What list would be complete without Samantha Shannon’s blockbuster tour de force, Priory? The book gods smiled on me earlier this year and sent me an extract to read before publication, and it was just as good as everybody’s been saying on Twitter. There are dragons, there’s an embattled Queen, Sabran- who’s only being kept safe by her maid of honour, Ead, with secrets of her own- and there is a lot of politics. A lot.

The amazing thing about Priory is that Samantha Shannon has done it again: created a whole other world, completely separate to her Bone Season series, that feels real and lived-in. Long story short: February can’t come quickly enough.

Really enjoyed this short excerpt into THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE. I love a good epic fantasy, especially one that touts amazing female characters that aren't related to side lines, as well as political machinations and, of course, dragons. My only qualm is that PRIORY throws you into the story with little footing, and so, so many terms and descriptions are thrown around its hard to get a grasp of who or what is being discussed. This is better read in the physical copy not only for the map to help visualise places and locations, but also the giant vocabulary list absolutely necessary to help dive into the world!

I might be one of the few people who didn't fall in love with the BONE SEASON (even though I enjoyed the first novel quiet a lot) but this one? This looks sooo good! I absolutely adore feminist fantasy and dragons and epic/high fantasy in general and after reading the extract I'm just so excited for the whole novel! It's going to be amazing!

I picked up this sample hesitantly, worried it might be the start of another long-winded fantasy epic. And, wow, was I surprised. This is excellently well-written, with fantastic characters, world-building and story-telling. I'm counting down the days until I can get my hands on the full copy.


Thanks to NetGalley for the extract in exchange for an honest review.

Whoa!!! What an epic action packed fantasy excerpt. I am blown away and desperately needed more pages. Typically with epic high fantasy reads the multitude of complex names, characters, cities, regions can be confusing yet Shannon writes so effortlessly they transition through character and title with ease.
Despite the complexity of the inner workings of this world the descriptors give it such a lush feel with a rich backdrop and exciting scenery.
Notably a female inspired fantasy novel with magical elements, victorian inspired creatures and of course dragons make this multiple pov tale one to put in your planner.
100 pages wasn't enough. Bring on release day.
5 stars

Many thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing PIC (UK & ANZ) and Netgalley for this advanced excerpt.

I loved the extract. I can't wait until the book comes out. I'm so excited! The fantasy and world building is amazing!

An epic tour de force. The Priory of the Orange Tree is a treasure and a classic. Guaranteed to fly off shelves.

I have been looking forward to this book for months and months! This is a feminist fantasy inspired epic novel, which follows multiple narrators and courts in their journey to defeat a sleeping enemy. There are lots of magical elements, dragons, Victorian inspired creatures and more. I was so happy to be able to read this generous sample, I am looking forward to February 2019 where I can finish the whole book.
The world building is extravagant, intricate and incredible. There was so much action in this sample that I could not quite believe it. This sample will have you hooked from the very beginning. Do not be put off or intimidated by the size of the complete book. I absolutely loved it.

I absolutely love everything about this book so far - the writing style, the worldbuilding, the characters. Not to mention, the dragons! I can't wait until the release date so I can continue reading what is sure to be an amazing story. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the sampler.

It was truly amazing extract and i loved it. I already preoredred this book and i think it is going to be amazing.

I am so glad I pre-ordered the personalized copy of this book, because this extract was flawless. I am completely hooked and can’t wait for February to come. I have to find out how the story develops. Although Ead might be my favorite character for now, I am very curious to read more about the other characters for each of their POV engaged my curiosity and each time the main character switched I wasn’t disappointed. Every character seems to have an importante role to play for the main plot and none of them seem superfluous. And if none of this convices you all I have to say is dragons.

I've loved Samantha Shannon as a writer since I first picked up the Bone Season two years ago and I was so excited for this book! This taster does not disappoint and only makes me more excited for the release in February. I can not wait to continue this and it'll probably be one of the top books I read of 2019

I am SO EXCITED FOR THE FULL BOOK. I almost didn't want to read this extract as I knew it would make me sad I didn't have the entire giant tome already in my hands, but I'm glad I did.

Throughly enjoyed the sampler, great start to the novel can’t wait to see what happens. Magic and dragons what’s not to love. Just from reading this I will definitely be buying this book when it comes out.

It is no surprise to anyone that this is one of my most anticipated books of 2019. When Netgalley had an early extract available to request you can bet I’ve never pushed that button so fast. It’s a pretty meat-y extract. I LOVED it. Shannon’s writing is, as always, hypnotising and there are so many ideas, characters and places introduced in the extract I never felt lost, as Shannon has given everything such a unique character or idea. However, now I just have a whole bunch of questions and it has just made me want the finished book ASAP. February is going to be a long old wait. A Queendom, dragons, assassins, castles, you name it I’m there for it.

February please hurry up….

I have never read anything by Samantha Shannon and the opportunity of having access to the early extract was really lovely. Thank you to NeyGally.

Reading this I am actually really excited for the book to come out and I will definitely being a getting a copy.

I just finished the extract and oh my gosh please I nees the entire book. I was so into it that I didn't realize I was at the end. Definitely getting this when it comes out in 2019

I have only read the first chapter but I need to read this book! Magic and Dragons! What's not to love?
The writing flows really well and I found it an easy and pleasing read. The world building is amazing and I can see myself just falling into this world when the book is released. I enjoyed the characters in this extract and cannot wait to see where the story takes them. Doctor Roos and Ead were my favourites! Also the dragons! I love the different types of dragons and the feelings the characters have towards them. Dragons are either worshipped or feared and I think I would worship them. I would also love to be a dragon rider, who wouldn't? There is history to this world and I need to know more about the Nameless One.
From reading the extract I know I will definitely buy the book when it comes out! I cannot wait to read the rest of this amazing story!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free sample to review.

I am speechless and extremely grateful to have been able to read an early sample from one of my most anticipated 2019 reads. I have been waiting for this story since the summer, and the sample delivers the promise of an epic fantasy. It was utter perfection. This is going to be 800+ pages of strong female characters, dragons and impressive world building that has the potential to easily become one of the BEST releases of 2019. The promise of eastern and western influences was a major selling point. The author has also mentioned that maps are being drawn up to be included in the finished editions!

The 100 or so pages I have read have me hooked. It's classic political epic fantasy, chock-full of worldbuilding. The POV number is not overwhelming and the East/West divide when it comes to chapters help. The characters all have their own, often opposing, goals and motivations and the world feels both familiar and fresh.

I am very excited for it and will be reading it as soon as it's out.