The Priory of the Orange Tree

I must admit, it took me a VERY long time to read this book. Not for lack of interest, but rather, the contrary. From its very first words, I knew this masterpiece deserved my full attention. That it wasn't going to be a feel good, happily ever after puff piece adventure to read starting an hour or two before shuteye- which I admit, since 2020, has been my easy go-to.

No. This story, is a brew some tea (or cozy beverage of choice), get comfy under some blankets, drag your cat to purr next to/on you, set the mood with a playlist, light a candle or two, hot-date with yourself, me-time kind of story. And with my work schedule, alas, being able to carve that kind of time for myself was few and far between. But when I was able to, it was worth it.

If you are a consumer of high fantasy, women badassery, dragons, magic, lore – this is for you. I grew up on tales of fantasy, and honestly, I don't think I've ever read a tale quite like this. Sure, there has always been strong women in the fray, but they always seemed to be secondary characters. This, on the contrary – has women at the forefront. Be it in the main characters, and the lore and history of the origins of the tale itself. I wish stories like this existed when I was growing up. Oh and yeah, women loving women made me feel a little more seen, so that was a bonus. [gosh and a beautiful tale of love- that was NOT the main story, but fit in perfectly/made sense to the storytelling].

For the first time, in a very long time – after I finished this story, I felt a little empty. Like my friends are gone, and what do I do now? After the final scene between two of the main characters, I clutched the tome to my heart and walked out to find my wife to even try and explain the feelings I had no words for. Also, during the final fight scene, apparently, I was being a bit vocal with the events that were happening on the page. Shannon just has a way of making everything feel so feel. Her writing is magic. She takes you on the grand adventure to a land far, far, away, and it doesn't even feel like it's a strange place. It feels like home.

A home I can't wait to return to when A Day of Fallen Night is released in a couple months.

Also, as a librarian, Shannon's acknowledgement about the importance of libraries means so much. As gatekeepers of knowledge, I can only hope author's like Shannon continue to use these sacred sanctuaries to find what they need to help create their masterpieces for the rest of us to enjoy.