Thank you to NetGalley & Bloomsbury Publishing for providing me with an e-arc to read and review.

As someone who hasn’t read Priory (yet), this prequel novella was the perfect introduction to the series! It left me wanting more, but still feeling satisfied enough with the ending. The world building was incredible, even for such a short story. And I can only imagine that it will expand further in Priory.

The characters were diverse, unique and believable; as were their relationships. The dialogue flowed effortlessly and I often felt like I wasn’t reading at all, but watching a scene from a movie. Shannon’s writing was excellent, straight to the point yet visceral enough to stir up powerful emotions in the reader.

I enjoyed every second of this novella, even though the beginning started quite slow. However, I do feel like the payoff at the end was worth it. I didn’t feel like I was missing out on important information due to not reading Priory first— everything felt clear and well explained, while still leaving a bit of mystery for the following books.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC I was so excited to be chosen.
I loved this book and read it really quickly it is definitely shorter that the others at around 300 pages.
I found Marosa a really interesting character she is strong and powerful with many layers. This story shows the first fanning of the flames in the Priory of the Orange Tree.
Brilliant as always Samantha is an artist with words and paints a colourful wonderful world.
I love this series almost as much as the Bone Season series.
The writing is to be enjoyed like a really wonderful meal.
I also loved the beautiful cover.

Among the Burning Flowers is a beautifully crafted return to the Roots of Chaos world, offering a story that feels both nostalgic and new, rich with magic, myth, and history. Samantha Shannon has delivered a deeply satisfying continuation that rewards both long-time fans of the series, and new readers looking to dive deeper into the world.

One of the highlights of the book for me was the chance to spend more time with the characters we’ve come to love from previous instalments. Aubrecht’s character was well developed, and I appreciated seeing how deeply he cared for his family as he wrestled with conflicting duties to them, to his kingdom, and to the woman he is expected to marry. Marosa Vetalda was always a mysterious figure in The Priory of the Orange Tree, and I loved learning more about her as she grappled with the battles that surround her, both internal and external. Yscalin is brought to life with an atmosphere that is both haunting and beautiful. While reading, I could feel the decay threaded through the grandeur of the kingdom, and I felt just as claustrophobic as Marosa within the confines of her crumbling world. The reappearances of these characters felt purposeful and rewarding, adding emotional weight to the new story being told.

I highly recommend Among the Burning Flowers to anyone who loves character driven fantasy rich in emotion, myth, and history. Samantha Shannon has created something truly special, and I can’t wait to read what comes next.

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me an early copy in exchange for an honest review*

Amazing!!!! I was dubious going into this, because the first book was so big (though I enjoyed it a lot). This shorter story was the perfect bridge for all the characters we saw in the first tale, and how they got there. I wouldn’t change a thing about this book - the pacing was excellent. I also feel you could read this as a standalone.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc - this is a fair review.

Beautifully written and you absolutely don't have to read the Priory of the Orange Tree to enjoy this read.
This book has so many characters and so much to absorb, I will need to re-read this at some point to enjoy the true detail. I will see if reading the original series makes a difference to the experience or not. I will probably keep coming back to this book the fantasy writing is excellent.

Thank you to Samantha Shannon, NetGalley, and the publishers at Bloomsbury for sending me an ARC.

A brilliant next instalment of the Priory of the Orange Tree series - full of complex court intrigue, danger for Princess Marosa trapped in her tower with a madman father possessed by a dragon and terror for her people trapped in a city occupied by malevolent wyverns. On the outside, Prince Aubrecht tries desperately to send help but all else has failed. It's left on an exciting cliffhanger and I can't wait to read more!

Wow! My first dive into The Roots of Chaos series was absolutely phenomenal, and any worries that I wouldn't enjoy it as much as The Bone Season (a personal favorite!) vanished almost immediately.

As a prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree, ATBF masterfully introduces key characters and lays the groundwork for the epic events to come, with the before and after of Yscalin succumbing to the devastating rule of dragons.

The characters truly stole the show for me. Marosa is an incredible, albeit tragic, protagonist, and experiencing most of the narrative through her eyes was deeply immersive. Aubrecht's perspective offered a fascinating glimpse into his burgeoning story arc, setting the stage for future developments. My one minor wish was for more of Melaugo; she had all the makings of a favorite character but seemed to disappear around the halfway point. However, this isn't necessarily a drawback, as Samantha Shannon skillfully uses this to emphasize Marosa's growing isolation and entrapment in the latter half of the book.

This was a truly brilliant read, and I'm already itching to dive straight back into this rich and complex world!

What a gift this book is to the world of fantasy! Among the Burning Flowers is the long-anticipated prequel to the Priory of the Orange Tree. It also takes place after A Day of Fallen Night, and it unfolds in a second wave of Grief as the Draconic Army rises and the wyrms (dragons) stir again...

Long has Fyredel, the Great Wyrm, hovered beneath the warm blanket of Earth... But when he wakes, the flowers will burn, and All must decide where to cast their partisanship within history and learn how to nurture their Fate.

The story follows Marosa Vetalda, who is the daughter of the King. She is controlled by her father with the threat of a much more ancient enemy at her door. Aubrecht Llevelyn, her betrothed, attempts to walk the line between loyalty and strategic self-preservation as he seeks to invest in the longevity of his own people. Lastly, Estina Melaugo, who is a wyrm (dragon) hunter senses a deep evil moving within the Earth, makes a move to free humankind from a plague that has begun afflicting the human race. As the players flit across the stage in a delicate dance of diplomacy and strategic inquiry, Marosa must uncover why the wyrms hate humankind and discover the sacrifices she must make to save her faith and stay alive.

Among the Burning Flowers is a beautiful prequel that is not hallmarked by bloody battles or colliding armies, but instead, a battle of wills and the strength it takes to endure a hopeless world. This new novel sets the stage for the events of The Priory of the Orange Tree and explains how the sociopolitical landscape shifted for the story of The Priory to unfold. This book explains so much about the background of Shannon's Roots of Chaos, and it is an indispensable addition for veteran fans of the series and newcomers alike. The books can be read in any order, but I appreciated reading this after I read The Priory because I felt like I had a firmer grasp on what was going on and what was at stake.

Thank you so much to Samantha Shannon, NetGalley, and the publishers at Bloomsbury for sending me an ARC. This is sure to be one of the biggest fantasy books of this year, and it is delightful from start to finish! I read it in one sitting with my heart pounding against the delicate threads of political movements and dark conspiracies. Among the Burning Flowers will make you burn for more! Shannon's prose is stunning, and every cultural reference is an emerging artifact of a rich, complex world that deserves a future rooted in graphic novel and film development efforts! Among the Burning Flowers is a master class in how fantasy deserves to be written.

Among the Burning Flowers is a powerful return to Samantha Shannon’s world of Priory of the Orange Tree. I loved getting to witness the events that ultimately set the stage for its sequel, and it was interesting to see some of the characters from the PotOT- especially Marosa. I think she was probably my favorite character out of both books, and that’s saying something considering how much I loved Ead.

Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Among the Burning Flowers is a brilliant addition to the Roots of Chaos series, one of my all-time favourites, so it’s no surprise that I absolutely loved it.

As a direct prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree, this novella offers a fascinating glimpse into the events leading up to the world we know from the main novel. There's a slight overlap in the timeline, which makes the connections even more satisfying to uncover. Watching the early stirrings of Fýredel’s awakening unfold added a rich layer of context to the overarching story.

Marosa Vetalda is a name fans will recognize, but until now, she’s remained somewhat of a mystery. This story shines a welcome spotlight on her life and on Yscalin, bringing more depth to both the character and the wider world. Exploring another region and time period expanded the lore in a way that felt both fresh and meaningful.

While this is a much shorter read than the previous two standalones, it still manages to deliver a compelling slice of history. Of course, I’ll always crave more from this universe, but Among the Burning Flowers offers just the right amount of insight and intrigue for anyone who’s already fallen in love with The Priory of the Orange Tree.

Thank you to Bloomsbury and Netgalley for this eARC.

4.5⭐️ Samantha Shannon did it again!

Among the Burning Flowers is a perfect prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree and a long-time Roots of Chaos fan like me.

It followed Marosa Vetalda of Yscalin, Estina Melaugo, and Aubrecht Lievelyn of Mentendon in the couple of years before the events in Priory. It was not a fun read, considering the dark and desperate events depicted, but it showcased Shannon's brilliant writing, valiant female characters, and head-spinning worldbuilding (politically, culturally, mythologically) that left you wanting more. Despite being relatively short, it made me care about the characters in no time at all.

It's a great starting point into the series if Priory's length intimidates you: reading this book left you with many questions want answering. However, I don't think calling this book a standalone story (like A Day of Fallen Night) is appropriate. It's a prequel.

BUT. AS A FAN. I WAS VERY HAPPY. So many nods to so many things from Priory and ADoFN. I think regardless of what order you read these books in; it's so satisfying because they are so deeply interconnected!

Advanced Reading Copy courtesy of NetGalley and Bloomsbury UK & ANZ.

Sized like a normal book it felt like a short story compared to the other books in the series. I love that Samantha Shannon keep giving us bits and pieces of her wonderful, dragonplagued universe.

This is a story about resistance, bravery and love. A story about finding small means of resistance. Of being braver than you really are.

And I loved every bit of it. Keep writing Shannon! I want more. Every nook and corner of this world is worth to explore.

I bow down to the genius that is Samantha Shannon - I absolutely devoured this book!

I read The Priory of the Orange Tree a couple of years ago, and I was so excited for the chance to dive back into this world. And Samantha Shannon delivered with Among the Burning Flowers.

Starting a few years before the beginning of Priory, ATBF has the rich and complex world-building that I love about Samantha's books. We follow multiple characters that are mentioned in Priory, and I loved seeing them come to life in this book.
I adored Melaugo and Liyat and their relationship. Melaugo is such a fun character in Priory, and it was exciting to get her backstory! I was a bit sad that we didn't get to see much of them in the second half of the book. Marosa was also such a well-rounded character. Reading about the fall of Yscalin from her perspective and seeing her resilience in the face of the horrible circumstances she finds herself in (a lot of which are caused by men) - it's why I love women written by women.

Despite the rich world-building of this book, it felt like a more accessible gateway to the incredible world of Priory because it focuses on a smaller set of characters and is mostly contained to Yscalin. If the size of Priory ever stopped you from picking it up, this book is the perfect starting point. And for anyone who has read Priory, this ATBF adds so much depth to the characters and the world, it feels like coming home.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves epic fantasy, incredible world-building, strong female characters and dragons (of a different kind)! Thank you so much to Bloomsbury for letting me review an eARC.

*I received an eARC via Netgalley*
Receiving an arc for a Samantha Shannon book is quite literally a dream come true. The Priory of the Orange Tree captivated me the first time I read it, and Among the Burning Flowers had a similar affect. Something I have always loved about Samantha Shannon's writing is the heavy/complex world building. She always paints a picture with her words, and I loved reading this book for that reason. Considering the length of this story and the complex world building, the plot progresses quickly from even the first page. I loved the characters and I believe I will be thinking about this story for a long time. If you liked The Priory of the Orange Tree you will love this, and if you haven't read Priory yet and are intimidated by the size, Among the Burning Flowers is a good place to start.

This is the perfect prequel to priory of the orange tree. It sets up the story so well and left me wanting more about every single plot thread (even though I’ve already read priory and know what happens). I honestly don’t think anyone writes characters and creates worlds like Samantha Shannon. The way these stories have been brought to life is incredible, especially over such a short number of pages for this one! I just want to keep reading and stay in this world forever.

Among the Burning Flowers is a prequel novella to The Roots of Chaos series. It takes place before the events of The Priory of the Orange Tree so you can definitely read this book without having first read that one. Let’s face it, The Priory of the Orange Tree is quite chunky and reading this novella may encourage you to read that amazing book. One thing for sure about this world is that Samantha Shannon can create an amazing worldbuilding. The detail and complexity of her world captured my interest from the very first page. I highly recommend it, and Among the Burning Flowers is an excellent introduction to the series. Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I'll post my review closer to the publication date.

Another brilliant foray into the Priory world. Shannon's world is thoroughly fleshed out through the previous two, but this smaller installment fulls in the blanks of the remaining awakening of dragons with a complex and heart wrenching tale of grief and steadfastness in an impossible situation. On my way to reread Priory now.

as a huge fan of the roots of chaos series, this was a delicious slice of world building, expanding on the tragic downfall of yscalin that is somewhat of a mystery in the priory of the orange tree. donmata marosa is so strong and interesting and brave.

i know the series too well to adequately judge if this would be a good place to start the series but i will strongly recommend it to those who haven't mustered the courage to crack into all 800+ pages of priory. i think it will successfully ease readers into it, removing that initial tough patch as they wade through the early chapters learning about the world.

Wow this was absolutely beautiful 😭🫶

I love that we got insight on the events before priory starts and we learn a lot more information leading up to the wyrms awakening.

Wow Marosa is my fave character now and I love that we could sympathise with her situation in Priory but we get the full picture in this novella and we can truly appreciate how strong of a character she is 😭🙌

Also love that we get more insight into Aubrecht, who was Sabrans husband in the Priory, and that he and marosa where engaged with a beautiful friendship forming there.

I absolutely loved to see the origins of these side characters in the Priory and now it makes me want to reread just to read about them again 😆

This was a spectacular novella and this world is one of my all time favourites!! I cannot wait for what else Shannon has in stock for the Roots of Chaos universe 🤩

And miss Shannon just know how to write like the queen she rightfully is 😮‍💨🤌 I swear I’d read her grocery list and still be amazed

Also whenever I read “full illustration here” “half page illustration here” I was like GIVE ME THE ART NOW!! But I’ll be patient and wait for my copy I guess 😙
Honestly so excited to see the final illustrations 🤭

As always thank you to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review 🫶🫶 you guys made my day with being able to read this masterpiece early, forever grateful 😘🫶

As a big fan of Samantha Shannon already I went into this both excited and apprehensive - would a novella read the same way, would she capture the same magic and would I feel lost at sea without having recently read Priory. Without fail she absolutely captures the same brilliant of the other roots of chaos, my only complaint is of course I wish we got more. To start with I was trying to match up the characters to my hazy memory but I decided to let that go and just read and enjoy it as a new story, with that perspective it didn't take long to get hooked once again. As I read I remembered and it was brilliant to see a part of the world I knew but from another perspective. I think this would be a great starting point for those with big book fear as you are thrown straight in and it will leave you wanting to read on to Priory. This is definitely a novella though and does finish in a way that will make you want more - but that's it's purpose and where it sits in the Roots of Chaos series. It's a perfect little snack for those of us desperately waiting for the next full size novel and a good little starter to those who haven't yet fallen in love with her storytelling.

She's done it again!! as always the gaming prose made me forget were I was! I can't wait to buy it physically!

It's no secret that PRIORY is one of my favourite books, so I will ALWAYS read a new story set in this world, no matter how long or short.

But oh boy, is this one a Tragedy,

The Donmata Marosa is an intriguing secondary character in The Roots of Chaos world, and this short novel - though there's a LOT packed into it - adds depth and heartbreak to the glimpses of her story that we've already witnessed. Now that I know how loyal Priessa truly was to her, and how much they've endured together by the time we meet them in PRIORY - it's just astonishing.

Towards the end of this novel, when we begin to realise exactly why Marosa has so few allies in PRIORY - I reached one of those scenes, one of the most horrifying ones, and had to put the book down, stare up at the ceiling, and mutter, "Oh GOD," to myself. Likewise, it was horrifying meeting Aubrecht, knowing what's ahead for him and his family, and learning the extent of the loss hinted at in PRIORY that the close and extended family has suffered and what more grief lies ahead for them.

A recurring theme in this book, more than the previous instalments, is the 'what could have been' paths that are swept away through the events of PRIORY, and the hints of tragedy in what Aubrecht and Marosa could have achieved together as a married royal couple.

Compared to its predecessors, AMONG THE BURNING FLOWERS is strongly a tragedy, a tale of quiet courage and resilience in the face of terror and devastation, and the death of an old world order swept away in flames. I couldn't put this down, racing through it in two days, and found myself thinking about it for much longer afterwards. I can't wait for the next story to come.

The blurb for this prequel novella states that this book "leads readers through the gripping and tragic events that pave the way for the opening of the million-copy bestseller The Priory of The Orange Tree." And it definitely does that, providing backstory to some side characters from The Priory of The Orange Tree - mainly the crew of the Rose Eternal, Donmata Marosa, and Prince Aubrecht and his sisters. Once I got into this, I really got into it! One of the storylines (I'm being vague to avoid spoilers!) was really emotional, and I admit that I teared up three times about it!

However, I don't think that this book would be a great entry point to the series and to the complex world because there's quite a lot that isn't explained here, just due to the length, and I think you're sort of expected to know certain things about the world from the previous full-length (and very chunky) books. The sheer amount of names and places mentioned here would be confusing to someone new to the series.

If you're not coming in new to the series though, I think this novella does a fantastic job of giving an emotional backstory to some of the characters that we didn't get to see too much of in Priory. I found it heartbreaking, and to properly tear up three times during it just goes to show how good it is!

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

Absolutely loved this novella, and a glimpse into two characters we only see hints of in Priory of the Orange Tree. My heart absolutely breaks for them both

Bloomsbury, I have no idea how you approved me, but I am endlessly grateful you did. Please tell me which tattered bits of my soul you'd like in exchange. thank you NetGalley for hosting this book!

I read this book once. Then, in less than a week, I reread Priory of the Orange Tree, and A Day of Fallen Night, in some desperate miraculous time I forced into my time of being a teacher. So much dug in deeper with this small outlook into both Marosa and Yscalin, and Estina. I am certain that we will find something out about the Hatha tree in the next prequel (or its connection to the haithwood), and certainly about a certain new fruit, maybe.....

And then I read this book again. And I can't wait to buy my copies. Copies, multiple. I've screamed about this book so much to others, and I will continue to do so eagerly.

Honestly, Samantha Shannon does not miss!
I loved the shorter length just as much as Priory and ADOFN. ATBF gives context and background to Priory which I think ties in so beautifully that you could read those two in either order. It introduces characters we met in Priory from a different perspective and really enriches the world, showing the prejudices and political manoeuvring from a different angle. Among the Burning Flowers is a perfect intro to the Roots of Chaos world for anybody who has been put off by the longer books. As always, we get Samantha Shannon’s beautiful writing style, her strong female lead and a heartbreaking story of survival that had me biting my lips (my lips are literally bleeding such is the emotional impact 🫠).
There were some brutal moments, like Ysabel’s and Rozia’s bodies, and the immersive writing really pulled me in so I was devastated on Marosa’s behalf. The vivid descriptions only added to this, imagining the heat, the scents and the colours was easy and enhanced the reading experience so much.
I already had this on preorder but after finishing the ARC, I’m ready to reread the other Roots of Chaos books and live the story all over again! Thank you so much!

It was so good to go back to the world of the Roots of Chaos series. It’s one of my favourites, and I’m always in awe on Samantha Shannon’s beautiful writing and how real all her characters feel. Having recently reread Priory, I was able to fully immerse myself in this, and for those that feel intimidated by the chunky books in the series, this is a perfect place to start. I can’t wait to read anything else she writes in this world.

I loved this (as per usual) and adored that it was (significantly) shorter than the other two books currently in the series! it felt a lot less daunting to start, and once I had, I absolutely flew through it!

we follow a multi-pronged story, as with all the books in this series, mainly following aubrecht and marosa - who are mentioned in Priory - as well as a few other points of view. it was thrilling to see how exactly the events of Priory were as a result of the events that occurred in this book, and I loved how both Aubrecht and Marosa were characterised and written!

Once again, a novel rich with description and worldbuilding with intricate, fleshed out characters that you real world root for - im utterly beyind excited for the next books in this series; and will have to fill the Samantha Shannon shaped hole in my reading schedule with more of the Bone Season series!

thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury publishing for so kindly providing me with the e-arc!

Among the Burning Flowers by Samantha Shannon is a lush, powerful triumph—both emotionally resonant and thematically rich. Shannon weaves a tale of resistance, identity, and love with lyrical prose and stunning worldbuilding. Every page feels deliberate, soaked in tension and beauty.

The characters are layered and unforgettable, their relationships pulsing with depth and nuance. Shannon balances political stakes with intimate moments, crafting a story that feels both epic and deeply personal. The pacing is tight, and the emotional weight builds steadily toward a devastating, satisfying conclusion.

This is storytelling at its finest—bold, immersive, and unforgettable. Among the Burning Flowers is a masterwork of fantasy and feeling, earning every bit of its 5 stars.

“Marosa had not seen the stars for weeks, such was the reddish haze of it.”

For such a short book (Samantha Shannon-wise), this story really packed a punch. It’s a heartbreaking story of survival, which adds so much depth to the original The Priory of the Orange Tree story.
I loved Marosa - her strength and commitment to her people was admirable, and the love she has for Aubrecht is fierce. I hated to read their story knowing what was coming.
I really enjoyed learning more about places and practises we saw in passing in Priory but didn’t get to fully expand. We learnt more about their religions/myths and their history.
I can’t wait to reread this, and then go straight into Priory.

I have yet to read a Samantha Shannon book that I don't enjoy. A perfect little filler, this book goes to show how deeply the worlds crafted by Shannon are thought about

ARC review to follow!

This was such a tease! I need a full length book featuring these characters!

Another Samantha Shannon 5 star read. Just when you think this authors books can’t get any better she produces another one that is even better. I am not going to say any more because you all need to emerge yourselves in this world.

I feel a bit selfish because I can't deal with such a short book from Shannon, her stories really come to life when fully fleshed out. But having said that, this prequel added some lovely nuance to the Priory universe and was thoroughly enjoyable as always

So I'm one of the few people who did not read Priory of the Orange Tree before this. Though Priory has been on my radar for a while, I never picked it up, partially because I was a little intimidated by the length of that book. I requested the ARC for this, because I really appreciated the author writing this as an easier entry point into the series.

First the good, I really liked the writing. I liked the characters and I liked how descriptive the writing was. I could visualize every scene the author set up, and the world felt very real. The politics were fleshed out very well, and seeing all different kinds of people in this world experience the starting of the war was very interesting.

Unfortunately the book had some slow pacing, especially in the beginning I struggled to get into it. This is also a bit of a downside of the descriptive writing, because the world gets described in so much detail, the pacing slows down quite a bit.

I really liked the book, I enjoyed the writing, and I had a great time reading this. I feel overall this book did what it set out to accomplish. It makes Priory and the roots of chaos series more accessible, while still standing very well on it´s own.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for providing me with an ARC for this book.

I loved this. I really enjoy reading this series and it was nice to be immersed in that world without committing to a very long read.
I would maybe have liked the two sets of characters to be more intertwined, or to be in two separate novellas, because I find it hard to keep tabs on who everyone is.
However, this book has everything you want from this series - some queer romance, some wyverns, lots of political intrigue and courage and peril.

I’ve devoured the other Roots of Chaos books (RoC), and almost binge read the Bone Season books. Most were 5 star reads for me. So I guess you can say I’m a huge fan of Samantha Shannon’s stories and will read anything she writes. Among the Burning Flowers (ATBF) is no exception.

At first, I felt like I had some difficulty getting back into this world and story. The complex storyweaving with lots of characters and worldbuilding is amazing, but takes some time to reacquaint yourself with. So I read a few recaps, studied the maps again, scanned the glossary in the back of the Priory of the Orange Tree (TPOTOT), and dove back into ATBF. From there on, the reading went smoothly. It’s everything you can expect if you know the other RoC books.

Because of its shorter length, ATBF is more accessible, yet in my opinion it isn’t a great starting point for RoC. Because if you want to understand everything that’s being said and that’s going on, you’ll definitely have to have read at least TPOTOT already (though there are a few references to a Day of Fallen Night (ADOFN) as well). I’m not saying you can’t start with this novella, only that if you do, there might be some things that you don’t understand yet. But no worries, once you’ll read the other books, it will all become crystal clear. So if you’re intimidated by the other two bricks, because they are chunky books, you could still give ATBF a try.

I loved to get to know Marosa, Melaugo and Aubrecht better. This story creates more depth and background, giving insight into why certain things happen the way they do in TPOTOT. ATBF takes place only a few years before TPOTOT, so it’s a direct prequel. It was so much fun to see all the different puzzle pieces fall together, and to experience the buildup to the next part of the story. I felt connected to the characters almost immediately and wanted to keep on reading. Some small things felt like they were left unresolved, which was the only downside for me, but that’s because TPOTOT will pick up the story right there again.

4,5/5 stars for me, because it’s pretty complex for a novella, but I still loved it.

Thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury for the ARC, I'm forever grateful. Still, my opinion is and remains my own and isn't influenced by receiving an ARC. .

Samantha Shannon did it again! Huge thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early. — Samantha Shannon is being one of my favorite authors! I absolutely loved it! Even though it’s nearly 300 pages, I devoured it like it was a novella.

This is a brilliant prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree, and it immediately made me want to reread it (I plan to reread this prequel and the book itself before the end of the year thanks to this arc!). The world-building, the characters, the writing — everything was spot on. A truly flawless read in my eyes!

Another wonderful, full-bodied dive into the world of the Roots of Chaos.

Samantha Shannon weaves this story of political and supernatural intrigue with a masterful hand.

I’ve been following this series since the beginning, and getting this deeper look into the lives of other players in Priory of the Orange Tree, an almost peak behind the curtain, was incredible.

Amongst the Burning Flowers is also an excellent stepping off point for anyone who’s been intimidated by the size of the other novels in this series!

A short but riveting prequel that greatly expands on the lore of the world. While I would've loved a full novel with greater character depth, I still loved this great entry in the roots of chaos series.

She's done it again. Even if this story is considerably more compact than her previous work she still manages to grip the reader's attention right from the start. At this point I will read anything by Samantha Shannon.

Does Samantha Shannon know how to write something that isn’t a masterpiece?

If you’ve been meaning to try to read the behemoth of a book that is Priory of the orange tree, but are afraid of the size, Among the burning flowers is a great introduction to the universe. You get to meet a few characters, explore a small portion of the map, slowly get familiar with the lore.

If you already know and like the Roots of chaos universe, it’s a great way to learn more Yscalin and the Donmata

On that note, I have to go re-read Priory

At the heart of Among the Burning Flowers is Marosa Vetalda – princess and heir to the Yscalin throne, but also: prisoner in her own home. While she is plotting to break free from her father’s control so she can become the ruler she always believed she was meant to be, the first sparks of draconic danger in centuries are stirring…

Before diving in, I’d like to give a full disclaimer: I have received an ARC of Among the Burning Flowers by Samantha Shannon via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is marketed as an accessible and short entry to the world of the Roots of Chaos, which famously consists of chunky epic fantasy novels A Day of Fallen Night and The Priory of the Orange Tree. These books are epic, queer AF, inclusive and dense. Oh and did I mention chunky? So not the easiest of novels to get into… Since Samantha is currently continuing her The Bone Season series, further full-length stories from the Roots of Chaos cycle are currently on hold. However, being the queen that she is, Samantha is gifting her fans with a “short story” set within the Roots. Short being relative, because Among the Burning Flowers comes in at around 300 pages – so it’s still a full length novel.

As someone who has read both Roots of Chaos novels, I would argue that length wise, it is definitely a good entry into the world, but that does not mean that this is an easy book to get into. It’s been a while since I’d last read A Day of Fallen Night, so the first thing that struck me when I started reading was just how incredibly rich and detailed this world is – so much so that for the first 25% of the book we’re mostly being given exposé-- not by "tell", mind you. No, Shannon is showing us her world, and it is huge. Overwhelmingly so, I would argue, especially if you have no prior knowledge of the Roots of Chaos.

So even at 300 pages, Among the Burning Flowers is still a pretty daunting book. It is, however, definitely worth the pay-off. Samantha is a master storyteller and her prose is just gorgeous. So if you’re able to set aside the overwhelm and just trust the process, you’ll find yourself immersed and invested before long.

I really appreciate how effortlessly Samantha Shannon weaves queer identity, complex character backgrounds (not one of these characters is flat, y’all – they all have dimensions), politics and a giant looming threat into a relatively short and cohesive story. By the end I was so invested and so worried for Marosa’s and Estina’s fates, that the only option I had was to immediately jump back into The Priory of the Orange Tree and re-read that beast of a book.

Among the Burning Flowers is a gorgeous book, and a great addition to the Roots of Chaos, because it’s not just fanservice, it really does expand on the world and the characters we’ve seen so far! I also can't wait to see the illustrations that are going to be a part of this September release.

5 stars.

This was such an epic story from the first page!
There was so much focus of the characters and their development I felt it was really easy to follow.
I loved the way the threads interlinked, it made for an exciting read, building the suspense.
The world building was fantastic, SS paints stunning pictures of the landscapes and details of the smaller towns and villages creating a charming fantasy world.
There were a few powerful and emotive moments that really showed the strength of the human spirit. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

e-arc provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

samantha shannon has done it again!!! not that i ever doubted her. but it still must be said.

this is such a vital installment in the roots of chaos series. while not as grand in scope as the priory of the orange tree or a day of fallen night, it hits you in the heart just as hard. it was an immense pleasure to spend more time in yscalin, a part of the world only visited for a short time in the main installments, and get to know some of its characters better. of course, this only serves to cause you more pain as you think about them for an extended period of time, but if that is the price i must pay, so be it.

not only is this novel(la?) a great look at the goings-on in the background of tpotot, but it's also got some lovely references to previous installments. however, they don't have to be read in order to understand this book - an incredible feat, honestly, considering their scope and length.

if you've been afraid to pick up the roots of chaos, take this as your sign. please please please-

A few weeks ago, I bought The Priory of the Orange Tree and A Day of Fallen Night and have been pondering ever since which book I should read first. Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, as soon as I got the opportunity to read an e-arc of Among the Burning Flowers, I knew that it would be my entry point to the Roots of Chaos universe.

Among the Burning Flowers is a short prequel to The Priory of The Orange Tree and it, mainly, follows Marosa Vetalda, Donmata of Yscalin. Aubrecht Lievelyn, the future High Prince of Mentendon and Marosa’s fiancé, and Estina Malaugo, a culler trying to survive.

I absolutely loved learning about this entire new universe and the world building was perfect. The characters were so well written and had a lot of depths and layers. I’m very intrigued about the Draconic plague, Fyredel, Estina and all the political strategies that are already taking place.

Learning about each of the characters over the course of a few years was very interesting and my heart broke for Marosa and everything she had to endure. She was so resilient throughout the whole book and was trying everything she could to free herself and her people.

It was the perfect introduction to the Roots of Chaos world and I can’t wait to read The Priory of the Orange Tree. I’m very excited to discover more about the characters I’ve just meet and, of course, to discover new ones, to see how they will all meet and interact together, etc.

Samantha Shannon is fast becoming one of my favorite author and I feel so lucky to be able to read her stories.

Once again a huge thank you to NetGalley, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc and Samantha Shannon for letting me read an advanced e-copy of this amazing book and I will run to recommend it to everyone!

I’ve read the first two books and loved them and this third instalment did not disappoint. I loved it. I had it read within a few days as I couldn’t put it down. The world building and characters are fantastic and I could picture the story as I read.

Only Samantha Shannon would make a 300 page story fly by, especially one where you already know where it's going. (Unless you're like me and in desperate need of a reread of The Priory of the Orange Tree.)

It truly is a talent to take characters like Marosa and Aubrecht, whom you know exactly how they will end up, and still inject a lot of stakes and heart-in-the-throat moments. This is beautifully written to build a sense of a dread and just truly enriches the stories of the Yscalin and Mentendon characters in a devastating way.

One of Samantha Shannon's greatest skills in how visual her writing is. You can so immediately picture the settings and the scenes as they play out, which, on top of her fantastic character work, makes a very immersive reading experience.

You can read this story before or after Priory, but I would recommend reading them in succession to one another - do what I didn't and help your memory! It's a tragic and enthralling story either way, but for the heaviest emotional impact, it's probably best to have Priory fresh in your mind.

I loved seeing more of Marosa and diving into her and her world. It was devastating, but man, what a character. Melaugo seemed promising as a character in her introduction chapter, but this was really Marosa's story.

A very high 4 stars. I just love this series so much, will read anything of it, and will reread this when it releases if only to take in the Rovina Cai illustrations that I cannot wait to see.

Thank you to the publisher, Bloomsbury, and to NetGalley for the ARC.

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!

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!

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.

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 😂.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

I expected that I would love this book before I opened Page 1. I adored Priory and A Day of Fallen Night and this book is a brilliant addition to the collection. It had me captivated from the opening page and kept me enchanted right through to the end

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Among the Burning Flowers by Samantha Shannon
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thank you as ever to NetGalley for the wonderful opportunity to read this book early (this was a pinch me I must be dreaming moment) - also, it's St George's day, so this feels like a perfect day for this review!

Set in the same world as Priory of the Orange Tree, this book is a prequel to the story, and tells the tale of the fall of Yscalin. We meet the Donmata, the secluded Yscalin princess; her betrothed, Aubrecht the prince of Mentendom; and Melaugo, a culler on the run in Yscalin.

Prequels are interesting to me, because you probably already know how the story ends. I loved getting additional back story to some of these characters, and to get some closure for characters mentioned in Priory.

This is also a much shorter book than Priory, but still has the beautiful world building, language and depth of character. If you were intimidated by Priory, this is a fantastic place to start, and fall in love with Shannon's writing. Even knowing the ending, I found myself moved to tears.

A masterclass in how a novella should be done, Among the Burning Flowers is out in September.

I love the Roots of Chaos series so much, I immediately knew I had to request an ARC for this. So massive thanks to NetGalley, Blooomsbury Publishing PLC and Samantha Shannon for the ARC.

Now, this is a novella, its only ~300 pages compared to its 800+ sister books and is set after Fallen Night but before Priory. You definitely shouldn't just read this though because I don't think it'll make as much sense or pack as much of a punch without the other books. But you should definitely add this to your TBR as it was incredible.

I loved everything about this. The storyline was fantastic and the characters were interesting and really easy to love/hate. The links in to the other 2 books were great and I particularly loved the ending. The writing style is still what we love and expect from Samantha Shannon and I genuinely have nothing bad to say about this book except I wish it was longer!

I am dying for the illustrations because they're not in the ARC and it's going to be an absolute work of art.

4.5/5
This was my first time reading a Samantha Shannon book and I was a bit intimidated going in to it due to the size of other books by this author and by the fact that so many people adore this author.
I found with this book, as with most high fantasy I've read, it did require a fair bit more of my concentration especially during the world building. However I know this is a part of a lot of fantasy books so I was more than happy to persevere.
I found this story to be really compelling and loved being swept along with the story. I also found it easier as the story went on to follow who was who and were places where etc.
I was watching the % left of the story getting smaller and smaller wondering how this story would resolve and I was a little bit shocked when it was left on a cliffhanger. Although I assume we will follow the same story/world in the subsequent books so now I need to go and buy those and immediately read them as I am hooked!

Samantha Shannon never misses. Among the Burning Flowers was such a rich, emotionally layered read—it somehow felt both intimate and epic. Even though it’s technically a prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree, it works beautifully as a standalone or a soft intro to the series. It’s under 300 pages, but Shannon still manages to deliver powerful character arcs and stunning world-building.

Marosa’s storyline in particular hit me hard—being trapped in a political prison masquerading as a palace, her growing dread, her quiet resilience. The scene with Fýredel? Haunting. And Aubrecht’s side of things added so much heartache in the best way. Estina’s arc took me a bit longer to warm up to, but by the end, I understood exactly why she mattered.

Honestly, this novella made me want to reread Priory just to catch all the connective threads. If you’ve ever been curious about diving into this world but found the size intimidating, this is the perfect place to start.

Another absolute winner from Samantha Shannon.

Burning Flowers is a brilliant entry point into the universe of The Priory of the Orange Tree. Though technically a prequel, it works beautifully as either a standalone or a starting place for new readers. At just under 300 pages, it’s far more digestible than Priory, and offers a rich introduction to the world, lore, and tone of the series without the initial intimidation of a doorstopper novel.

For returning fans, there's plenty to enjoy—familiar names, narrative threads that echo events in Priory, and a deeper look into characters who didn’t have their own perspectives in the main book. But what really impressed me is how effortlessly it stands on its own. The multiple points of view are handled with care, and the interwoven narratives lay compelling groundwork for what's to come. Finishing it left me itching to revisit the main novels all over again. Whether you're new to the series or a longtime reader, this novella offers a satisfying and engaging glimpse into a world well worth exploring.

I enjoyed this for many reasons.

It is a prequel to The Priory of The Orange Tree, and it really helps set up several events that happen, and gives you some backstory to characters who's POVs you don't get in Priory. However it's also a really approachable starting point for the series. Burning Flowers is a novella at about 300 pages, so it means that if the though of Priory is too daunting a place to start. This is a really good entry point as it sets up the world and can be read as a standalone, and you can get a feel for the history and writing style before going onto Priory.

I enjoyed it as there were links to things and characters we saw in Priory so I got something out of it as a long time fan, but it's also written in a way you can go into with no prior knowledge and it completely holds it own as a story. And I imagine had I read that first I'd have had to dive into Priory to see where it all goes from there!

I enjoyed all the different POVs and how they link and weave together to lay some amazing foundations, and it was so nice to dive back into this world again. It makes me want to go back and reread the other two again!

Well, thank you SO much for this ARC. I absolutely love Samantha Shannon’s writing and this is no exception.

It’s a prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree (taking place not long before Priory, rather than several hundreds year earlier like A Day of Fallen Night) so there are characters that will be familiar to you if you’ve already read Priory. Although if you haven’t read either of this series, Among the Burning Flowers could be a good place to start if the length of the other novels is a bit daunting since it’s just under 300 pages.

I was actually quite glad for a shorter read but I ended up wishing it was longer - I’d have gladly read more about any of the characters here, especially Marosa and I’ll probably pick TPoTOT up again soon.

Anyway, whether or not you’ve not the Roots of Chaos books, I’d recommend this (and if you haven’t read Roots of Chaos already, you’ll want to once you finish this). Easily 5/5

Among the Burning Flowers is another prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree, but it is set very close to the happenings in Priory - contrary to the prequel A Day of Fallen Night, which takes place a few hundred years earlier.

We follow 3 POVs throughout this novella - Marosa Vetalda, the crown princess of Yscalin, Aubrecht, (soon-to-be) High Prince of Mentendon and Marosa's fiance, and Estina Melaugo, a culler living in Yscalin.

My favorite POV to follow is Marosa's. We see firsthand how the so strategically advantageous position of Carscaro is looking like a prison nightmare as soon as the dragons woke up. Her situation was so unique and her position during <i>Priory</i> is so much clearer now. I felt so sorry and bad for her throughout, seeing her dreams of escape from her controlling father being crushed again and again... and all her other hopes of getting news out, or help from outside being dashed.
The most memorable scene was of her in the cave with Fyredel - I saw in my eARC that we will get an illustration in this section, and i can just feel that this will be a stunning one!

Aubrechts history and perspective of the happenings are equally soul-crushing as Marosa's. The yearning for peace and his familys health and safety are palpable throughout. The novella takes place over a few years of time, and to see him try again and again to get help to Marosa, only to fail over and over... it was heartbreaking.

Estina's POV and story was quite a struggle for me to follow - at first I was not sure why her POV was included at all, since she was so removed from the happenings in Mentendon and Carscaro. It is the only section that kept this book from a full 5 star read.
Only towards the end of her section did I realized that was was the eye of the people of Yscalin, how they felt and experienced the rise of the Draconic Kingdom, and the overtaking. The love story between Estina and her lover, reuniting and rekindling their connection after so many years of estrangement and hurt was a balm on my crushed soul.

The writing in this novella was captivating! I finished it way too quickly in about 2 settings. Trying to spread it out over a longer time to really savour it did absolutely not work! I wish we could have seen even more of Marosa's POV from the timeline of the Priory, but I guess we do need some things left to our imagination.

Knowing what happens after does in no way diminish the enjoyment i had in this story. It is a great companion piece that slots neatly in.

I'm giving this fully deserved 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for GR. An absolute must-read for fans of Roots of Chaos!

Wow! This had questions about Priory I didn't realise i had! It flows so well and explains what happens before the start of Priory Of The Orange Tree. I love how Samantha Shannon writes this series, all her characters are so fleshed out (pardon the pun) and the amount of lore and ties to all the different lands/characters link together.

Very much looking forward to my physical copy arriving in September to see what the artwork and map looks like

Thank you netgalley for the e-arc!

Im new to the Priory world so this was a nice point to start, the other 2 books were always intimidating somehow to start.
But now, I just cant wait to start in the priory of the orange tree.
Definitely a recommendation for people who want to get started in the series.

The FMC got my attention right away , she got me pulled in her situation and I just wanted to dive in and not stop to see why this is happening and what will happen next. The worldbuilding even in the short book was already so good , also the characters were already well written

Im a big fan of The Bone Season but I guess this series will be on whole other level.

What a joy it was to return to the incredible world of The Priory of the Orange Tree. Among the Burning Flowers sees the first sparks of danger that threaten to consume the world in The Priory of the Orange Tree.
First off, I devoured this book so fast! It's just under 300 pages, and I flew through them. Samantha Shannon’s writing is once again absolutely phenomenal, lyrical, and so immersive that you can’t help but fall right in.

This is a story about resilience in the face of overwhelming odds and a deeply tragic tale. I especially loved uncovering more about the pasts of familiar characters like Aubrecht and Marosa. Learning more about Marosa in particular was fascinating. She’s such a layered, powerful character, and this book gives her the space she deserves.
Reading this has made me want to experience The Priory of the Orange Tree all over again. Everything feels even richer after reading Among the Burning Flowers. If you're wondering where to begin your journey in this world, I’d recommend starting with A Day of Fallen Night, then moving on to Among the Burning Flowers, before diving into The Priory. You'll appreciate all the depth even more.

I could hear the lava crackling and feel the heat.... !

Among the Burning Flowers transports us into 500 years after the last Wyrms and Wyverns have been seen. People have formed new alliances, found new saints and maintained their prejudices all the same. Oh how quickly we forget what truly matters!

The main characters feel instantly "warm", as if we are listening to an old friend tell the tale of their life before meeting us. The plotting is impeccable and the character's trials and tribulations feel true.
It is a shorter than usual read, however, it holds the same magic and immersion we have gotten to associate with Samantha Shannon's craft.

This was an obvious 5 star read and I am going to read The Priory of the Orange Tree right after (again).. emotionally satisfying and you'd do yourself a favor in adding this to your list of "Things I need to buy" !

Thank you to Samantha Shannon, Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for giving me these Burning Flowers !

(5/5⭐️) 📚 Thank you NetGalley for the eArc of ‘Among the Burning Flowers’ - the prequel to ‘The Priory of The Orange Tree’. I have always been fascinated to know Morosa‘s story within the Roots of Chaos series. It was clear the sacrifices she had to make in the first book, but to know the lead up and what sort of person she was before the second Grief changed her. What I didn’t expect was to become so invested in Aubrecht, only to slowly remember what happens in the next book…trying not to spoil here!🥲

I wished we got more chapters of Estina because her character was the most interesting due to her crazy Culler career but I understand that Morosa and Aubrecht’s stories are more relevant and help to ease reads into ‘The Priory of The Orange Tree’. I do agree this is a good introduction book, though you won’t hear from these characters until 25% through or more, so newcomers to this series, please remember what’s happened in this book when going into the next. There is so many more characters to come, so you’ll probably forget important information you learnt now haha.

The series is amazing, I’m so glad this novella is coming to make it more accessible to people. I still have ‘A Day of Fallen Night’ left to read, just need to build up to courage to have my soul destroyed.

Take your first steps into the epic.
Yscalin, land of sunshine and lavender, will soon be ablaze.
Exciting prequel to Priory of the Orange Tree we visit a few side characters in the main story before the fall of Yacalin. As usual the Writing is stunning and it felt amazing to be in this world again. I would read Samantha’s Shopping list if she wrote it herself!

Getting to enter the world of the Roots of Chaos series again was nothing short of magical.

This book is a standalone taking place before the events of Priory of the Orange tree, and it's an excellent entry point for people who find the size of the other novels daunting.

Full of politics, world building, draconic mayhem, and intrigue, this book did an excellent job of keeping me on my toes. Furthermore, I love that it has such a cute sapphic love story embedded in it without being a full on romance novel. Honestly, I'd read a standalone novel for any of these characters (especially Marosa).

Well, Samantha Shannon has done it again, and let's face it, none of us are surprised. It's time to delve into the land of Yscalin, a beautiful place of sunshine and lavender, or at least it was.

Marosa Vetalda is a prisoner in a fortress ruled by her Father, the King. She can stand on a balcony and watch the beautiful city and the surrounding plains, but she can go no further. And it seems all for the crimes of her Mother. But when the ground begins to rumble and the nearby volcano erupts, life as Marosa knew it is gone, and a new horror is upon them. And while the Princess suffers, Estina Melaugo starves as she makes a living killing the dragonic beasts that are starting to wake after centuries. Fýredel is awake, and he is ready to take his revenge.

This book is a companion book that explains the state of Yscalin in the Priory of the Orange Tree, and it helps expand the beautiful world that Shannon has created. Once again, the characters are complex, morally flexible and sometimes horrific. It was created to read, to slip back into this world, almost like a cruel, warm, comfy hug where you are pulled along to see where the story will take you. A great addition!

I want more! This was such an interesting addition to the rest of the series, I didn't want to put it down. Also desperately need a copy of this with the illustrations!

The Roots of Choas series is my all time favourite, so I was overjoyed to learn we were getting another addition, this time set right before Priory takes place. As always, the world building is so vivid and rich, and the characters are all intricately complex. I can't fault a single element of this book besides wanting more of it!

Samantha Shannon has said a few times that this book being shorter will hopefully help those intimidated by the size of TPOTOT & ADOFN to enter the Roots of Chaos world, and it definitely will. I have friends who haven't picked Priory up despite my begging, just because of the size, and they now plan to start with this. Selfishly though, I wanted this to be longer, which comes as a surprise to no one. I'm so in love with this universe I'll never feel like it's enough.

Every time a name/place/reference came up to the events of the previous two books I was kicking my feet like i was in on a secret. I loved diving deeper into the fall of Yasclin, and seeing their decent into being under the nameless ones control. Seeing how Estina ended up on the Rose was something I didn't know I needed so badly, and now I've fallen so in love with her.

I'm super excited to pick Priory up again straight after this, and dive back into the world with all this extra info!! A no brainer 5 stars from me, and a top tier recommendation for anyone who likes high fantasy, well developed characters, and insanely good world building!!

Another fantastic standalone installment to the roots of chaos saga. Set a few years prior to the events in Priory, we follow the fall of Yscalin as Fýredel wakes up from his sleep.

I loved Marosa and found her to be such a strong, resilient character.

This would be a good introduction to this world as it relatively short so not as intimidating as the other 2 novels.

Whilst it’s short it does pack a punch and fleshes out this world even further.

I love this series (and author) so much and can’t wait to read more!

A massive thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me a copy of Among the Burning Flowers by Samantha Shannon!

I read The Priory of the Orange Tree 2 years ago and I didn’t remember a thing when I started Among the Burning Flowers. I wondered if it was necessary to have read A Day of Fallen Night as I hadn’t, but you don’t.

It is sold as a standalone that you can read before The Priory of the Orange Tree and I agree. There are some characters that you’ll find in Priory that you’ve read about in this book so it makes Priory less daunting.

I also feel like it is a nice way to get into the world and understand what is at stake without starting a big book.

There are only 3 characters that you follow in the novel and the story is rather easy to follow.

It made me want to reread Priory as the world and intrigue are interesting and well-written!

As a huge fan of Samantha Shannon I was not disappointed! It’s everything I love about Priory of the Orange Tree but much shorter. The character and world are well developed and I didn’t want the book to end. Samantha Shannon please write a sequel to Priory!

Wow!

I admit I haven’t read the books for which this is the prequel. Despite being a prolific reader I am often put off by books more than around 600 pages - usually just because of the practicalities. (I much prefer a physical book where available). However, since reading this prequel I will not be waiting before I dive into them.

The world was like nothing I’ve read before, and the clear depiction of heart break, love, and suffering was a triumph. I was just lost in the world, and cannot wait to delve into the other books. Excellent.

Thank you Samantha Shannon, Bloomsbury Publishing & NetGalley for the ARC!

This is a shorter novel compared Samantha Shannon's other novels. I found it as an easier entrace to this series after being intimidated by Priory.

The writing is beautiful. The fall of Yscalin is so brilliantly wrought and filled with emotion and pathos. This book was exquisite. Rich and immersive worldbuilding, beautiful prose that strikes the perfect balance between flowery and accessible, and such emotional depth.

It's this level of world building that really sets Samantha Shannon apart as an epic fantasy author. To have so many characters have a developed backstory that was never used, just to give depth to the world is a commitment to detail and realism.

Overall, Among the Burning Flowers is a powerful, if bleak, addition to the Roots of Chaos universe!

Samantha Shannon returns with a mesmerising prelude to The Priory of the Orange Tree in Among the Burning Flowers, a beautifully crafted and emotionally charged tale that sets the stage for epic destruction and courage. With fire-breathing dragons stirring once more, the threat to humankind is imminent, and the shadows of war begin to creep across Yscalin's sunlit valleys and fields of lavender.

At the heart of this sweeping tale is Marosa Vetalda, trapped in a gilded cage beneath her father’s harsh rule, and her betrothed, Aubrecht Lievelyn, whose ideals shine bright across the mountains of Mentendon. Their hope for a new and better world burns alongside the darker threads of Estina Melaugo’s quest, as she tracks the ancient beasts whose awakening may doom them all. The looming presence of the great wyrm Fýredel adds weight and urgency to an already tense and intricate world.

The writing is lyrical and compelling, rich with history, emotion and depth. What truly elevates this book are the illustrations, which are simply stunning. Each one captures the majesty, danger and beauty of Shannon’s world with striking detail and atmosphere. They are a joy to linger over, adding an extra layer of immersion to an already unforgettable story.

Among the Burning Flowers is a powerful, sorrowful and richly imaginative beginning to the saga. It is a must-read for fans of fantasy and for those who already cherish The Priory of the Orange Tree.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I absolutely loved Among the Burning Flowers by Samantha Shannon! If The Priory of the Orange Tree and A Day of Fallen Night left you spellbound, this prequel is going to sweep you right back into that incredible world.

Set two years before Priory, this novella explores the lives of three characters who were more in the background in Priory, and it brings them to the forefront with intensity and heart. Shannon’s writing is, as always, masterful; her worldbuilding rich, her tension gripping, and her ability to blend history, politics, and personal stakes utterly brilliant.

In just a few chapters, she made me feel everything: grief, curiosity, frustration, awe. This story adds so much emotional depth to the world we already love.

I was lucky enough to meet Samantha a while back and get one of my books signed—not this one, sadly—but she is one of the most genuine and relatable authors I’ve had the pleasure to meet.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a copy of Among the Burning Flowers.

This book was excellent and I was able to jump straight back into the world after quite a bit of time since reading the other two Roots of Chaos novels.

I loved that this was a shorter more focused read on an important event within the Roots of Chaos universe whilst still maintaining the beautiful writing and world building that Samantha Shannon is able to achieve so flawlessly.

I really enjoyed making all of the connections between the characters and references as someone who has read both other books in this series, but it’s also great that you don’t need to have Read any at all making it a great entry point into the universe, especially if you are a little wary of the size of the other two books.

I was surprised at first that this was going to be much shorter but it worked so well and is just as effective as the other two much longer books and it feels like so much depth is achieved even with the shorter word count.

Well worth the read if you enjoyed the other two books or if you are looking for a shorter taster of the series without committing to the longer novels.

4.5 stars

I loved this so much and it was such a treat to read a shorter novel set in this world. Being back in the world of the Priory was brilliant and I loved having Marosa as our focus, I found the world of Yscalin very intriguing in Priory and this is such a great introduction to Priory and it’s events for those who are intimidated by the size of Priory.

The writing is beautiful and the world-building rich and immersive. The fall of Yscalin is so brilliantly wrought and filled with emotion and pathos. As it is about the fall, there is a lot of sadness and sorrow, especially at the climactic ending. I think Marosa’s character development and story arc is so gripping. We also get Aubrecht some way into the novel which is great. He is an absolute sweetheart and must be protected at all costs.
I knocked a 0.5 star off because while Estina’s story was gripping and gave us some context for the cullers, it didn’t feel like a natural fit in a novel this short. I also found my brain tripping over the fact that she is only referred to by her surname Melaugo which, to my neurodivergent brain, is visually similar to Marosa and I had to keep double checking whose chapter I was reading at the start.

Overall, Samantha has done it again and if you are a fan of the Roots of Chaos books then you’ll love this return to this world just as much as I did 😊

Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. Really, thank you. I have been obsessed with the Roots of Chaos series ever since I first read Priory, and this story—set slightly before and right at the beginning of it—was just so good. Here, we see the rise of Fyredel from an entirely different viewpoint, primarily that of Marosa Vetaldas. As the Princess of Yscalin, she provides a first-hand account of how the dragon comes into power again. I absolutely loved her as a side character in Priory and was ecstatic to find out that I’d get some of her backstory. Shannon does not disappoint—Marosa's viewpoint is engaging and highly compelling. It was also interesting and fun to read the POVs of Estina Melaugo and Aubrecht Livelyn, who were also side characters in Priory.

I recommend this book to all Roots of Chaos fans, you will not be disappointed. If someone is unfamiliar with the Roots of Chaos books, I would not suggest starting with this one though, as I found that my knowledge of Priory (and A Day of Fallen Night) helped me understand the story better.

This was an amazing read and a definite 5 stars for me. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

A deeply satisfying sidequel to the original Priory tale, Burning Flowers explores some of the beloved side characters - namely the Donmata Marosa, a beleaguered princess - and explores the events from their perspective, allowing an enjoyable recontextualisation. It's best enjoyed after reading the original work, but contains just as much action, spectacle, and heart as the other pieces in the Roots of Chaos tapestry.

Summary: this is a great addition to the Roots Series. It's full of emotion, tension, and action. I can't wait to read this again with the beautiful illustration artwork alongside the artwork that is Samantha Shannon's writing.

With three different points of view, the narrative structure was surprising for such a short novel - yet it worked well. The introduction of characters felt a little long for a 300-page book, but once the story gained momentum, it became an intense and gripping read.

Some scenes are unforgettable. There is one around around half way, in particular, that stood out for its vivid and haunting imagery - I'm still thinking about it weeks after reading it. I also enjoyed the perspectives SS chose to tell the story of Yscalin, Morosa in particular. It added even more depth to the series’ lore. And I'm always down for more Roots of Chaos lore. (I desperately want the full story of Kalyba, but that's something else entirely.)

Emotionally, this book is hard-hitting. It’s dark, full of dispear and hopelessness. But in a good way. And I didn't go into this book expecting otherwise.

I’m unsure how effectively this book functions as a standalone or entry point for the series. It gives a lot of spoilers and references to adofn. Like, a lot. But this is the down side to prequels/mid-series additions, you already tend to know the ending.

This story reignited my love for The Priory of the Orange Tree and left me curious to see how readers who experience the series in a different order will interpret it. It's also really encouraged me to do a re-read of the series as whole.

Overall, Among the Burning Flowers is a powerful, if bleak, addition to the Roots of Chaos universe, and I can't wait to see what other people, both already in the fandom and new to it, will think. As well as the illustrations, I can't wait to read this again with all the artwork alongside!

I don’t think it’ll shock anybody to discover that I adored this one - I’m a sucker for anything Samantha Shannon writes. You can imagine how excited I was to be approved for a galley!

This is set a couple of years before the events of Priory of the Orange Tree and details the awakening of the wyrms. It added so much more context and detail to an already very rich world that Samantha created and also gave my favourite side character some much appreciated page time (love u Donmata Marosa).

I think if you’ve never read the series before, you could totally use this as a (relatively short) entry point, but I do think you’d miss a lot as opposed to if you’d already read Priory or even A Day of Fallen Night! This has just fuelled my desire to re read the others now, which is doing my ever-increasing TBR no favours.

Among the Burning Flowers is a novella that is set in a time between A Day of Fallen night and The Priory of the Orange Tree, and what an incredible addition this story is!.

We are introduced to some new perspectives throughout this book, that of Yscalin, Donmata and Estina. All of whom are given their own unique, captivating voices and various viewpoints on this fascinating story. As expected, the storyline is so immersive and had me invested to the very last page. I adore Samantha Shannon's writing style and the ways in which she really brings a character to life with her storytelling.

I loved this book, but I honestly expected nothing less!

I didn't read the others two books of this series when I read this one and I don't regret doing it like this.

I actually owned the others two books as paperback for a few months now but was always put off by the size of them. You definitely need time and energy to go through it if Among the burning flowers is any proof of this. The book is around 200 pages so way less than the others two. And in my opinion, a good way to start with this series, to be sure you are in a mood for it before reading the massive books in the series then.

It's detailed, descriptive, heavy in politics and world building. A map could be great but as I read an Arc version it's not the definitive vision. Hopefully it will be added in the final version.

Great characters development and diversity. I liked most of the main female characters and how they are built. Lot of depth and substance.

I'll definitely read the other two massive books because this story is awesome. It's rich and well written. Its poetic and darkly beautiful. The feeling are well exposed and the world building seems to be massive if I based my impression on this shorter book.

If you like a good high fantasy with lot of politics, mythical creatures, knights and monster hunters, princesses (though those ones are pretty badass and not the patriarchal and sexist traditional kind) who own their wit and great plots, then go for it. I totally recommend this book and I'll go for the test of the series myself soon with pleasure.

I’m not usually a reader of novellas but I will read anything to do with the Roots of Chaos!
Among the Burning Flowers offered a great glimpse into a different area of this world. It is mostly based around how Yscalin fell under draconic rule and follows primarily Marosa Vetalda. We also get a few chapters from Estina Melaugo’s and Aubrecht Lievelyn’s point of view.
I would have loved to see more of Estina story. I felt her part did not really show us much or lead anywhere.
I liked Marosa’s story and character and really enjoyed the insight into this part of the story right before Priory starts.
All in all, it was as good as can be expected from a novella and of course Samantha Shannon’s beautiful writing and strong female characters made this a worthwhile read!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Samantha Shannon returns to the world of The Roots of Chaos with Among the Burning Flowers, a novella that’s short in length but rich in atmosphere, emotion, and slow-burn political drama. This story delivers exactly the kind of grounded, character-driven storytelling Shannon does so well.

Set mostly in Yscalin, the novella follows three characters whose lives are quietly but inevitably pulling the world toward chaos. There’s Marosa Vetalda, a princess trapped in a gilded cage, whose strength is subtle but steady. Her isolation and resilience really hit home—she’s not your typical fantasy heroine wielding a sword, but her quiet resistance is powerful. Then there’s Estina Melaugo, a dragon-hunter carrying a whole lot of grief and grit, and Aubrecht Lievelyn, a prince with big political ambitions and more emotional complexity than we got to see in Priory.

What’s impressive is how this story deepens the world without feeling overwhelming. If you’ve read The Priory of the Orange Tree, you’ll pick up on a lot of cool context and foreshadowing, especially around Fýredel and the unraveling politics of Yscalin. But Shannon doesn’t over-explain—it flows naturally, and the emotional throughlines are strong enough to keep you hooked even if you don’t remember every little detail from the main books.

The writing, as always, is gorgeous—lush, lyrical, and full of quiet tension. The dragons are terrifying (in the best way), the palace intrigue is sharp, and the emotional stakes feel real, especially in Marosa’s chapters. Her journey was definitely my favorite—there’s something about watching someone so powerless slowly reclaim their agency that really resonates.

If I had one small complaint, it’s that I wanted just a bit more—more scenes between Marosa and Aubrecht, more space for certain twists to breathe. But that’s kind of the point of a novella, right? It’s a glimpse, not the full epic. And for what it is, it really delivers.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just hungry for more dragon-fueled feminist fantasy, Among the Burning Flowers is a beautifully written, emotionally charged story that adds a lot to the world of Roots of Chaos. Quietly devastating and deeply satisfying.

“I am a winemakers’ child – I will not waste the fruits of my labour by tipping them on to the ground. So tell me, can you offer me a cup?’

‘It frightens me that our faith can be twisted so.’
‘As all faiths can in the wrong hands.’

I’ve had the Roots of Chaos duology on my shelves for the longest of times and met @sayshannon thanks to @jonathanballpublishers but actually starting these was so intimidating. As a guest of honour at Bloombsury Big Night In, I was ecstatic to read this early as Samantha had suggested Among the Burning Flowers as a softer entry into the world. This was simply mind-blowing. Being high fantasy, the world building is intricate and complex, and it takes a bit more time to fully understand the machinations of the characters and the wyverns. But once you understand, you are immersed in the lives of the 3 characters through those points of view, this story is told. You feel every desperate moment that they live through, every loss that they experience, the torture of every decision and the impact thereof. The writing is exquisite and the plot, brutal and violent. The sheer evil of some of the characters is astounding and your lips curl at every scene involving them, hating their very existence. It has piqued my interest, why is Fýredel behaving in the manner he is? What is the background to Yscalin’s history and is it really what has been communicated to the people? An impetus to pick up The Priory of the Orange Tree and a Day of Fallen Night as soon as possible so that I can have answers.

And how gorgeous are these covers? Among the Burning Flowers is going to illustrated by @rovinacai which is just another reason to pick this up when it releases in September this year.

Pick this up if you are wanting an epic high fantasy that you can read in a shorter space of time, although you are bound to spend time as I did, savouring the nuances of this fabulous read.

WE’RE SO BACK

It was so great to re-enter the world of The Priory, a book I read a few years ago and loved deeply, reuniting with some of the characters we already knew. And I had missed Shannon's writing-I think she is one of the most talented writers on the scene today! I recommend this read not only to the fans of the og book, but also to those who have never read Priory yet and are a bit intimidated by its length, this novella will already give you a background on the world-building and a taste of what's to come!

Thank you Netgalley, Tandem Collective and Bloomsbury Export for the copy! [AD/PR]

If you’re looking for an unbiased review, this isn’t it. I always have to say this. Do you know how much I love Samantha Shannon? Because I do. Deeply. Endlessly. And once again, she’s delivered a story that has completely consumed me.

Donmata Marosa, heir to Yscalin's throne, is trapped—held captive by her own father, King Sigoso, after a mysterious and catastrophic event - while clinging to the hope of escape through her betrothal to Aubrecht Lievelyn. Meanwhile, Estina Melaugo hunts the Draconic beasts that have begun to stir after years of slumber. But the greatest threat of all? The great wyrm Fýredel is awakening.

Technically, you could read Among the Burning Flowers as a standalone—Samantha Shannon herself recommends it—but why deprive yourself of the full, layered experience? The Priory of the Orange Tree and A Day of Fallen Night add a richness that makes this story all the more immersive. I can’t personally say what it’s like to dive in without them, but trust me, the payoff is worth it. No wonder everyone is feeling the urge to revisit Priory—this book deepens its legacy, making a reread feel almost inevitable.

Shannon has an unparalleled ability to blend intricate world-building with intimate, heart-wrenching character moments and masterful prose. She fills every page with tension, yearning, and emotion, effortlessly pulling readers into the highs and lows of her characters’ struggles. As someone who gets deeply attached to characters, I adored the echoes of our beloved Root of Chaos characters woven throughout, the legacies that linger, the brief but powerful nods to those who came before.

And Marosa—oh Marosa. I admire her and her resilience, like an aching fire in my heart that can never extinguish. Getting more insight into her story, alongside deeper context on Queen Sabran and our beloved Priory characters, was everything I could have wanted. I was entirely mesmerized by her, albeit enjoying the two other point of views in this book. Samantha doesn’t just tell stories; she makes you feel them, in your skin, bones and joints. She grips your heart, wrings it out, and leaves you utterly breathless and begging for more.

One of the things I absolutely adore about Samantha Shannon's works is the sapphic fantasy element that she weaves so effortlessly throughout her stories. The relationships, full of passion, complexity, and tenderness, feel both natural and refreshing, whilst giving space to breathe and be witty and funny, in the middle of chaos. She doesn’t just include a sapphic love story; she builds it with depth and care, giving it space to breathe and thrive within the larger, high-stakes drama of her worlds. It adds a layer of beauty and emotional richness that I simply can’t get enough of—each interaction and connection feels like fresh and anew, and I am here for it!

So yes, this is a love letter disguised as a review. You wouldn’t have anything else from me in regards to Samantha Shannon, would you?


Thank you Netgalley and publishers as always for the e-arc!

The shortest book out so far from Ms Shannon at only 288 pages, I'm so used to be encased in her worlds for such a long time that I was surprised (and upset) to realise I'd reached the end so soon! But with this being a prequel, it could be a much easier entry point into the series for those who aren't sure about attempting an 800 behemoth.

We follow three different perspectives in this book, and whilst it took me a while (blame my brain for this) to click how each was relevant to Priory and Fallen, once I did I was utterly obsessed with seeing how these events came to pass and linked to the other two books. Getting to see the development of political alliances and to understand more the actions of certain characters was something I really appreciated.

This book is set after A Day of Fallen Night, but before The Priory of the Orange Tree., so there are mentions of certain characters that link between both books. We get to know some characters that were previously only mentioned by name as well as learning more about the motivations and lore behind actions of some more well known characters. I love that Among the Burning Flowers bridges this gap between the two larger books.

The three POVs in this book are: the future Queen of Yscalin, Donmata Marosa; her betrothed, the prince of Mentendon Aubrecht; and finally a culler (draconic slayer) named Estina Melaugo.

Despite this short page count, Samantha Shannon still delivers the deep relationships between characters (romantic and platonic), the intense action moments, and has me utterly absorbed and wanting more. Am I going to have to go back and reread Priory and Fallen?!

This short (for Shannon) novel demonstrates her fantastic writing style. She adds to an already lore-rich universe with beautifully written worldbuilding, character development, and a deeper understanding of the tensions present in this world. Yet another absolute marvel. Thank you so much to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for an eARC of this book!

I rated this book 5 stars, because how can it be anything else than that. It was just amazing! This book brought me right back into the magnificent world the author created. She wrote this as another entry to the series; one that is shorter than her other books and may be more appealing to readers that aren't used to long epic fantasy books or just want to see how her writing is. For me personally (I read all published books in the series), I think it would be best to read it after ADOFN and before Priory, because their is a minor spoiler about ADOFN.
We already saw Marosa, Aubrecht and Estina in Priory and while I was excited to see more of Marosa and Estina, I wasn't the biggest fan of Aubrecht. For me, he kinda gave nothing. This book changed my opinion on him immensely as we saw more about his relationship with his family and Marosa and his thoughts and motives. And then Marosa. What a woman! And definitely my favourite of the three. It was fascinating to see how she survived the fall of Yscalin and to get more insight into her thoughts. We knew a bite about Estina's backstory because of Priory and it was really interesting to see her experience of the fall of Yscalin, as her social status was very different from Marosa.
The title is very fitting as the story deals with the fall of Yscalin and you quickly realise why it's called "Among the Burning Flowers". I'm really happy that the author decided to publish more in this world and I can't wait for the next installment.

This is a shorter book that I feel is perfect for a new readers entry into the roots of chaos world, it's not as big but gives you enough info and world building to drag you in and make you want to finally pick up that 15lb book!
Yes, it is that serious and I highly recommend starting here and binging the rest!

Although it's been quite a while since I read The Priory of the Orange Tree, and I've not yet gotten to A Day of Fallen Night, Among the Burning Flowers stands on its own incredibly well. It eased me right back into the world again, smoothly enough that I didn't even have to Google any names or places (honestly a miracle as my memory is abysmal)!

This book was exquisite. Rich and immersive worldbuilding, beautiful prose that strikes the perfect balance between flowery and accessible, and such emotional depth. Marosa's poise, determination, and resilience in the face of incredibly bleak and horrific circumstances was the highlight of the book for me, but I also definitely grew a soft spot for Aubrecht's dutiful nature and love for his family, and it was fun to learn more about Estina, although I wish we'd gotten a little more of her POV!

I'm in awe at how much was conveyed in under 300 pages while not feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Definitely my favourite read of the year so far! Highly recommend for anyone who loves intricate fantasy with heart-wrenching stakes.

I loved dipping back into my favourite world and learning more about some Priory characters we only caught a glimpse of initially.
So many emotions for something so short.

Among the Burning Flowers by Samantha Shannon is a fantastic book. I loved the characters and the storyline was perfect! I rated it 5 stars because I couldn't put the book down for a second.

“I see you’ve accepted my offer. Only took the end of the world.”

I know Samantha Shannon has advised reading this as a less daunting introduction to the Roots of Chaos series, but I’d personally recommend reading it after The Priory of the Orange Tree. Among the Burning Flowers is an incredible book on its own, but 288 pages is a blink of an eye for the Roots of Chaos series, and I think I would have struggled to understand the scale of the world and its characters without having read Priory first!

As always, I adored the worldbuilding; Among the Burning Flowers provides a deeper exploration of Mentendon and Yscalin. It dives into different - and forbidden - faiths, backstory behind Yscal’s reigning house of Vetalda, and gives us the POV of some of the wonderful characters that are just side characters in Priory.

I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of places in Yscalin, like Ortégardes the City of Courtesy - Samantha Shannon has a way of breathing life into everything she writes. I also loved the POV of all three characters, although I was surprised that Estina Melaugo was my least favourite.

My only complaint is that Among the Burning Flowers is short, and I could have spent a Samantha Shannon-typical 900 pages with these characters.

Impeccable world building again from Samantha Shannon. Every detail feels well though out and aids to making the world feel very real.
Quite a bit shorter than I was expecting after the first two tomes, but was still a fantastic and immersive read.

Thank you to the publisher for a digital copy of this book to review.

Samantha Shannon is back again with a beautiful novella to expand her Roots of Chaos world. This novella focusses on three characters present in The Priory of the Orange Tree and shows their backstories. It also, primarily, shows the reader how the kingdom of Yscalin chose the path of the Dragon as opposed to the path of the Saint. Shannon reminds us of her characters with ease and paints a larger, more detailed picture of their backstories and environments with deft, musical prose. Straight away you feel consumed by the myth and legend of the world of the Roots of Chaos and in places this novella helped me piece together certain locations or relationships that before felt a little unclear.

This book is the perfect springboard into the world if you are a new reader who feels daunted by the size of Priory or ADOFN. Vivacious and musical, it is a bite sized snippet of all of the things Shannon does excellently within the larger main novels. I immediately started rereading Priory after finishing this, as I was desperate to revisit that world.

Overall, a brilliant addition to this fantasy landscape and a must read series for any major Fantasy fans!

Samantha Shannon never misses and delivered yet another amazing high fantasy novel!

I read this entire book in one day because I couldn't NOT continue to read it until the end (and because compared to the other RoC novels, this one was tiny lol). I absolutely loved all of the main characters and their depth.

The focus of the story is the origin of Yscalin as we come to know it in Priory. Despite being connected to both RoC novels, I feel as though this book would be understandable to someone who hasn't read either of the first books yet. The world building is, of course, impeccable, and so detailed and vibrant.

I felt that it was very easy to feel connected to the characters and, if not relate to them, at least feel empathy for the situations they find themselves in. All of the characters felt realistic for the setting and acted appropriately, even if not riotously. Many of the characters find themselves in situations where there is no easy answer to their problems, making it all the more heartbreaking when they must act against their true wants.

Even after reading I keep thinking about Among the Burning Flowers, like the other RoC novels, Samantha Shannon writes in a way that is beautiful and haunting at the same time. I absolutely loved this addition to the Roots of Chaos world and am already waiting for whatever will be coming next (and probably doing a reread of all three books in the meantime).

Oh Samantha Shannon did it again. I mean obviously I already knew the world building would be fantastic, as I’ve read the two other Roots of Chaos books. But I did not expect for me to feel so emotional about the characters, particularly Marosa - oh I want more of her in another book please please please. The work that Samantha Shannon has done on the character arcs is truly mind blowing. The book was heartbreakingly tragic, and I feel so lucky to get to read stories such as this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Although as always with Samantha Shannon's books, I have had this on pre-order since the second it was announced and will still be buying my copy!

Among the Burning Flowers is a direct prequel to Priory of the Orange Tree, and by the end some events overlap slightly with the events of Priory. It's intended as an easier entry point into the Roots of Chaos world and it functions perfectly for this; even as someone who has read Priory multiple times, the only thing I want to read after finishing Among the Burning Flowers is Priory again!

The story is a fascinating insight into the downfall of Yscalin, giving context and backstory to some minor characters who appear in Priory. It would be incredibly accessible for a newcomer to the world but it is almost most impressive to someone who's read both Priory and A Day of Fallen Night because it dovetails so beautifully into Priory that it makes it clear that the backstories already existed in Samantha Shannon's head, this is just her opportunity to share it with the world.

It's this level of world building that really sets Samantha Shannon apart as an epic fantasy author. To have so many characters have a developed backstory that was never used, just to give depth to the world is a commitment to detail and realism that I doubt many fantasy authors have reached since Tolkien.

The characters are rich and interesting, their choices always understandable even when they're arguably terrible. It takes so little time to get the reader invested in their journeys.

This certainly isn't designed as a standalone, I can't imagine anyone reading it and not needing to immediately pick up Priory afterwards and in some ways it's a shame that the story isn't self-sufficient, but by nature it can't be because Priory is the main event.

Overall I loved this, and I've reviewed and starred it as part of the Roots of Chaos universe. If I was reading it with no intention of ever reading Priory, I would probably give 4 stars but that's beside the point really because the entire aim of the book is to set up for Priory and it does that absolutely perfectly.

An un-put-down-able tale from Samantha Shannon! Set in events before Priory of the Orange tree this was an addictive tale from Yscalin building on our knowledge of King Sigoso and how he came to worship the Nameless One.

I devoured this easily in one setting and was definitely looking for more! I loved learning about Marosa, her resilience and her devastating tale. I also loved Estina and Liyat and their blossoming love. Estina hunts draconic beasts and is on the run for murder. Liyat has to choose between work and love.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

***This book takes place some years before Priory HOWEVER the ending does overlap with Priory so I would recommend reading this first if you haven’t started your Roots of Chaos journey yet***

Samantha Shannon has this wonderful habit of making me fall in love with side characters and then making me sad and breaking my heart - but I love her for it.

As you may recall in Priory, Queen Sabran does marry… what you may not know is that he was betrothed before to Marosa who lives in what we know as the first draconic kingdom in Priory (just for reference this is where Kit and Loth visit and obtain the mysterious box… and the plague).

In Priory we meet King Sigoso and understand that he has pledged loyalty to the wyrms but we don’t know what caused that… but now we do!!

I truly did not care for Aubrecht in Priory but what I can now say is that I mourn him and cannot believe that was the fate he met. He is truly a wonderful romantic man - lowkey Sabran did not deserve him.

I liked Lord Gastaldo, the ram not the man - peak epic fantasy comedy when I got the joke.

Also, Melaugo feeling ‘as stiff and weary as a woman many times her age’ is highly relatable as another woman in her twenties.

I read all 250+ pages in one sitting and I loved diving back into this world. Compared to the other books in this series, which over double the amount of pages, this was a nice easy high fantasy read that answered a lot of questions I was left with after Priory.