The Priory of the Orange Tree

by Samantha Shannon
The Priory of the Orange Tree cover
Good Books rating 4.36
Fantasy
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99 Hardback • £16.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 2381
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781408883464
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Circus
  • Published: 2019-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

The Priory of the Orange Tree is an epic fantasy that weaves together political intrigue, ancient magic, and the looming threat of dragons. Queen Sabran the Ninth of Inys faces immense pressure to produce an heir to prevent the destruction of her realm, all while evading assassins. Meanwhile, Ead Duryan, a lady-in-waiting with secret magical abilities, protects the queen from the shadows. Across the sea, Tané, a dragonrider, must make a life-altering choice that could change the course of history. The novel explores themes of power, loyalty, and the struggle between tradition and change, all set against a backdrop of a world divided by conflict and ancient prophecies. Praise for the book includes comparisons to the works of Robin Hobb and George R.R. Martin, highlighting its intricate world-building and complex characters. The story is praised for its epic scale and the way it blends political drama with fantastical elements, making it a standout in the fantasy genre.

Reviews
Good Reading Magazine · 2025-10-13
Classic 4.50

The book is considered a modern classic with rich characters and an inviting world. The reviewer is still immersed in the final chapter.

The reviewer views the book as a modern classic, praising its richly drawn characters and inviting world. They are particularly impressed by the depth of the storytelling and the way the book draws the reader in. The reviewer mentions being still engrossed in the final chapter, indicating the book's ability to maintain engagement throughout. The world-building and character development are highlighted as standout features.

Quick quotes

    Priory of the Orange Tree is a modern classic in the making.

    The characters are rich, the world is inviting and, to be honest, I'm still on the last chapter.

    The book's ability to maintain engagement and depth throughout is impressive.

Lizzie's Little Book Nook · 2022-09-03
Engaging 4.00

The book is a rich tapestry of witchcraft, romance, and political intrigue. It is seen as a compelling and surprising story until the very end.

The reviewer finds the book to be a vibrant and engaging read, filled with elements of witchcraft, romance, and political intrigue. They appreciate the complexity of the characters and the depth of the world-building. The story is seen as a journey that continues to surprise and captivate the reader until the final pages. The reviewer also notes the skillful handling of themes such as treachery and love, which add layers to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    It's a colourful story of witchcraft and romance, of dragons and political intrigue, of treachery and love and one that continued to surprise me until the very ...

    The characters are well-developed and the world-building is impressive.

    The story's ability to weave together multiple themes and keep the reader engaged is commendable.

Before We Go Blog · 2022-06-13
great 4.00

The writing style is praised for its epic storytelling and pleasurable phrasing. The reviewer enjoys the immersive experience the book provides.

Before We Go Blog highlights the book's exceptional writing style, which is described as a pleasure to read. The reviewer appreciates the epic storytelling and the immersive experience the book provides. They note that the book's phrasing is particularly enjoyable, making it a delightful read from start to finish. The reviewer also praises the book's ability to create a rich and engaging world, which draws the reader in and keeps them captivated throughout.

Quick quotes

    Samantha Shannon's writing style is a pleasure to read, especially if you enjoy an epic storytelling experience.

    Shannon's phrasing is often delightful and engaging.

    The book's ability to create a rich and engaging world is particularly impressive.

Fantasy Book Review · 2022-01-01
excellent 4.95

The story is colorful and engaging, blending elements of witchcraft, romance, and political intrigue. The reviewer is continually surprised by the narrative until the very end.

Fantasy Book Review highlights the book's vibrant storytelling, which seamlessly weaves together elements of witchcraft, romance, and political intrigue. The reviewer is particularly impressed by the book's ability to keep them guessing until the very end. They appreciate the depth of the characters and the complexity of the plot, which makes the reading experience both enjoyable and thought-provoking. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to balance multiple storylines and themes, making it a rich and rewarding read.

Quick quotes

    It's a colourful story of witchcraft and romance, of dragons and political intrigue, of treachery and love.

    The book continued to surprise me until the very end.

    The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters and the complexity of the plot.

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