I held off on reading this one, despite pre-ordering it the second I finished Priory of the Orange Tree. But I’ve been in a reading slump of late, and chose to return to the magic of the time of The Priory.
Fair warning, this is fantasy in it’s purest form. There are maps, characters and vernacular that won’t all make sense until at least halfway through the 800+ pages. But when it comes together – it’s worth it. I found myself reading in the middle of the night, whenever I could steal a moment because I was so intensely rooting for the characters, and kept being surprised by Shannon’s twists and turns.
Her characters are rich and imperfect. Her worlds are so detailed and full of depth that you can feel yourself in their midst. And the creatures. The creatures make you weep and cheer and want one of each to call your own.
The plot, you ask? There are queens and legacies, dragons and plagues, and stones buried deep on the ends of the earth. Shannon has entrenched herself in my must-read list from here forth.
Published by Bloomsbury Publishing
880 pages
Characters 5
Story 5
World-Building 5
Spice Closed Door
Diversity 5
Total Stars 5
Would I buy this book for myself or a friend? Yes
Will I recommend this book to readers? Yes
