The Priory of the Orange Tree is a high fantasy book that retells the story of Saint George and the Dragon but with complex plot development and plot twists, dynamic MCs, and vivid depictions and imagery.

Top 5 Reasons to Read Priory of the Orange Tree

1.) Epic Fantasy at its finest!

I enjoyed the lush descriptions that helped visualize new and complex kingdoms. The world-building was fantastic - written with unique and vivid new lands, worlds, and characters. I enjoyed the maps provided, which gave me a better visual aid to the places and topography of the various kingdoms. 

2.) Interesting grey characters in multi-POV

It is impossible to fault the characters who firmly held on to their faith and "religion" after being "blind-sighted" by what happened. It was two sides of a coin that never met due to a plague and "edited narratives" that manipulated the situation to their advantage. It was sad to see as the reader reads along the POVs and starts piecing things together. 

I appreciate grey characters since they may not be the "heroes" in the end, but they develop into something to admire later. Case in point, this book's Niclays redeemed himself in his revelation of self-worth and maybe because he knew that going down a destructive path would not yield ultimate happiness.   

3.) Different perspectives but with one goal - to win over an unbeatable (or so they seem) villain

I love multi-POV! It gives a sense of being included in all parts of the story. Readers get a front-row seat in all the ins and outs of court affairs from all directions (East, West, South). Don't get me wrong; I still had a notebook to write down who was who, where, what, and why. 

I appreciate the author's skillful construction of each viewpoint with strategical flare, timed deception, and manipulation. In the end, no matter how impossible the situation got, it was refreshing to see the "next generation" try to resolve and heal their countries with a united front to take on a sole enemy to all - The Nameless One.

4.) LGBTQIA+ and Saffic representation

It was an honest book with raw emotions and on-page queer representation. Many, if not all, were present and actively participated in the book, even the backstory participant. Each character's chemistry felt natural and lovely to have seen a few "intimate moments" from them - backstory, flashback, and current ones. Yet, the most unfortunate thing in the book was that these beautifully written relationships (most, if not all) were kept hidden/a secret, which led to many sad parts in the book.

5.) Complex plot twists from start to finish

The intrigue, deceit, and betrayals were all over the place! No character (primary or otherwise) was spared from death in the pursuit of Inys throne - even the lowly bed-chamber women!

I was on the edge of my seat each time, especially when Ead and Loth had to infiltrate the Palace to save Sabran. It was heart-stoppingly good. 

Overall, The Priory of the Orange Tree exudes GOT vibes and gives me the high fantasy I yearn for. There are many raw moments of joy and despair, which is what life is all about. There are frustrating moments that show the limitation of humanity but are juxtaposed with the boundlessness of hope sprinkled randomly at the right moment, which ultimately turns the story from a dire outcome to boundless possibilities.

It is impossible not to recall and compare the author to be in the same league as George R.R. Martin!