In that one, it felt like things were always happening, so the book never seemed slow despite its length. Wulf is also an incredibly loyal character, much like Tunuva, a fierce defender of those he loves, and a caring friend. The world building alone is a masterpiece, with religions, different lore and histories, as well as differing societal norms seeping into the pages of the book, coating it in a rich, spellbinding tale that takes hold of the reader and doesn't let go… I didn't know how hollow Fantasy felt until The Priory of the Orange Tree filled that void. I also found many of the plotpoints in this predictable and saw the 'twists' coming from a mile away. I’m reluctant to say more, for fear of spoilers, but the ways that their stories intersected and referenced one another absolutely thrilled me.

They are rich and distinct, they have compelling stories each of their own seperate from yet complemented by the overarching plot, and at no point did I turn to a new chapter and a new POV with a groan or a sigh just waiting to get back to one I cared more about. It seems initially as if at least three of these POVs are all on separate trajectories and are unlikely to meet in the main plot and part of the joy of the story is unravelling how these pathways will collide.

I have always adored the careful balance of this world's magic system and was delighted to see so much magic throughout the different perspectives. I would say Priory is the gentler read and is a softer introduction to the world, however ADOFN is (in my opinion) the better of the two. It was a brilliant choice to establish so many varying geographies and cultures so that we could see how similar things affected each land differently and in which ways the lands each chose to combat them.

The three main female characters were all equally adorable, admirable, and deserving of a central role. The very real struggles these characters face, whether they ride dragons or bear the suffocating rules of monarchy, make this a consuming read. In the East, the mountain-dwelling Dumai trains as a godsinger, establishing a connection between humankind and the dragons that her society worships. Also, it reads a bit like sitting over Samantha Shannon’s shoulder and watching her play tall in Crusader Kings 3 for hours on end.For fifty years, she has trained to slay wyrms - but none have appeared since the Nameless One, and the younger generation is starting to question the Priory's purpose. There’s this message I kept seeing throughout this book, these women trying to balance their relationships—be romantic or family—and the role the world has given them.

Most of the original cast aren’t born yet, but some of the new characters are their distant relatives, which I hope will give you a sense of connection to them. Wonderful for the tension and mistrust created through the political intrigue and daring in its ambition and depiction of such a vast expanse of worlds. Her rule is based on the sacred Berethnet bloodline, whose power originates from the knight Galian Berethnet's banishing of the Nameless One, a giant fire-breathing wyrm birthed from the world’s core. Glorian was my favourite character, and I was constantly flipping between being worried about her and wanting to hug her, to being astonished at how brave and fierce this 17 year old is!

Overall an impressive story of three powerful woman whose lives become entwined as Shannon breathes fire and life into this incredible story of survival, love, and honour. As in Priory, Shannon excels at creating a strong cast of female characters with excellent queer representation.

Having to put this book down was so hard, especially as it’s better in large chunks, so you can get fully into it! It would have been better if Cleolind whatshername story was the prominent one in the first part then we jump 500 years later to see history repeating itself! She learns never to goad the mountain, to learn when to reach towards the sky and when to be mindful of the shifting ground beneath her feet. It's rare to see any woman over 30 portrayed in fantasy, and while I myself am only in my early 30s, I could strongly relate to her. Because the world is swimming with Wyrms burning down cities and people, and the Councils and politicians want to sit down and discuss the future of the kingdoms!This book has it all - a vividly realized world, political intrigue, romance, and an array of incredibly strong female characters, each with their own unique voice and narrative that are seamlessly woven together. It’s not a statement, it’s not central to the plot, but queer people are core parts of the story and an inextricable part of the world itself. A series of plots to enthral and captivate and written in a dream like way that was also compelling and believable.