of me. It's a story I know I'll return to, time and time again, just to relive the wonder and magic of it all. The Priory of the Orange Tree isn't just my new favorite book; it's a piece of my soul.
What I loved most was how the story took its time. It didn’t rush, and that’s what made it so special. I got to really KNOW Ead, Loth, Tané, and Niclays. Following them on their separate journeys was like peeling back layers of the story, one at a time, and by the end, I felt so connected to each of them. When their paths finally crossed, it was like everything just clicked, and I was like, “Yes, this is exactly how it should be!”
The world-building? Absolutely stunning. Every detail was so vivid, I could practically feel the magic in the air. And speaking of magic—the magic system in this book was top-notch. It wasn’t just there for show; it was integral to the story. I kept switching sides, rooting for one character and then totally changing my mind after seeing things from another perspective. The way Samantha Shannon wrote these characters was just that good.
But let's talk about Sabran. Wow, what a character! She's the queen at the center of everything, and her journey is intense. From the beginning, you can feel the weight of the world on her shoulders. The pressure to marry, to have an heir, to protect her queendom from an ancient evil-it's all so overwhelming. And then there's the fact that assassins are creeping closer to her every day. Honestly, I was stressed for her!
What's so amazing about Sabran is how complex she is. On the surface, she's this powerful, commanding queen who seems unshakable. But as the story unfolds, you see all the layers of her character-the fear, the vulnerability, the doubts. She's trying so hard to live up to her lineage and do what's right for her people, but the stakes are so high, and the choices she has to make are brutal.
And then there's her relationship with Ead.
Swoon. The tension between them is just off the charts. Watching their connection grow, despite all the secrets and dangers around them, was one of my favorite parts of the book. Ead's role in Sabran's life is so crucial, not just as her protector but as someone who sees her for who she really is, beyond the crown and the duty. Their dynamic adds so much depth to the story, and I was absolutely living for it.
Sabran's journey isn't just about surviving threats from outside—it's also about her own internal struggles. She's haunted by the legacy of her family, the weight of history, and the fear of failing her people. Her evolution throughout the book is incredible to watch. By the end, she's still the strong, determined queen we met at the start, but she's also someone who's faced her fears and come out the other side, changed for the better.
And when the storylines finally came together? Perfection. It was like watching an epic movie unfold in my mind. Every twist and turn felt earned, and I was completely invested in every moment. I was on the edge of my seat, but also totally emotionally wrapped up in everything that was happening.
But beyond the plot and the magic, what really got me was the emotion. This book hit me HARD. It’s about love and duty, sacrifice and redemption, and the impact of the choices we make. By the end, I was emotionally drained in the best way possible. I’m still thinking about it, and I know it’s one of those books I’ll revisit again and again.
This isn't just a book I loved.. it's a book that has become a part of me. It's a story I know I'll return to, time and time again, just to relive the wonder and magic of it all. The Priory of the Orange Tree isn't just my new favorite book; it's a piece of my soul.
lotteversteegen's review against another edition
Ik kwam er gewoon niet lekker in en vond het te lang om me erdoorheen te worstelen.
meleys's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5