The Priory Of The Orange Tree - Samantha Shannon

 

It's rare that I'll write up a review immediately after finishing a book... but this is an exception to the rule. 

This book.... words are failing me (this is why I normally wait)... but it was incredible.

Since finishing, I've read a few other reviews, the main jist seems to be that it's amazing and reminiscent of the Lord of the Rings books. 

Disclaimer - I've never read the LOTR books. As much as I adore the stories and consider myself a fan, I have never sat down and tried to read them, however after reading TPotOT, I have a new found confidence in doing so. But I can see where the similarities lie. 

If you are intimidated by the size of this book - I do not blame you one bit. It scared the hell out of me. I'm not a light reader but I also like to read lots of stories, therefore smaller books means more consumption. That was why I chose to read this as my New Year handover book. I started on the 30th December knowing full well it would take me over to the beginning of 2023. I had already completed by stretch goal for 2022 so I afforded myself the time to get into it, without feeling like I was rushing it. 

A few reasons why I consumed this so quickly:

• There was enough happening in the first 150 pages to keep me gripped. I believe that you generally know in the first 10% of a book if it's going to hook you, or if it's going to be a slog. 

• There are multiple plotlines running parallel - think Game of Thrones. I genuinely think the reason that GoT saw the success that it did is because there was something, someone for everyone and at any given point, someone was facing drama. 

• In the same way - there are multiple protagonists, each with their own story to tell. I'm not sure I favoured any specific one.

If you want an immersive fantasy, then this is the book for you. I wouldn't know if this is an ideal book for someone looking to dip their toe into the water of literal fantasy as it is full on; but who am I to say?

This is going to be a hard one to beat this year; I'm concerned that I've peaked far too early with my 2023 reads. But as my first book of 2023 - I'm glad it was a 5 star read.