A review by spootilious
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

 
The first thing I ever heard about this book was how long it is! Coming in at 848 pages its definitely large. However, when you take into account the massive margins, the page breaks, and the glossary and timeline it’s looks fad larger than it actually is. Though, I think those of us that have actually read the book would agree that the enormity of this book does not stop at its physical girth. The book seems to drag and stretch at different parts of the story making it seem longer than it is. Then the final climax seems to rush by in the blink of an eye. 
 
Honestly, however, that is one of the only complaints I have regarding this novel. Aside from that I just wanted more world building. Shannon focuses so much on the politics and religion of the world, barely brushing on culture customs or Intricacies that it leaves me wanting. Yes that would make the book longer, but I also feel this book would work wonderfully as a series. As a series it would also allow for more of these details. Shannon is incredible at building characters and plot that I have no doubt with a little more world building she’d be up there with Jordan and Sanderson, maybe even Tolkien. 
 
As it stands The Priory of the Orange Grove is engaging and exciting read! Filled with diversity, LGBTQ+ representation, plot twists and an exploration of religion, myth, and the human condition it transcends traditional fantasy. It represents these characters the way they are meant to be seen: as people and not the token gay/non-white character. It’s not flaunted in your face or forcefully pulled to the front in an unnatural way. This book does what I wish all books would: it recognizes our differences as people in passing because that is all that they are, small things that make us different kinds of people but people all the same. 
 
Shannon also has a way with language that continuously had me coming back for more. Her dialog drew attention to the different cultures throughout the book. Her descriptors made each scene almost dream like with its intensity and softness. 
 
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone with a deep love for fantasy.