Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree is a stunning standalone epic that intricately weaves a tale of duty, love, and courage against a backdrop of a deeply divided world. A work of ambitious scope and remarkable imagination, the book offers an immersive journey into a world teeming with dragons, political intrigue, and complex characters. However, while its strengths are manifold, its minor shortcomings deserve attention, especially in the context of its overwhelming ambition.
Plot Overview: A Tale of Divided Loyalties
At the heart of the story lies a world teetering on the brink of destruction. The thousand-year-old Berethnet dynasty is tasked with keeping the Nameless One, a formidable dragon of fire, at bay. Queen Sabran the Ninth, unwed and without an heir, stands as the fragile lynchpin of this mission. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, each bringing their unique struggles to the fore:
- Ead Duryan: A mage from the Priory of the Orange Tree, Ead is secretly stationed at Queen Sabran’s court to protect her from threats both mundane and magical. Her loyalty to the Priory conflicts with her growing bond with Sabran.
- Tané Miduchi: An aspiring dragonrider from the East, Tané’s fate becomes entangled with that of Ead and Sabran when her choices set her on a perilous path.
- Niclays Roos: A bitter alchemist banished from court, Niclays’ role as a reluctant ally adds complexity to the narrative.
- Lord Arteloth Beck (Loth): A courtier and loyal friend of Sabran, Loth’s journey reveals the nuances of political alliances and betrayals.
The East and West are divided not just by geography but by ideology. The East venerates water dragons as deities, while the West regards them as abominations. This schism underpins the conflict, as the Nameless One’s resurgence threatens to annihilate both factions unless they unite.
Strengths of the Narrative
1. World-Building
Shannon’s world is rich with history, mythology, and detail. From the religious dogma of the Berethnets to the traditions of Seiiki’s dragonriders, every element feels meticulously crafted. The glossary and timeline at the end of the book are testaments to Shannon’s commitment to her universe.
- The Priory: A haven of mages safeguarding a powerful orange tree, the Priory’s history is interwoven with legends that challenge the dominant narratives of Virtudom.
- Dragons: The portrayal of Eastern dragons as benevolent and wise contrasts starkly with the fire-breathing Western wyrms, highlighting the cultural divides that permeate the story.
2. Character Development
The characters are multidimensional, each grappling with internal and external conflicts. Ead’s journey from a dutiful mage to a woman torn between her mission and her love for Sabran is deeply compelling. Tané’s arc, driven by ambition and guilt, resonates with those who have faced the consequences of their choices. Niclays, though often frustrating, is a poignant exploration of regret and redemption.
3. Representation
The novel’s inclusion of LGBTQ+ relationships, particularly the romance between Ead and Sabran, is seamlessly integrated into the narrative. It’s refreshing to see queer representation in fantasy without it being treated as a novelty or subplot.
4. Themes
The book explores themes of duty, love, and the cyclical nature of history. It challenges traditional notions of heroism, emphasizing collaboration over individual valor.
Critiques and Challenges
1. Pacing Issues
At over 800 pages, The Priory of the Orange Tree demands patience. While the world-building is exquisite, it often slows the narrative’s momentum. The middle sections, in particular, could have benefited from tighter editing.
2. Underdeveloped Subplots
Certain storylines, such as Niclays’ alchemical endeavors and the political intrigue in Yscalin, feel underexplored. These threads hold promise but are overshadowed by the central conflict.
3. Balancing Multiple Perspectives
While the multiple viewpoints add depth, they occasionally dilute the emotional impact. For instance, Tané’s storyline, though pivotal, sometimes feels disconnected from the main narrative until the climax.
Writing Style: Lush and Evocative
Shannon’s prose is lyrical, with vivid descriptions that bring her world to life. Her ability to balance grand, epic moments with intimate, character-driven scenes is commendable. The dialogue is sharp, often laced with wit and wisdom, reflecting the personalities of her characters.
Key Themes Explored
1. The Power of Unity
The novel underscores the importance of overcoming divisions to face a common enemy. The alliances forged between the East and West, though fraught with tension, serve as a testament to the strength of collaboration.
2. The Burden of Leadership
Sabran’s struggles as a queen highlight the sacrifices inherent in leadership. Her arc is a poignant reminder that rulers are, above all, human.
3. Faith and Mythology
The interplay between religion and history is central to the narrative. The conflicting accounts of Cleolind and Galian challenge the characters to question the stories they’ve been told.
Recommendations for Readers
Fans of sprawling fantasy epics with richly detailed worlds and strong character arcs will find much to admire in The Priory of the Orange Tree. Readers who enjoyed:
- Katherine Addison’s The Goblin Emperor for its intricate politics and nuanced characters
- Naomi Novik’s Temeraire series for its unique take on dragons
- Madeline Miller’s Circe for its lyrical prose and feminist undertones
…will likely appreciate Shannon’s masterful storytelling.
Final Verdict
The Priory of the Orange Tree is a monumental achievement in fantasy literature. Its lush world-building, diverse cast, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout in the genre. While its length and pacing may deter some readers, those willing to immerse themselves will be richly rewarded. Samantha Shannon has crafted a tale that lingers long after the final page, reminding us of the enduring power of stories and the courage it takes to challenge them.
