Scan barcode
A review by 5aru
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I feel like this is a very much needed book.
The book has every ingredient to be a perfect epic fantasy, the story capable of satisfying even the most purist fans of the genre, except (and this is a hot take) it's better than The Lord of the Rings, because the diversity of characters in this tale is astounding.
The best part is definitely what varied representation there is in this book, of both men and women of colour and LGBTQ characters who are thoughtfully planned, their personalities fleshed-out throughout the tale; the relationships between them develop naturally, not forced or rushed - and the characters feel human. Flawed and scared, yet resilient. Indeed, they're probably the best thing about the book; don't get me wrong, the plot is solid, but classic - a battle between the forces of good and evil, with a dash of morally-grey areas for flavour. It develops throughout many different parts of the world, and the narration is focalized through different characters, so we get to watch the events unfold from wildly distinct perspectives. The worldbuilding is complex, though not so much that it becomes hard to follow or overly detailed - which, conversely, may lead to some plot holes, even if that hasn't been an issue for me. The mechanics around religion and dragons develop in particularly interesting ways, following original premises despite the fact that the author clearly draws inspiration from existing cultures and folklore.
I was debating between four and five stars, since it sort of dragged on for me at some points, yet it had me so hooked I read non-stop for three days until my head hurt. So, 4.5 it is.
The book has every ingredient to be a perfect epic fantasy, the story capable of satisfying even the most purist fans of the genre, except (and this is a hot take) it's better than The Lord of the Rings, because the diversity of characters in this tale is astounding.
The best part is definitely what varied representation there is in this book, of both men and women of colour and LGBTQ characters who are thoughtfully planned, their personalities fleshed-out throughout the tale; the relationships between them develop naturally, not forced or rushed - and the characters feel human. Flawed and scared, yet resilient. Indeed, they're probably the best thing about the book; don't get me wrong, the plot is solid, but classic - a battle between the forces of good and evil, with a dash of morally-grey areas for flavour. It develops throughout many different parts of the world, and the narration is focalized through different characters, so we get to watch the events unfold from wildly distinct perspectives. The worldbuilding is complex, though not so much that it becomes hard to follow or overly detailed - which, conversely, may lead to some plot holes, even if that hasn't been an issue for me. The mechanics around religion and dragons develop in particularly interesting ways, following original premises despite the fact that the author clearly draws inspiration from existing cultures and folklore.
I was debating between four and five stars, since it sort of dragged on for me at some points, yet it had me so hooked I read non-stop for three days until my head hurt. So, 4.5 it is.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore and Abortion
Minor: Death