Thank you to Netgalley for the eArc in exchange for an honest review!

The way that my year was MADE with the notification I got that I could read this one early. I have grown such a soft spot for Shannon's writing after delving deep into the Roots of Chaos series and seeing her twice and just growing to love the way that she thinks.

This novella has been noted to be an accessible point into the series as it has been known that the 800-900 page behemoths can be a bit daunting, but in my personal opinion, I think that reading Priory should be a prerequisite as I know that if I read this raw, I would be quite lost with place names and characters.

It follows characters from Priory who were in the supporting cast: Donmata, Aubrecht, Melaugo, etc. It depicts the beginnings of the Second Grief of Ages and how Yscalin became the Draconic Kingdom it was known as in Priory. It was so interesting to learn more about Marosa and I definitely think that I could read more ONLY about her. My heart was in my throat the whole time.

Shannon has simply knocked it out of the park with her excellent depictions of relationships and political tension as well as amazing world building. Every word had me on the edge of my seat and I'm so upset that I didn't take more time to read this!

I am so excited to see the illustrations that my eArc showed. This has made me want to read Priory again which my TBR has NO TIME FOR!!!!!

How wonderful to return to this world! The world building is, as always, phenomenal, and the character work is great. Marosa's story was so interesting, and my favourite part of the story!

Wow, wow, wow. This was phenomenal - just as I thought it would be! I would read anything Samantha Shannon writes. Seriously, this is exquisitely crafted. It’s shorter than Priory but it hits just as hard. The world building is masterful, and the story is so beautiful and devastating and haunting! I don’t know how she does it, but I got so attached to these characters within so few pages. Her prose is spectacular, the pages truly flew by. I genuinely can’t recommend this book enough - there’s epic fantasy and court intrigue and high stakes and all the tension! This is a must-read for fans of The Priory of the Orange Tree!

This book was my attempt to get back into this rich and vast world by Samantha Shannon. After reading POTOT I had a bit of trouble, finding the world intriguing, but the story lacking in pacing and being unnecessarily complicated at times.

So this novella was just perfect, and I have to say I really enjoyed everything. It's dual POV, and while I was more interested in the monster slayer than the princess, I enjoyed both.

It's perfect to get me remotivated for the Roots of Chaos series.
However, if you are already a fan and have devoured the books before, I think this is a great way to get more of this world you adore and love.

I hope there are more stories in this series, because to me it seems endless and with a lot more to tell.

4,5/5 stars

Thank you @netgalley and @bloomsburypublishing for the eARC!

#AmongTheBurningFlowers #RootsOfChaos #Netgalley #Bookstagram

Samantha Shannon can write anything and I will fall over myself to purchase. This was incredible and actually made me want to reread TPoTOT. I think because of the size of this book it allows Shannon to be even less wordy and keep the story tighter. As much as I loved TPoTOT it felt so long with so many characters and had I read this before... I might have had liked it even more!

Among the Burning Flowers, written as a companion novella to The Priory of the Orange Tree, is the perfect way to dip your toes into the Roots of Chaos series (without the daunting page count). However, for me, it was a great refresher as to why I love this series.

The characters we meet in this are incredible, with writing that helps you understand and feel the emotions they are experiencing. I marvel at the way Shannon's mind works to create the expanse of this world and the characters it contains.

With little references to A Day of Fallen Night, and mention of characters from The Priory of the Orange Tree, it's a wonderful addition to the Roots of Chaos world, and also contains a not so subtle nod to Scion and The Bone Season series.

I could have read a thousand more pages through Marosa's eyes. Among the Burning Flowers not only recharged my adoration of this world but also made me really want to reread Priory and ADOFN.

i couldn't have been more thrilled to get an early copy of this. priory was one of my favorite books i read last year and to see a bit more of what was going on during the events.... delicious. fabulous!

Another triumph from Shannon! I am not a massive fan of a novella, I was glad that this one was Shannon-scale and was hefty enough 😂. I really enjoyed getting a better look at some of the characters who were not explored in priory! I did enjoy the new storyline with the new characters but did not enjoy that quite as much as the other aspects of the book! I cannot wait for Shannon’s next book and would definitely recommend to anyone who can’t face the massive tome that is priory 😂.

When I woke up and looked at my phone and saw the approval for this ARC I thought I might still be dreaming. Fortunately not only was it not a dream but the reality was as good as a dream.

Among the Burning Flowers is perfect. For those who’ve been on the fence about reading this series it’s the perfect start. It’s not an intimidating size (iykyk). The world building is always perfect by Samantha Shannon but this novel is best. A great introduction for new readers, a perfect refresher for those who’ve been away and with Easter eggs for avid readers. The characters are perfect and I already miss them.

Reading this ARC made me want to reread the Priory of the Orange Tree and I will definitely be buying the physical copy.

A story of human resilience in the face of the first sparks of danger that threaten to consume the world. Read through the gripping and tragic events from the wakening of the first fire breathing dragons. Beautifully written and an exquisitely crafted beginning to the series.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐚 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐧

set in Yscalin before Priory, this one’s about the quiet crumbling before the fall—
a trapped princess writing secret letters, a monster-hunter weighed down by guilt,
and a reformist prince trying (and failing) to fix a kingdom built on rot.

queer love? yes. betrayal? obviously. doomed vibes? off the charts.
less war, more warning.
less firestorm, more slow burn.

quietly devastating. gorgeously doomed. i loved it.
thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC.

I love anything that Samantha Shannon writes and this was no different! I really enjoyed Priory of the Orange Tree, and this was the perfect addition to the world, set just 2 years later but so much had changed it was great.
I cannot wait to read more from this world

Welcome in another episode of: whatever Samantha Shannon writes, I love.
Maybe I’m biased at this point, or maybe it’s just that good and you’re missing out on.
The writing once again took me on a journey where everything hits, burns deep. I can’t explain it. This one was super short (which surprising when you know Shannon’s work), too short maybe? I mean, ngl, I wanted more. 288 pages flies by so quickly with Samantha’s prose that of course I wanted more even thought I know what comes next, where the story goes.

Among the Burning Flowers takes place around two years before the start of The Priory of the Orange Tree and tells the story of the Fall of Yscalin through 3 characters’ eyes. Marosa Vetalda (Donmata of Yscalin), Estina Melaugo (iykyk) and Aubrecht Lievelyn (future High Prince of Mentendon). I loved their resilience and their different upbringing. I also loved the references and additions to the lore I already know and love. I felt every blow like I was afflicted by the draconic plague myself and only deteriorating through the story. Now I obviously need a re-read. It’s been so long since I first read The Priory (back in 2020 so yeah, five years already!).

I would like to thank Bloomsburypublishing again this e-arc which I’m super grateful for!

Among the Burning Flowers is out September 11 so be prepared to get chills at the first sound of wings. I can’t wait to discover the illustrations by Rovinacai because yes, there would be illustrations!! I didn’t get to see those in the digital version of this arc so, surprise surprise! Since I feel like this universe deserves a bestiary I’m super excited to see some of the creatures portrayed as well. Though I could already and easily hear Fýredel's voice in my head.

Truly expected to love this book, but found it surprisingly difficult to summon up the interest in continuing at times.

This has nothing to do with the author's writing, as Samantha was as amazing as always (if only she would calm down with describing the food all the time). However, the magic of TPOTOT was somehow lacking in this one.

The storylines were tight, full of interesting dilemmas and dynamics for the characters to face, but I found it hard to be interested in all but one (DM). The characters were strong and full of purpose, but I found myself feeling like I'd seen them all somewhat before, in other fantasy books (especially Melaugo). It also didn't help that the stakes felt less knowing their outcome in TPOTOT at times (but can't blame that on prequels).

I think I just missed the feeling of being part of a bigger world that Priory gave, which can't be replicated in a much smaller book.

I've loved Samantha Shannon and the world of the Roots of Chaos since I read Priory, although I always found them a little intimidating because of the sheer size. Among the Burning Flowers comes in at a relatively more compact size which I loved but it definitely packed a punch. I quickly fell in love with Marosa and would read an entire ten book series about her and I can't wait to see what comes next in this universe!

Thank you to Bloomsbury for allowing me to read this book, I was so excited about it the day it got announced!

First off, Shannon is a masterful writer. Her attention to detail and keeping things believable and consistent throughout the story is incredible. It feels like (aside from the fantasy elements) something that could have happened in the real world.

Her descriptions of places are so breathtaking. It's one of the best parts about reading her books, just how much detail she packs in so that your mind's eye can really get to work and visualize these places as you read.

She also does what I feel few authors do well. She creates attachments to characters even with such few pages. The deaths of even some minor characters were incredibly sad and brutal. All of her characters have depths and backgrounds, and we eventually care about them.

The only bad thing for me about the books, which some people may care about - is the build up before the pay off. There is a lot of groundwork and backstory to lay down before the action and suspense kicks in - and for me, it does eventually pay off. When I really got into the "meat" of the story, I finished it in hours and had trouble putting it down. Shannon weaves an excellent tapestry of a story, creating multiple threads that come back together. The world ending threat and the bleak, brutal things that happen in the story put the plot on par with a fantasy classic - like Lord of the Rings.

Now that I have read the book, I only want more to read! I cannot wait for the next main installment of the series, and whatever other fantastic stories Shannon has to tell!

I would read 100 books in the Roots of Chaos series; they are truly the pinnacle of epic fantasy. Among The Burning Flowers welcomes the reader back into the world of Priory of the Orange Tree, but takes us aside to the POV of characters we didn’t get to hear from in Priory, and help us understand some of the secrecy, politics and characters whose decisions shaped the plot of the series. I just adored the descriptions of all the draconic creatures and how the humans interacted with them. It has made me desperate to reread the whole series again and hope that there are many more to come. Truly spectacular.

🌋 Among the Burning Flowers by S.Shanon is pure molten lava. It's the smell of a kingdom burning under the gaze of the Nameless One with no hope of salvation. The flowers crumble and with them, hope.

🌋 This besieged kingdom, abandoned and deprived of its faith, follows the destiny of Marosa Vetalda: princess of Yscalin and recluse. We also follow in the footsteps of Estina Melaugo, a wanted criminal and hunter of draconic creatures. Finally, we follow the viewpoint of Aubrecht Lievelyn, Marosa's fiancé and heir to the Mentendon throne, powerless in the face of tragedy.

🌋 Their paths hardly cross, but they all share the same despair. They don an armor of courage in their own way, to save what they can. Melaugo is entertaining, touching, a little broken. I enjoyed her romance with a prostitute who turns out to have a larger role. Her desire for a quiet life warmed my heart. As for Aubrecht, his tearing between happiness and duty makes him sympathetic, but his final decision is painful.

🌋 My favorite character is Marosa. I loved her evolution in so few pages, her resilience and resistance. All her dreams of love and freedom went up in smoke in the blink of an eye but she stood tall for her kingdom.

🌋 Her audacity in the face of the Nameless One had me shaking. This book finally embodies the monstrosity of this character that I'd never really grasped before. It's violent and agonizing. The fall of a kingdom is painted with a rare intensity.

🌋 His relationship with his father was chilling. The pattern is simple enough, but it's worked and nuanced enough to make it stand out from other conflicted father-daughter relationships I've read. The fact that the Nameless One, the very embodiment of evil, chooses to possess him speaks volumes.

🌋 I'd missed this universe. There are elements of Priory lore (a sister! a sister!) but also nods to my favorite book (: A day of fallen night). As usual, I loved the geopolitical stakes and court intrigue.

🌋 The tension, crescendoing, overwhelmed me; beautiful passages. The sulphur was suffocating on this mountain and yet, I still wanted more.

My thanks to @bloomsburypublishing @netgalley

French version :

🌋 Among the Burning Flowers de S.Shanon est de la pure lave en fusion. C’est l’odeur d’un royaume qui brûle sous le regard du Sans-nom sans espoir de salut. Les fleurs s’émiettent et avec elles, l’espoir.

🌋 Ce royaume assiégé, abandonné et privé de sa foi, suit le destin de Marosa Vetalda : princesse d’Yscalin et recluse. On suit aussi les pas de Estina Melaugo, criminelle recherchée et chasseuses de créatures draconiques. Finalement, c’est le point de vue de Aubrecht Lievelyn qu’on accompagne, fiancé de Marosa et héritier du trône de Mentendon, impuissant face à la tragédie.

🌋 Leurs chemins ne se croisent que peu mais ils partagent tous le même désespoir. Ils revêtent une armure de courage à leur manière, pour sauver ce qu’ils peuvent.
Melaugo est divertissante, touchante, un peu brisée. J’ai apprécié sa romance avec une prostituée qui s’avère avoir un rôle plus large. Son désir d’une vie tranquille m’a réchauffée le coeur. Quant à Aubrecht, son déchirement entre bonheur et devoir le rend sympathique mais sa décision finale est douloureuse.

🌋 Mon personnage préféré est Marosa. J’ai adoré son évolution en si peu de pages, sa résilience et sa résistance. Tous ses rêves d’amour et de liberté sont partis en fumée en un clin d’œil et elle reste debout pour son royaume.

🌋 Son audace face au Sans-nom m’a faite trembler. Ce livre incarne enfin la monstruosité de ce personnage que je n’avais jamais réellement saisie avant. C’est violent et angoissant. La chute d’un royaume est peinte avec une intensité rare.

🌋 Sa relation à son père était glaçante. Le schéma est assez simple mais il est assez travaillé et nuancé pour qu’il se distingue d’autres relations père-fille conflictuelles que j’ai pu lire. Le fait que le Sans-Nom, l’incarnation même du mal, choisisse de le posséder, en dit long.

🌋 Cet univers m’avait manqué. On reprend des élément du lore du Prieuré (une soeur! une soeur!) mais il y a aussi des clins d’œil à mon tome préféré (: UJDNT). Comme d’habitude, j’ai adoré les enjeux géopolitiques et les intrigues de cour.

🌋 La tension, en crescendo, m’a bouleversée ; des beaux passages. Le souffre était étouffant sur cette montagne et pourtant, j’en veux encore.

My thanks to @bloomsburypublishing @netgalley

Amazing as always. What a wonderful read. Thank you to the writer, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book.

Among the Burning Flowers is haunting, heart-wrenching, and utterly unforgettable. Samantha Shannon gives us a novella that’s equal parts intimate character study and grand fantasy prelude.

Every scene builds the slow dread of dragons stirring—and with it, the inevitability of tragedy. From the fiercely sharp Estina to the imprisoned but determined Marosa, every POV brings something to the table.

The world-building is elegant, the emotional arcs cut deep, and the illustrations are a visual feast. A must-read for fans of The Priory of the Orange Tree, and a perfect jumping-on point for new readers.

4/5 stars – I loved it.