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The Roots of Chaos #0.2
Among the Burning Flowers
With the awakening of fire-breathing dragons, Among the Burning Flowers sees the first sparks of danger that threaten to consume the world in The Priory of the Orange Tree.
Take your first steps into the epic.
Yscalin, land of sunshine and lavender, will soon be ablaze.
It has been centuries since the Draconic Army took wing, almost extinguishing humankind.
Marosa Vetalda is a prisoner in her own home, controlled by her cold father, King Sigoso. Over the mountains, her betrothed, Aubrecht Lievelyn, rules Mentendon in all but name. Together, they intend to usher in a better world.
A better world seems impossibly distant to Estina Melaugo, who hunts the Draconic beasts that have slept across the world for centuries.
And now the great wyrm Fýredel is stirring, and Yscalin will be the first to fall . . .
A story of human resilience in the face of dire circumstances, Among the Burning Flowers leads readers through the gripping and tragic circumstances that pave the way for the opening of the million-copy bestseller The Priory of The Orange Tree.
Richly illustrated with magical artwork by Rovina Cai (@rovinacai).
Take your first steps into the epic.
Yscalin, land of sunshine and lavender, will soon be ablaze.
It has been centuries since the Draconic Army took wing, almost extinguishing humankind.
Marosa Vetalda is a prisoner in her own home, controlled by her cold father, King Sigoso. Over the mountains, her betrothed, Aubrecht Lievelyn, rules Mentendon in all but name. Together, they intend to usher in a better world.
A better world seems impossibly distant to Estina Melaugo, who hunts the Draconic beasts that have slept across the world for centuries.
And now the great wyrm Fýredel is stirring, and Yscalin will be the first to fall . . .
A story of human resilience in the face of dire circumstances, Among the Burning Flowers leads readers through the gripping and tragic circumstances that pave the way for the opening of the million-copy bestseller The Priory of The Orange Tree.
Richly illustrated with magical artwork by Rovina Cai (@rovinacai).
278 pages, Hardcover
First published September 16, 2025
1301 people are currently reading
59917 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Shannon
33 books29.9k followersSamantha Shannon is the New York Times and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of the Bone Season series. From 2010 to 2013 she studied English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford. Her fourth novel, The Priory of the Orange Tree (2019), was her first outside of the series. It has sold over a million copies in English alone, and was a finalist in the Lambda Literary Awards 2020. Its standalone prequel, A Day of Fallen Night (2023), won the gold medal in the Fantasy category at the Ippy Awards 2024.
Samantha's work has been translated into twenty-seven languages. Her most recent book is The Dark Mirror (2025), the fifth instalment in the Bone Season series.
Samantha's work has been translated into twenty-seven languages. Her most recent book is The Dark Mirror (2025), the fifth instalment in the Bone Season series.
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January 10, 2025Welcome back to a world of chaos.
🍊
I'm very happy to announce Among the Burning Flowers, a short prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree. It tells the story of the Fall of Yscalin – an event that takes place about two years before the start of Priory – through the eyes of three characters. The interior will be illustrated by the incredible Rovina Cai, and the ever-brilliant Ivan Belikov will be returning to do the cover.
FAQ
Is this the third book in the Roots of Chaos cycle?
No, it's more of a companion to Priory. I have sold a third full-length instalment of the series to Bloomsbury, but it won't be published for a few years, as I'm writing this book and this book first. I am hoping to break up the wait with a few shorter Roots of Chaos projects, including Among the Burning Flowers.
Should I read this before or after Priory?
It's up to you, but I hope Among the Burning Flowers will be an accessible entry point to the Roots of Chaos series, particularly for readers who might have felt intimidated by the size of Priory and A Day of Fallen Night. In terms of the timeline, this begins about two years before the start of Priory.
Who are the storytellers?
The main character is Marosa Vetalda, Donmata of Yscalin. She is supported by Estina Melaugo, who you may remember as a pirate – sorry, privateer – on the Rose Eternal, and by Aubrecht Lievelyn, future High Prince of Mentendon.
Samantha, when you say short—
It's short for one of my books! Among the Burning Flowers is currently (I'm still editing it) sitting at about 60K words, so it's a short novel. For comparison, Priory is about 260K.
When is it coming out, and in what formats?
It will be published on 11 September 2025 in the UK and on 16 September 2025 in the US, Canada, and Australia, in hardback, ebook, audiobook and paperback formats.
🍊
I can't wait for you to read Among the Burning Flowers next autumn. Thank you, as ever, for your incredible support for my dragon books – I really hope you enjoy seeing a little more of Yscalin and Mentendon.
🍊
I'm very happy to announce Among the Burning Flowers, a short prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree. It tells the story of the Fall of Yscalin – an event that takes place about two years before the start of Priory – through the eyes of three characters. The interior will be illustrated by the incredible Rovina Cai, and the ever-brilliant Ivan Belikov will be returning to do the cover.
FAQ
Is this the third book in the Roots of Chaos cycle?
No, it's more of a companion to Priory. I have sold a third full-length instalment of the series to Bloomsbury, but it won't be published for a few years, as I'm writing this book and this book first. I am hoping to break up the wait with a few shorter Roots of Chaos projects, including Among the Burning Flowers.
Should I read this before or after Priory?
It's up to you, but I hope Among the Burning Flowers will be an accessible entry point to the Roots of Chaos series, particularly for readers who might have felt intimidated by the size of Priory and A Day of Fallen Night. In terms of the timeline, this begins about two years before the start of Priory.
Who are the storytellers?
The main character is Marosa Vetalda, Donmata of Yscalin. She is supported by Estina Melaugo, who you may remember as a pirate – sorry, privateer – on the Rose Eternal, and by Aubrecht Lievelyn, future High Prince of Mentendon.
Samantha, when you say short—
It's short for one of my books! Among the Burning Flowers is currently (I'm still editing it) sitting at about 60K words, so it's a short novel. For comparison, Priory is about 260K.
When is it coming out, and in what formats?
It will be published on 11 September 2025 in the UK and on 16 September 2025 in the US, Canada, and Australia, in hardback, ebook, audiobook and paperback formats.
🍊
I can't wait for you to read Among the Burning Flowers next autumn. Thank you, as ever, for your incredible support for my dragon books – I really hope you enjoy seeing a little more of Yscalin and Mentendon.
August 28, 2025
I'll never not want more!
March 14, 2025
samantha i would read an entire novel just about marosa plz give it to me🤲
so seated they are forcibly removing me from the bookstore!!
samantha shannon is an insane woman who never rests evidence: 1 of ??
thank you to edelweiss and bloomsbury for providing the arc to review. full review to come!
Bookstagram | Blog
so seated they are forcibly removing me from the bookstore!!
samantha shannon is an insane woman who never rests evidence: 1 of ??
thank you to edelweiss and bloomsbury for providing the arc to review. full review to come!
Bookstagram | Blog
November 26, 2025
Read for my new reading vlog: https://youtu.be/N6oRV13TQYc 👀
Written review to come!
Written review to come!
October 15, 2025
For generations, the Draconic Army slumbered, and time tempered the memory of mankind’s near extermination at the tooth and claw of the High Westerns during the Grief of Ages. Across Virtudom, man has settled into a fatal complacency, gradually forgetting critical knowledge required to armor themselves against the sleeping Gods. Now, dreaded rumors of beasts bestirring under the mountain are burning through Yscalin and soon, the High City on Mount Fruma will be the first of the fallen, becoming the Draconic Kingdom of Yscalin. This novella takes place right at the beginning of The Priory of the Orange Tree: it starts with an eruption of chaos and ruin from the Dreadmount and ends at the dawning of a second Grief of Ages. The tale continues in the next book (The Priory of the Orange Tree) with all of Virtudom and beyond still contending with surging tension not only between the different kingdoms, but also with the draconic beasts from the Dreadmount. A unified world would give them a fighting chance, but as Virtudom starts to crumble, healing the fatal wounds of a world divided may become nothing more than a fantastical idea, and the wyrms might just succeed in their crusade to snuff out the very last of humanity. I think this book would be an excellent place to begin the series, and my opinion for the best order would be as follows: Among the Burning Flowers, The Priory of the Orange Tree, and then make the jump 500 years in the past to A Day of Fallen Night during the first Grief of Ages.
Shannon is an immersive storyteller, transporting the reader to a fantasy realm where they will be swept away on a perilous journey through lands fatally divided from religious conflict and held at the mercy of bloodthirsty beasts, dragons and man alike. I’m blown away by Shannon’s writing, the characters, the plot, the world building, the magic, the dragons, absolutely everything! This series has a diverse cast of characters with solid queer representation and strong female MCs. Shannon certainly delivers on sapphic longing and a couple steamy romances. Magic is delicately balanced and nuanced, existing between two forms: siden, arisen from the Womb of Fire and harnessed via siden trees and sterren, which originated from the Long-Haired Star in the form of star rot. Each kind of magic is held in a delicate balance by the other, too little of one means the proliferation of the other. The idea of how this magic works is so unique and fascinating to read about! I also really love how deplorable the dragons are in the West, which is in sharp contrast to the dragons in the East. Both are living Gods but their powers and relationship with mankind are very different: they are either revered or reviled. We are sort of used to dragons in our stories being benevolent due to many recent popular novels, but traditionally, dragons are powerful antagonistic forces, usually depicted as harbingers of death/destruction and they prey on others to serve their own selfish machinations. They make delightfully villainous characters you just love to hate! This exhilarating saga is masterfully woven into an ancestral tapestry showcasing human resiliency in the face of terrific tragedy and humanity’s interconnectedness despite discord also being sown in amongst the life treads in this masterpiece.
I can confidently make the bold declaration that the Roots of Chaos Series is becoming a modern rival for the legendary Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I very much recommend jumping into the pages of this high fantasy epic where high stakes adventure is intricately woven through with political intrigue, cutthroat survival, romance and heartbreak, catastrophic casualties, and fiery rebirth. Queendoms will rise and fall, Gods will scorch the Earth and fall from the skies, and power will be seized and paid for in blood.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own.
Shannon is an immersive storyteller, transporting the reader to a fantasy realm where they will be swept away on a perilous journey through lands fatally divided from religious conflict and held at the mercy of bloodthirsty beasts, dragons and man alike. I’m blown away by Shannon’s writing, the characters, the plot, the world building, the magic, the dragons, absolutely everything! This series has a diverse cast of characters with solid queer representation and strong female MCs. Shannon certainly delivers on sapphic longing and a couple steamy romances. Magic is delicately balanced and nuanced, existing between two forms: siden, arisen from the Womb of Fire and harnessed via siden trees and sterren, which originated from the Long-Haired Star in the form of star rot. Each kind of magic is held in a delicate balance by the other, too little of one means the proliferation of the other. The idea of how this magic works is so unique and fascinating to read about! I also really love how deplorable the dragons are in the West, which is in sharp contrast to the dragons in the East. Both are living Gods but their powers and relationship with mankind are very different: they are either revered or reviled. We are sort of used to dragons in our stories being benevolent due to many recent popular novels, but traditionally, dragons are powerful antagonistic forces, usually depicted as harbingers of death/destruction and they prey on others to serve their own selfish machinations. They make delightfully villainous characters you just love to hate! This exhilarating saga is masterfully woven into an ancestral tapestry showcasing human resiliency in the face of terrific tragedy and humanity’s interconnectedness despite discord also being sown in amongst the life treads in this masterpiece.
I can confidently make the bold declaration that the Roots of Chaos Series is becoming a modern rival for the legendary Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I very much recommend jumping into the pages of this high fantasy epic where high stakes adventure is intricately woven through with political intrigue, cutthroat survival, romance and heartbreak, catastrophic casualties, and fiery rebirth. Queendoms will rise and fall, Gods will scorch the Earth and fall from the skies, and power will be seized and paid for in blood.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own.
August 5, 2025
Is it cheating that I used this book to finally return to this world after The Priory of the Orange Tree and before I ever picked up A Day of Fallen Night, an 850+ page book that's been sitting on my shelf for over 2 years now? It's not, right? At least it really wasn't necessary to read A Day of Fallen Night to enjoy this third book set in the same world. Among the Burning Flowers could be viewed as a standalone, but I honestly wouldn't recommend reading it as an entry to the Roots of Chaos series. It's basically a long prologue to Priory and probably most enjoyable if you read the main story first. Only then will you recognize the characters and it will also provide a better understanding of the world, although there is enough information given to not be completely lost. All the POV characters are already familiar from Priory, which I realized so late that it's actually shameful. This book is set just a few years before the events of Priory and it leads straight to the beginning of that book.
Among the Burning Flowers tells the story of the fall of Yscalin and how this once faithful kingdom came to be under draconic rule. It's a multiple POV story and the perspectives were well chosen in my opinion. On the one hand there's Marosa, the future queen of the land who is kept isolated from the court of her father, and then there's Melaugo, an outlaw and dragon hunter whose job got way more dangerous ever since all the sleeping dragons are waking. So we have one royal character in a powerful position and one commoner character who is directly affected by the decisions of royalty. Another POV is added in the second half of the book, and after we first get firsthand accounts of the fall of Yscalin, it is later shown what kind of impact this event has on the rest of the world. The structure made sense, but it was rather unsatisfying how Melaugo's POV was dropped halfway through because of it. She also appears in Priory, but I honestly had to google it, because I couldn't remember her. It is predominantly Marosa's story and this book gave depth to her character, especially highlighting what kind of position she was actually in during the main story.
This book lacks a strong standalone plot in my opinion, but it still expands the world in an interesting way. The dragons are as fascinating as ever with them being creatures with intelligence and agency, and them being the main antagonists of this series. I also have to praise Samantha Shannon's writing. This relatively short book drew me in right away and there was such a heavy atmosphere, it was truly astounding. The way Marosa's city was described in the beginning – full of flowers with a river of lava running through and endangered by earthquakes and the fire mountain that's right next to it – painted such a lively picture that it set the vibe for the whole book. It was clear that this book would not provide happy endings for these characters, yet.
Overall, a great addition to the series, but not a standalone work in my opinion. I know that it seems like a more accessible entry to the series because it is dramatically shorter than the previous two books, but if you really want to fall into this world, you better start with one of the 850-page bricks. I will definitely get a physical copy of Among the Burning Flowers, because it looks STUNNING and there will be illustrations in the final version. I just can't wait to look at them.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Among the Burning Flowers tells the story of the fall of Yscalin and how this once faithful kingdom came to be under draconic rule. It's a multiple POV story and the perspectives were well chosen in my opinion. On the one hand there's Marosa, the future queen of the land who is kept isolated from the court of her father, and then there's Melaugo, an outlaw and dragon hunter whose job got way more dangerous ever since all the sleeping dragons are waking. So we have one royal character in a powerful position and one commoner character who is directly affected by the decisions of royalty. Another POV is added in the second half of the book, and after we first get firsthand accounts of the fall of Yscalin, it is later shown what kind of impact this event has on the rest of the world. The structure made sense, but it was rather unsatisfying how Melaugo's POV was dropped halfway through because of it. She also appears in Priory, but I honestly had to google it, because I couldn't remember her. It is predominantly Marosa's story and this book gave depth to her character, especially highlighting what kind of position she was actually in during the main story.
This book lacks a strong standalone plot in my opinion, but it still expands the world in an interesting way. The dragons are as fascinating as ever with them being creatures with intelligence and agency, and them being the main antagonists of this series. I also have to praise Samantha Shannon's writing. This relatively short book drew me in right away and there was such a heavy atmosphere, it was truly astounding. The way Marosa's city was described in the beginning – full of flowers with a river of lava running through and endangered by earthquakes and the fire mountain that's right next to it – painted such a lively picture that it set the vibe for the whole book. It was clear that this book would not provide happy endings for these characters, yet.
Overall, a great addition to the series, but not a standalone work in my opinion. I know that it seems like a more accessible entry to the series because it is dramatically shorter than the previous two books, but if you really want to fall into this world, you better start with one of the 850-page bricks. I will definitely get a physical copy of Among the Burning Flowers, because it looks STUNNING and there will be illustrations in the final version. I just can't wait to look at them.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
December 10, 2024illustrated?? sapphic???? my queen, you're too good to us 🧎🏼♀️
October 29, 2025
I finally read a Samantha Shannon novel! After meeting her in the flesh for her tour celebrating the publication of Among the Burning Flowers, I knew I needed to. As I have just started my third year at university, it probably would not be the best idea to start the 1000 page Priory of the Orange Tree. That's why it is so awesome Among the Burning Flowers also acts as an entry point into this world!
“We cannot turn back time, but we can keep on living.”
The Draconic Army has disappeared from sight for generations since The Age of Grief. The survivors build defences, but they have since been neglected in the belief that the land is now safe… how wrong they were. As nightmares of the past reappear, chaos reigns.
Samantha Shannon has a lyrical, immersive writing style that is focused on characterisation. There is a different rhythm depending on the character we are following. We have three central PoV's who I believe will mainly be familiar to those who have read The Priory of the Orange tree, but I do not know if they are the main characters of Samantha Shannon's first novel in this world...
I loved the landscape and unique fantastical setting. Dragons are awesome, yet have somehow been underutilised in fantasy. Of course we have classics like Tolkien's dragons, but for the most part they feel like they have not been explored in different forms. The dragons here take a variety of shapes, from bestial creatures similar to other animals but more dangerous, to some in the higher echelons of the Draconic Army that more closely resemble Tolkien's dragons that are intelligent, powerful and able to converse with humans.
This is only a short novel, so there is not too much to dive into. But, I have definitely found Samantha Shannon's writing style to my liking. I cannot wait to dive into The Priory of the Orange Tree and see this story continued.
4/5 STARS
“We cannot turn back time, but we can keep on living.”
The Draconic Army has disappeared from sight for generations since The Age of Grief. The survivors build defences, but they have since been neglected in the belief that the land is now safe… how wrong they were. As nightmares of the past reappear, chaos reigns.
Samantha Shannon has a lyrical, immersive writing style that is focused on characterisation. There is a different rhythm depending on the character we are following. We have three central PoV's who I believe will mainly be familiar to those who have read The Priory of the Orange tree, but I do not know if they are the main characters of Samantha Shannon's first novel in this world...
I loved the landscape and unique fantastical setting. Dragons are awesome, yet have somehow been underutilised in fantasy. Of course we have classics like Tolkien's dragons, but for the most part they feel like they have not been explored in different forms. The dragons here take a variety of shapes, from bestial creatures similar to other animals but more dangerous, to some in the higher echelons of the Draconic Army that more closely resemble Tolkien's dragons that are intelligent, powerful and able to converse with humans.
This is only a short novel, so there is not too much to dive into. But, I have definitely found Samantha Shannon's writing style to my liking. I cannot wait to dive into The Priory of the Orange Tree and see this story continued.
4/5 STARS
August 19, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Pubslihing (UK & ANZ) for the ARC!
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
I'm always intimidated by books longer than 500 pages and as much as I've tried to become an epic fantasy person (one of those 'cool kids' of the fantasy genre who gobbles up 1000 page doorstoppers) I haven't succeeded so far. My physical copy of 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' has been glaring at me from the shelf for 3 years. When Samantha Shannon announced the much shorter entry point into the Roots of Chaos world, I knew I had to get my hands on an ARC. The author called this a 'gentler introduction to the world' and as great as the story was, that statement didn't hold true for me.
ATBF wasn't an easy story to get into, as I had no prior knowledge of the world. There was an onslaught of names and places right from the beginning. Apparently the final version has a character list, which would make it easier to keep track of all the names. Once I somewhat started getting a hang of what was going on, I could appreciate the story. The exploration of religion and oppression was a highlight for me. The book is divided into two parts, Before and After, with the former having Marosa and Melaugo's POVs and the latter with Marosa and Aubrecht's. I understand why the author chose this narrative structure, but while it felt like Aubrect's story served it's purpose, Melaugo's didn't get a proper closure. Marosa's story was by far the most compelling and I loved her as a character. Samantha Shannon's prose was lovely! This might be a weird compliment, but the feeling of despair in part 2 was palpable and very well written.
I still do felt like the worldbuilding was a bit too intricate for a book of such short length and much of the story relied on the readers' prior understanding of the world. I understood what was happening on-page, but didn't completely get the big picture.
Overall, I really liked 'Among the Burning Flowers' but wouldn't recommend it as a smooth entry into the 'Roots of Chaos' world. I'm sure readers of 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' (I promise I'll get to it eventually 😭) and/or 'A Day of Fallen Night' will be able to appreciate the references.
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
I'm always intimidated by books longer than 500 pages and as much as I've tried to become an epic fantasy person (one of those 'cool kids' of the fantasy genre who gobbles up 1000 page doorstoppers) I haven't succeeded so far. My physical copy of 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' has been glaring at me from the shelf for 3 years. When Samantha Shannon announced the much shorter entry point into the Roots of Chaos world, I knew I had to get my hands on an ARC. The author called this a 'gentler introduction to the world' and as great as the story was, that statement didn't hold true for me.
ATBF wasn't an easy story to get into, as I had no prior knowledge of the world. There was an onslaught of names and places right from the beginning. Apparently the final version has a character list, which would make it easier to keep track of all the names. Once I somewhat started getting a hang of what was going on, I could appreciate the story. The exploration of religion and oppression was a highlight for me. The book is divided into two parts, Before and After, with the former having Marosa and Melaugo's POVs and the latter with Marosa and Aubrecht's. I understand why the author chose this narrative structure, but while it felt like Aubrect's story served it's purpose, Melaugo's didn't get a proper closure. Marosa's story was by far the most compelling and I loved her as a character. Samantha Shannon's prose was lovely! This might be a weird compliment, but the feeling of despair in part 2 was palpable and very well written.
I still do felt like the worldbuilding was a bit too intricate for a book of such short length and much of the story relied on the readers' prior understanding of the world. I understood what was happening on-page, but didn't completely get the big picture.
Overall, I really liked 'Among the Burning Flowers' but wouldn't recommend it as a smooth entry into the 'Roots of Chaos' world. I'm sure readers of 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' (I promise I'll get to it eventually 😭) and/or 'A Day of Fallen Night' will be able to appreciate the references.
September 12, 2025
all I know is pain and suffering
April 8, 2025
Surprisingly short from Samantha Shannon. I was expecting 600+ pages and instead got what felt like a novella in comparison.
I think for that reason, this really doesn’t stand well by itself. You need to have knowledge of both ADOFN and Priory I would argue.
The future queen, the Donmata Marosa is a prisoner in her own home, controlled by her father, the King. She is looking forward to escaping to her betrothed, Aubrecht Lievelyn, who rules Mentendon in all but name.
Estina Melaugo is a Culler, hunting Draconic beasts that have started emerging since the Draconic Army slumbered.
To steal the spotlight, the great wyrm Fýredel is stirring, and Yscalin (as we know) is the first to bend the knee.
Craft-wise, Shannon still manages to pack intimate character moments, high stakes, yearning, pining, and emotions in. However, again, that short page count did mean we lacked the depth in comparison to the other two.
‘A few years ago, an ancient compass came into my keeping. At some point in time, its needle had rusted in place,’ she said. ‘I was like that compass when you found me. I had finally established a safe place, a home, in Perunta. But the longer you remain still, the more rust starts to cover you, and underneath, you become fragile. And soon it hurts to move at all.’
It was fascinating to see the pieces fall into place and now I kind of want to reread Priory.
Was this also sort of fan service? Yes, but it didn’t feel pushy or unneeded.
Arc gifted by Bloomsbury Publishing.
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I think for that reason, this really doesn’t stand well by itself. You need to have knowledge of both ADOFN and Priory I would argue.
The future queen, the Donmata Marosa is a prisoner in her own home, controlled by her father, the King. She is looking forward to escaping to her betrothed, Aubrecht Lievelyn, who rules Mentendon in all but name.
Estina Melaugo is a Culler, hunting Draconic beasts that have started emerging since the Draconic Army slumbered.
To steal the spotlight, the great wyrm Fýredel is stirring, and Yscalin (as we know) is the first to bend the knee.
Craft-wise, Shannon still manages to pack intimate character moments, high stakes, yearning, pining, and emotions in. However, again, that short page count did mean we lacked the depth in comparison to the other two.
‘A few years ago, an ancient compass came into my keeping. At some point in time, its needle had rusted in place,’ she said. ‘I was like that compass when you found me. I had finally established a safe place, a home, in Perunta. But the longer you remain still, the more rust starts to cover you, and underneath, you become fragile. And soon it hurts to move at all.’
It was fascinating to see the pieces fall into place and now I kind of want to reread Priory.
Was this also sort of fan service? Yes, but it didn’t feel pushy or unneeded.
Arc gifted by Bloomsbury Publishing.
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October 22, 2025
0. A Day of Fallen Night ★★★★
1. The Priory of the Orange Tree ★★★★
1. The Priory of the Orange Tree ★★★★
“She wore her suit of armour, made up of her fear and pain, but underneath, she was still burning.”
Set two years before the start of The Priory of the Orange Tree and illustrated by Rovina Cai, Among the Burning Flowers is a new short novel in The Roots of Chaos cycle. It tells the story of the Fall of Yscalin through three secondary characters from Priory: Marosa Vetalda, Donmata of Yscalin; Estina Melaugo, a huntress of Draconic beasts; and Aubrecht Lievelyn, future High Prince of Mentendon and Marosa’s fiancé.
This roughly 250-page short novel serves as a prologue to Priory—a function it fulfills perfectly, as it has now made me very tempted to re-read that book. It’s a heartbreaking story not only about what led one of Virtudom’s most faithful kingdoms to become a draconic kingdom swearing allegiance to the Nameless One, but also about a captive crown princess willing to do anything to protect her people. Because while Estina and Aubrecht have their roles in this book and their perspectives add more depth to the overall story of this world, the undisputed protagonist is Marosa.
Among the Burning Flowers isn’t the book I’d recommend as a starting point for this series—my recommendation is always to follow the chronological order, starting with A Day of Fallen Night—but I think as a companion novel it provides a lot of background to Yscalin’s situation at the beginning of Priory. As always, I’m still amazed at how Shannon continues to expand this complex world with its different cultures, customs, and religions—seriously, few epic fantasy books have such elaborate world-building, with so much queer representation and always a sapphic main character, and that draws inspiration from different parts of the world and historical periods.
A great new installment in The Roots of Chaos cycle that serves as an appetizer while we wait for a third full-length novel set in this world.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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May 22, 2025
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September 28, 2025
Samantha Shannon can do no wrong. I am once again completely blown away at how she creates these worlds that I want to crawl through the pages and live in. We get the missing pieces between A Day of Fallen Night and Priory of the Orange Tree. Written as a stand-alone or prequel to Priory, depending on how you feel like reading it. I really am at a loss of words. With Among the Burning Flowers being the absolute shortest of the Roots of Chaos books, it doesn’t mean it/’s light on details. Shannon creates such an immersive world, you can’t help but get lost. I absolutely tore through this book like I was on a mission from Fýredel. Highly recommend this entire series because it’s phenomenal, sapphic, and there’s freakin’ dragons. What more could you want???
September 23, 2025
Flower in a World of Ash is eye-witness to the Great Sorrow, or The Grief <3"
One of my favorite all-time books is A Day of Fallen Night from this series. Samantha Shannon succeeds in elegant prose that is as akin to the beauty of the French language as English can get. I also love the way she writes grief, as if the very words on the page were crying out to my soul.
I loved meeting new characters and getting their perspective, and getting to know familiar characters backstories more.
My only regret is that I want more, its immersive and beautiful and everything I want in epic fantasy :)
One of my favorite all-time books is A Day of Fallen Night from this series. Samantha Shannon succeeds in elegant prose that is as akin to the beauty of the French language as English can get. I also love the way she writes grief, as if the very words on the page were crying out to my soul.
I loved meeting new characters and getting their perspective, and getting to know familiar characters backstories more.
My only regret is that I want more, its immersive and beautiful and everything I want in epic fantasy :)
September 20, 2025
I love the writing, the story is complex and I can see why people love priory so much.
unfortunately I don't have the mind power to pick up the other books right now but maybe another time.
unfortunately I don't have the mind power to pick up the other books right now but maybe another time.
October 6, 2025
Taking place a few years before The Priory of the Orange Tree, Among the Burning Flowers follows Princess Marosa Vetalda of Yscalin as she prepares and waits for her upcoming marriage to Aubrecht Lievelyn, the heir of the Free State of Mentendon. She spends her days doing the typical princess things while her and her father, King Sigoso.
But then one day the volcano above Marosa's city cracks open. Various Draconic beasts, including the High Western, Fýredel, arise and lay siege to the city and the rest of Yscalin. Within a few days, the the entire kingdom is coerced into the rule of the dragons and the worship of their un-awakened leader the Nameless One. Marosa will do what she must to try and overthrow her father, who blindly obeys Fýredel, and keep her people alive. Across the mountains, her beloved Aubrecht tries what he can to help from the outside. And Estina Melaugo, a culler of Draconic beasts, must fight for her own survival along with her lover Liyat.
Before I get into my review, let me say this: this is my first step into The Roots of Chaos. Samantha Shannon suggested this as a starting place for new readers who were intimidated by the lengths of the other two books, which I am. All the books, according to her, function as standalones; which I mostly agree with after reading this. I will say that over the years some things in other two books have trickled over to me or have been spoiled (not too much) through Internet osmosis, but overall, I think this was a decent fantasy story. I came out feeling really sorry for Marosa and I loved her endurance and how she went down her path.
Marosa, in general, is the most fleshed-out of our three main leads. She begins as a humble princess, but through the hardships and what she witnesses as her people suffer and her kingdom succumbs to the Draconic beasts she steels her resolve. I like that Marosa remained a genuinely kind and soft princess, but became more determined as her story went on. Fantasy has had a problem recently--well, perhaps all genres really--with writing main women and girl protagonists. If she is a soft princess, she often ends up being too passive, but then on the flipside you've got authors writing girlboss characters who "aren't like those soft princess-ey girls" and end up demeaning softer and more feminine women. Shannon, thankfully, avoid this completely. Marosa, though she is a gentler character who does not and cannot physically fight (she is simply not trained for it), never falls into a passive stereotype. She is very calculating and patient, watching those she speaks with and considers the meaning of their words and tries to unravel the mystery of everything. At the same time though, she is empathetic and an emotional woman who cares about others. What also helps this is that we have a more action woman character in Melaugo; I'll get to her in a bit, but basically Among the Burning Flowers, and I assume the rest of the series, has women of multiple roles and personality types who presences do not clash against each other. Marosa is refreshing because it's nice to just see a well-written princess character who follows her role but isn't a stereotype. I do not know how much Marosa is featured in The Priory of the Orange Tree, but if it's very little that will be a travesty.
Aubrecht was a wonderful character too, but we don't get nearly as much of him as we do Marosa. I wish we got to see him and Marosa actually interact other than some lines about how they first met in the past before and during the initiation of their betrothal, because they genuinely do care for each other. I was hesitant about Aubrecht's perspective, because I had heard that the POVs from the men in The Priory of the Orange Tree were not that great; no word on those in A Day of Fallen Night. However, is was mostly pleased with Aubrecht. He cares so much about his family, especially his sisters and Marosa, and is trying everything he can to repel the Draconic beasts from Yscalin while trying not to get everyone hurt or killed. It doesn't go...exactly as planned, as it does with Marosa in her POV, but he's genuinely trying. My one critique of him, other than the lack of interaction with him and Marosa, is we should've seen more of him.
This also the same critique I have of Melaugo's POV which ends halfway through the book, which is a shame because she was a fun character, though she does not get as much depth as Marosa and Aubrecht. Melaugo hunts the Draconic beats hiding in Yscalin prior to Fýredel's awakening and after said dragons awakens, she and her girlfriend Liyat try to escape all the death and destruction...and that's literally it. There's some things in her storyline about the religious intolerance of Yscali Virtudom (the name of the main religion, clearly Anglican Christian-inspired, which making a Church of England-coded religion the main religion of a Spain-coded country is wild) and xenophobia, but not as much as Marosa's POV. Even in the final moments of her chapters, Melaugo doesn't have a lot of interior responses to what's going on. Her POV should've lasted the whole book.
Ironically, that is one of my major overall critiques about Among the Burning Flowers, that it should've been longer. Maybe not as long as to the two other chonky gals of the series, but I needed more. Shannon stated that she will be finishing her first series The Bone Season and a contracted book about the Greek goddess Iris before doing another major installment in The Roots of Chaos and until then will, hopefully, publish more smaller entries like this till the main ones come out. While this book does stand mostly on its own, especially with Marosa's POV, it felt at times like an advertisement for the other two books. You know how back in the day there would be a TV show or video game from a major franchise you liked but both would be short and have a slightly different plot because it was revealed that they were a way to promote the main product? That's why this felt like at some times.
The pacing is very quick, which I enjoy, but for a book this short and with my above mentioned critiques, it really weakens Aubrecht and Melaugo's POVs and prevented them from being stronger than what they could have been. The prose is fine, but it also aids to this quickly over and done feeling. There's a few dialogue and narration moments where it pops off a little more, but I feel like Shannon can do more, based on what excerpts of the other two books I've seen pass my tumblr dash.
My next critique, which is a bit more mixed, is the portrayal the Virtudom religion and faith. Yscalin, prior to the Draconic invasion, is very devout to Virtudom, especially Marosa's father Sigoso. They are so devout than any outside the faith is viewed as a heretic and an outsider. Not everyone is like this though, which I'm glad Shannon put in there. Marosa is dedicated to the Saint, the head divine figure of Virtudom, throughout the book, even when the veneration of the Nameless One is enforced. Aubrecht is devout too, but because his country has long traded and had a history with Seiiki (what I assume is this world's Japan), including his ancestor residing there after a great strife, they aren't as venomous towards other faiths and peoples and even encourage studying their texts and discussing it with them. Likewise, when Marosa worries the Saint has abandoned Yscalin because of its conversion to the Draconic faith (for lack of a better word) she considers the beliefs of other religions, such a the Faith of Dwyn which her deceased mother followed and did not require worship of a deity as necessary or the faith in the mountain god of her ancestors Fruma. By the end she even considers herself dedicated to both. There's even a discussion between her and another character, Wilstan, about how faith can be misused by others and faith and belief itself are not demonized in the discussion.
This I liked! It shows nuance and how religions are not always practiced the same across the world and how their can be some form syncretism (again, for lack of a better word) in someone's faith practices. And I liked that Shannon showed religious characters who weren't bigots.
Now, here's what I needed more of: Marosa's father is greatly devout in his faith to the Saint, but after Fýredel calls him to Mount Fruma, Sigoso returns and declares the Saint a fraud and to begin worshipping the Nameless One.
Okay...what did Fýredel tell Sigoso and why was he so quick to convert? I assume the former might be addressed in the other books, but the latter needed more exploration. When people are greatly devout, convincing them to abandon their faith or convert to a new one takes great difficulty because of how hard they cling to their beliefs. Why was Sigoso so easily (it appears easily at least) persuaded?
Second, we know what Virtudom and the worship of the Nameless One both believe in, but what do people actually do in the religions? We know the queen of Inys (I think that's what it's called) is the head of Virtudom as she is descended from the Saint, but do they have any rituals in Virtudom? Any feast days? What do the people do in Virtudom besides pray and invoke the Saint's name? They have men and women who are essentially priests and clearly have the equivalent of churches, but what does this religion exactly do? I have the same questions for the Draconic faith of the Nameless One. Neither religion feels lived in and more feels like set dressing. Again, maybe the bigger books will flesh out more, but who knows?
Overall, this book is Marosa's story and her story is the strongest part of the book. I do own a copy of A Day of Fallen Night, so I will get back to this series at some point, but I'm not too much in a rush. I've heard mostly good things about A Day of Fallen Night, but mixed things about The Priory of the Orange Tree so I may read the former first. So this was decent.
3.5/5 stars.
But then one day the volcano above Marosa's city cracks open. Various Draconic beasts, including the High Western, Fýredel, arise and lay siege to the city and the rest of Yscalin. Within a few days, the the entire kingdom is coerced into the rule of the dragons and the worship of their un-awakened leader the Nameless One. Marosa will do what she must to try and overthrow her father, who blindly obeys Fýredel, and keep her people alive. Across the mountains, her beloved Aubrecht tries what he can to help from the outside. And Estina Melaugo, a culler of Draconic beasts, must fight for her own survival along with her lover Liyat.
Before I get into my review, let me say this: this is my first step into The Roots of Chaos. Samantha Shannon suggested this as a starting place for new readers who were intimidated by the lengths of the other two books, which I am. All the books, according to her, function as standalones; which I mostly agree with after reading this. I will say that over the years some things in other two books have trickled over to me or have been spoiled (not too much) through Internet osmosis, but overall, I think this was a decent fantasy story. I came out feeling really sorry for Marosa and I loved her endurance and how she went down her path.
Marosa, in general, is the most fleshed-out of our three main leads. She begins as a humble princess, but through the hardships and what she witnesses as her people suffer and her kingdom succumbs to the Draconic beasts she steels her resolve. I like that Marosa remained a genuinely kind and soft princess, but became more determined as her story went on. Fantasy has had a problem recently--well, perhaps all genres really--with writing main women and girl protagonists. If she is a soft princess, she often ends up being too passive, but then on the flipside you've got authors writing girlboss characters who "aren't like those soft princess-ey girls" and end up demeaning softer and more feminine women. Shannon, thankfully, avoid this completely. Marosa, though she is a gentler character who does not and cannot physically fight (she is simply not trained for it), never falls into a passive stereotype. She is very calculating and patient, watching those she speaks with and considers the meaning of their words and tries to unravel the mystery of everything. At the same time though, she is empathetic and an emotional woman who cares about others. What also helps this is that we have a more action woman character in Melaugo; I'll get to her in a bit, but basically Among the Burning Flowers, and I assume the rest of the series, has women of multiple roles and personality types who presences do not clash against each other. Marosa is refreshing because it's nice to just see a well-written princess character who follows her role but isn't a stereotype. I do not know how much Marosa is featured in The Priory of the Orange Tree, but if it's very little that will be a travesty.
Aubrecht was a wonderful character too, but we don't get nearly as much of him as we do Marosa. I wish we got to see him and Marosa actually interact other than some lines about how they first met in the past before and during the initiation of their betrothal, because they genuinely do care for each other. I was hesitant about Aubrecht's perspective, because I had heard that the POVs from the men in The Priory of the Orange Tree were not that great; no word on those in A Day of Fallen Night. However, is was mostly pleased with Aubrecht. He cares so much about his family, especially his sisters and Marosa, and is trying everything he can to repel the Draconic beasts from Yscalin while trying not to get everyone hurt or killed. It doesn't go...exactly as planned, as it does with Marosa in her POV, but he's genuinely trying. My one critique of him, other than the lack of interaction with him and Marosa, is we should've seen more of him.
This also the same critique I have of Melaugo's POV which ends halfway through the book, which is a shame because she was a fun character, though she does not get as much depth as Marosa and Aubrecht. Melaugo hunts the Draconic beats hiding in Yscalin prior to Fýredel's awakening and after said dragons awakens, she and her girlfriend Liyat try to escape all the death and destruction...and that's literally it. There's some things in her storyline about the religious intolerance of Yscali Virtudom (the name of the main religion, clearly Anglican Christian-inspired, which making a Church of England-coded religion the main religion of a Spain-coded country is wild) and xenophobia, but not as much as Marosa's POV. Even in the final moments of her chapters, Melaugo doesn't have a lot of interior responses to what's going on. Her POV should've lasted the whole book.
Ironically, that is one of my major overall critiques about Among the Burning Flowers, that it should've been longer. Maybe not as long as to the two other chonky gals of the series, but I needed more. Shannon stated that she will be finishing her first series The Bone Season and a contracted book about the Greek goddess Iris before doing another major installment in The Roots of Chaos and until then will, hopefully, publish more smaller entries like this till the main ones come out. While this book does stand mostly on its own, especially with Marosa's POV, it felt at times like an advertisement for the other two books. You know how back in the day there would be a TV show or video game from a major franchise you liked but both would be short and have a slightly different plot because it was revealed that they were a way to promote the main product? That's why this felt like at some times.
The pacing is very quick, which I enjoy, but for a book this short and with my above mentioned critiques, it really weakens Aubrecht and Melaugo's POVs and prevented them from being stronger than what they could have been. The prose is fine, but it also aids to this quickly over and done feeling. There's a few dialogue and narration moments where it pops off a little more, but I feel like Shannon can do more, based on what excerpts of the other two books I've seen pass my tumblr dash.
My next critique, which is a bit more mixed, is the portrayal the Virtudom religion and faith. Yscalin, prior to the Draconic invasion, is very devout to Virtudom, especially Marosa's father Sigoso. They are so devout than any outside the faith is viewed as a heretic and an outsider. Not everyone is like this though, which I'm glad Shannon put in there. Marosa is dedicated to the Saint, the head divine figure of Virtudom, throughout the book, even when the veneration of the Nameless One is enforced. Aubrecht is devout too, but because his country has long traded and had a history with Seiiki (what I assume is this world's Japan), including his ancestor residing there after a great strife, they aren't as venomous towards other faiths and peoples and even encourage studying their texts and discussing it with them. Likewise, when Marosa worries the Saint has abandoned Yscalin because of its conversion to the Draconic faith (for lack of a better word) she considers the beliefs of other religions, such a the Faith of Dwyn which her deceased mother followed and did not require worship of a deity as necessary or the faith in the mountain god of her ancestors Fruma. By the end she even considers herself dedicated to both. There's even a discussion between her and another character, Wilstan, about how faith can be misused by others and faith and belief itself are not demonized in the discussion.
This I liked! It shows nuance and how religions are not always practiced the same across the world and how their can be some form syncretism (again, for lack of a better word) in someone's faith practices. And I liked that Shannon showed religious characters who weren't bigots.
Now, here's what I needed more of: Marosa's father is greatly devout in his faith to the Saint, but after Fýredel calls him to Mount Fruma, Sigoso returns and declares the Saint a fraud and to begin worshipping the Nameless One.
Okay...what did Fýredel tell Sigoso and why was he so quick to convert? I assume the former might be addressed in the other books, but the latter needed more exploration. When people are greatly devout, convincing them to abandon their faith or convert to a new one takes great difficulty because of how hard they cling to their beliefs. Why was Sigoso so easily (it appears easily at least) persuaded?
Second, we know what Virtudom and the worship of the Nameless One both believe in, but what do people actually do in the religions? We know the queen of Inys (I think that's what it's called) is the head of Virtudom as she is descended from the Saint, but do they have any rituals in Virtudom? Any feast days? What do the people do in Virtudom besides pray and invoke the Saint's name? They have men and women who are essentially priests and clearly have the equivalent of churches, but what does this religion exactly do? I have the same questions for the Draconic faith of the Nameless One. Neither religion feels lived in and more feels like set dressing. Again, maybe the bigger books will flesh out more, but who knows?
Overall, this book is Marosa's story and her story is the strongest part of the book. I do own a copy of A Day of Fallen Night, so I will get back to this series at some point, but I'm not too much in a rush. I've heard mostly good things about A Day of Fallen Night, but mixed things about The Priory of the Orange Tree so I may read the former first. So this was decent.
3.5/5 stars.
October 23, 2025
ARC
eARC recieved from NetGalley.
I think I like high fantasy, but I haven't read enough high fantasy books to be 100% sure lol. They are either too long or have too many books in the series — I have commitment issues 😔 — for The Roots of Chaos, it is the former. The Priory of the Orange Tree is a book I've always wanted to pick up and start reading, but I simply did not because "800 pages" 💀 So when Samantha Shannon announced Among the Burning Flowers, and described it as a shorter entry point into this world, I knew this would be a good place for me to finally step into this world. I requested an arc, and was very surprised when I actually got it.
It wasn't an easy story to get into. It felt like a book you would enjoy if you had already read Priory. But once I started getting a hang of what was going on, I LOVED the story. There were many new names, new places, and new ideas in the first few pages. But I will not lie — referring to the wiki and taking notes while reading was the most fun I've had in MONTHS! (reading-wise)
The worldbuilding oh my god!!! I feel like I've already talked a lot about it before, but I must put it in the review too: it is ✨EXCELLENT✨ Everybody take notes. THIS is how you do it. It is never assumed you know everything, but you aren't fed every single detail. The worldbuilding is rich but never feels overwhelming. I think I have found my new favorite series, and I have read only one book!
We follow the rise and fall of Yscalin through the narratives of its crown princess Marosa, and a commoner, Melaugo, who is a dragon hunter. I was a bit confused when Melaugo's POV was dropped and never brought back again but ehh... it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story though. I hope I get to see her again in the other books.
Shannon's love for language and etymology can be seen throughout and I love when we get to discover author's interests through their books!! Perhaps the only downside to having read this as an arc is that none of the pages were illustrated yet 🥲💔
If you are like me, and have been intimidated by the size of the books in this series, I 100% recommend starting with this, going on to read the other books and then maybe come back to fully appreciate what went on!! The ending overlaps with the beginning of Priory, so you can go with the ~flow~ and read the other books too, which is what I'm doing rn. ekkk I'm so excited, pretty sure Roots of Chaos is going to end up as one of my favorite series 🐉💖
pre-read જ⁀➴
╰┈➤ I got the arc!!! maybe with this, I will finally dive into the world of Priory 🙏🏻
eARC recieved from NetGalley.
I think I like high fantasy, but I haven't read enough high fantasy books to be 100% sure lol. They are either too long or have too many books in the series — I have commitment issues 😔 — for The Roots of Chaos, it is the former. The Priory of the Orange Tree is a book I've always wanted to pick up and start reading, but I simply did not because "800 pages" 💀 So when Samantha Shannon announced Among the Burning Flowers, and described it as a shorter entry point into this world, I knew this would be a good place for me to finally step into this world. I requested an arc, and was very surprised when I actually got it.
It wasn't an easy story to get into. It felt like a book you would enjoy if you had already read Priory. But once I started getting a hang of what was going on, I LOVED the story. There were many new names, new places, and new ideas in the first few pages. But I will not lie — referring to the wiki and taking notes while reading was the most fun I've had in MONTHS! (reading-wise)
The worldbuilding oh my god!!! I feel like I've already talked a lot about it before, but I must put it in the review too: it is ✨EXCELLENT✨ Everybody take notes. THIS is how you do it. It is never assumed you know everything, but you aren't fed every single detail. The worldbuilding is rich but never feels overwhelming. I think I have found my new favorite series, and I have read only one book!
We follow the rise and fall of Yscalin through the narratives of its crown princess Marosa, and a commoner, Melaugo, who is a dragon hunter. I was a bit confused when Melaugo's POV was dropped and never brought back again but ehh... it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story though. I hope I get to see her again in the other books.
Shannon's love for language and etymology can be seen throughout and I love when we get to discover author's interests through their books!! Perhaps the only downside to having read this as an arc is that none of the pages were illustrated yet 🥲💔
If you are like me, and have been intimidated by the size of the books in this series, I 100% recommend starting with this, going on to read the other books and then maybe come back to fully appreciate what went on!! The ending overlaps with the beginning of Priory, so you can go with the ~flow~ and read the other books too, which is what I'm doing rn. ekkk I'm so excited, pretty sure Roots of Chaos is going to end up as one of my favorite series 🐉💖
pre-read જ⁀➴
╰┈➤ I got the arc!!! maybe with this, I will finally dive into the world of Priory 🙏🏻
June 26, 2025
An exquisite prologue that lights the fuse beneath a world soon to burn. 🔥
🌸 A princess trapped. A hunter haunted. A dragon stirs beneath the earth… 🐉
Samantha Shannon delivers a slow-burn stunner in Among the Burning Flowers — a novella steeped in dread, beauty, and the first flickers of a coming fire.
Set generations before The Priory of the Orange Tree, this prequel follows three characters on the brink of transformation:
🔸 Marosa Vetalda, a princess caged by her tyrant father in the lavender-soaked kingdom of Yscalin.
🔸 Aubrecht Lievelyn, her reformistic betrothed, caught in the delicate dance of diplomacy.
🔸 Estina Melaugo, a dragon hunter who senses what others won’t admit: something ancient is waking.
This isn’t a story of battlefield glory or fiery romance. It’s quieter — a tale of legacy, politics, and slow-building dread.
We’re watching the fuse burn… and when the wyrm Fýredel finally stirs beneath the mountains, Yscalin will be the first to fall. 🐲
💭 If you crave atmospheric, emotionally rich fantasy with subtle stakes and haunting imagery, this one’s for you.
★ ★ ★ ★ — Poetic, patient, and devastating in its stillness. A must-read for Priory fans.
🌸 A princess trapped. A hunter haunted. A dragon stirs beneath the earth… 🐉
Samantha Shannon delivers a slow-burn stunner in Among the Burning Flowers — a novella steeped in dread, beauty, and the first flickers of a coming fire.
Set generations before The Priory of the Orange Tree, this prequel follows three characters on the brink of transformation:
🔸 Marosa Vetalda, a princess caged by her tyrant father in the lavender-soaked kingdom of Yscalin.
🔸 Aubrecht Lievelyn, her reformistic betrothed, caught in the delicate dance of diplomacy.
🔸 Estina Melaugo, a dragon hunter who senses what others won’t admit: something ancient is waking.
This isn’t a story of battlefield glory or fiery romance. It’s quieter — a tale of legacy, politics, and slow-building dread.
We’re watching the fuse burn… and when the wyrm Fýredel finally stirs beneath the mountains, Yscalin will be the first to fall. 🐲
💭 If you crave atmospheric, emotionally rich fantasy with subtle stakes and haunting imagery, this one’s for you.
★ ★ ★ ★ — Poetic, patient, and devastating in its stillness. A must-read for Priory fans.
November 27, 2025
4 stars. Harrowing in narrative and absolutely breathtaking in prose, reading Among the Burning Flowers reminded me just how much I love reading the world of Priory and high fantasy generally.
September 14, 2025
if samantha shannon writes it i WILL be reading it
August 12, 2025
3.5⭐️ I really wish we’d get a full-length story. This is a nice connection between the books in The Roots of Chaos series. However, it doesn’t stand on its own.
“Among the Burning Flowers” is a novel right in between two books in “The Root of Chaos” series. It tells the story of Marosa Vetalda, princess of Yscalin, her betrothed, Abrecht Lievelyn and a hunter Estina Melaugo. When a dangerous wyrm wakes up from his sleep, the whole world they know will change forever.
This is a story that precedes “The Priory of the Orange Tree” therefore we don’t get any endings nor any conclusions. Personally, I prefer when prequels not only show us the past of the characters known from the main series but also stand on their own foundation, have a closed plot line and can be read as standalones. Unfortunately, this book is tightly connected to the main series. It can be read before “The Priory of the Orange Tree” but does not provide a satisfying ending and therefore cannot be read on its own.
On the other hand, Samantha Shannon creates an engaging story, where characters have to handle all sorts of emotions. It is sometimes very sad and tragic and allows the reader to easily connect with them and cheer for them.
I still wish I could get another full length story in this world, but I think “Among the Burning Flowers” can be a good start for those who haven’t read “The Priory of the Orange Tree” and are intimidated by its size. I think it clearly shows the writing of Samantha Shannon and keeps more or less the same atmosphere as the main books in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
“Among the Burning Flowers” is a novel right in between two books in “The Root of Chaos” series. It tells the story of Marosa Vetalda, princess of Yscalin, her betrothed, Abrecht Lievelyn and a hunter Estina Melaugo. When a dangerous wyrm wakes up from his sleep, the whole world they know will change forever.
This is a story that precedes “The Priory of the Orange Tree” therefore we don’t get any endings nor any conclusions. Personally, I prefer when prequels not only show us the past of the characters known from the main series but also stand on their own foundation, have a closed plot line and can be read as standalones. Unfortunately, this book is tightly connected to the main series. It can be read before “The Priory of the Orange Tree” but does not provide a satisfying ending and therefore cannot be read on its own.
On the other hand, Samantha Shannon creates an engaging story, where characters have to handle all sorts of emotions. It is sometimes very sad and tragic and allows the reader to easily connect with them and cheer for them.
I still wish I could get another full length story in this world, but I think “Among the Burning Flowers” can be a good start for those who haven’t read “The Priory of the Orange Tree” and are intimidated by its size. I think it clearly shows the writing of Samantha Shannon and keeps more or less the same atmosphere as the main books in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 24, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up💫 Being back in the world of Priory felt SO RIGHT. Samantha Shannon’s writing continues to be lyrical and gut wrenching all at once.
This book takes place two years before the events of The Priory of the Orange Tree and 498 years after A Day of Fallen Night. This should be called “the cinnamon roll book” because it features some of her softest and most kindhearted characters.
Here is my recommended reading order for the series:
1. The Priory of The Orange Tree
2. A Day of Fallen Night
3. Among The Burning Flowers
I liked reading this one last because of all the easter eggs and character references. Glorian and Wulfert there is actually nothing I wouldn’t do for you🥲
Huge thank you to Bloomsbury - especially Phoebe - for the physical arc! This truly was a highlight of my year🤍
This book takes place two years before the events of The Priory of the Orange Tree and 498 years after A Day of Fallen Night. This should be called “the cinnamon roll book” because it features some of her softest and most kindhearted characters.
Here is my recommended reading order for the series:
1. The Priory of The Orange Tree
2. A Day of Fallen Night
3. Among The Burning Flowers
I liked reading this one last because of all the easter eggs and character references. Glorian and Wulfert there is actually nothing I wouldn’t do for you🥲
Huge thank you to Bloomsbury - especially Phoebe - for the physical arc! This truly was a highlight of my year🤍
Want to read
May 9, 2025um so i completely did not think id actually get approved for this and i did(!?!?!?!?!?) SOOOO time to finally commit to my journey with priory?!?!?! 🤭
September 19, 2025
The prequel we have been asking for.
Samantha does a great job at tying ADOFN and TPOTOT together with ATBF.
As someone who read ADOFN first and TPOTOT second, this was everything I could’ve asked for in a sequel/ prequel. We went even deeper with the lore of The Nameless One and some of the characters from TPOTOT. I had no doubt in Samantha Shannon and knew this was going to be a BANGERRR.
Samantha does a great job at tying ADOFN and TPOTOT together with ATBF.
As someone who read ADOFN first and TPOTOT second, this was everything I could’ve asked for in a sequel/ prequel. We went even deeper with the lore of The Nameless One and some of the characters from TPOTOT. I had no doubt in Samantha Shannon and knew this was going to be a BANGERRR.
September 12, 2025
Among the Burning Flowers is Samantha Shannon’s new prequel to the acclaimed The Priory of the Orange Tree. I have been reading this series in chronological order and have not reached Priory yet, but I already do not have enough words to praise Samantha’s talent. Even having read only the prequels in The Roots of Chaos series, I already believe she is among the best High Fantasy writers of our time. I love the complexity of the story and characters, the inclusivity and originality throughout, and above all, the beautiful writing that brings everything to life.
Although I loved Among the Burning Flowers, I think this book may be even more rewarding for readers of Priory of the Orange Tree, as they will already know some of the characters and appreciate the additional context and depth. That said, I was deeply impressed by Samantha’s ability to make me care so much about Marosa, Melaugo, and Aubrecht in such a short novel. I cannot wait to dive back into this series and finally read The Priory of the Orange Tree!
I also believe this prequel works as a great starting point for readers who want to step into this world but feel intimidated by the size of the main books. This novella offers a perfect taste of Shannon’s richness and imagination, without compromising any of the magic.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Although I loved Among the Burning Flowers, I think this book may be even more rewarding for readers of Priory of the Orange Tree, as they will already know some of the characters and appreciate the additional context and depth. That said, I was deeply impressed by Samantha’s ability to make me care so much about Marosa, Melaugo, and Aubrecht in such a short novel. I cannot wait to dive back into this series and finally read The Priory of the Orange Tree!
I also believe this prequel works as a great starting point for readers who want to step into this world but feel intimidated by the size of the main books. This novella offers a perfect taste of Shannon’s richness and imagination, without compromising any of the magic.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2025
This is a prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree, set about two years before the events of Priory, and follows what happened in Yscalin when Fýredel the wyvern arose and took over with his draconic army.
Marosa is a princess locked in her own home by her father. She yearns to escape and marry her betrothed, but she is kept locked away. I really felt for her, and I was rooting for her.
I know that this is being advertised as a standalone sequel, but I definitely think you should read Priory first. As it is, I read Priory many years ago and I have forgotten a lot, which I think took away a bit of my enjoyment of the story.
Recommended for all who loved Priory and want to keep delving into this world.
Thanks to Tandem Collective and Bloomsbury for the e-Arc of this book as part of Bloomsbury's Big Night In.
Marosa is a princess locked in her own home by her father. She yearns to escape and marry her betrothed, but she is kept locked away. I really felt for her, and I was rooting for her.
I know that this is being advertised as a standalone sequel, but I definitely think you should read Priory first. As it is, I read Priory many years ago and I have forgotten a lot, which I think took away a bit of my enjoyment of the story.
Recommended for all who loved Priory and want to keep delving into this world.
Thanks to Tandem Collective and Bloomsbury for the e-Arc of this book as part of Bloomsbury's Big Night In.
November 17, 2025
4.25
Wyjaśnienie znaczenia tytułu chwyciło mnie za gardło jak wyrm. Mimo tak krotkiej historii bardzo sie zaangażowałam. Absolutnie nie zgadzam się, że wypuszczenie kolejenj ksiazki z tego uniwersum było niepotrzebne - w tej części autorka ukazała wydarzenia z perspektywy Yscalinu oraz Mentedonu i myślę, że nawet nieźle byłoby zacząć serię właśnie od tej noweli, bo nie przytłoczy objętością.
Znowu zachwycam się światotwórstwem i językiem, który jest przepiękny. Akcja nie jest specjalnie dynamiczna, ale za to wątki polityczne to wynagradzają. Chciałabym jeszcze więcej Marosy, która pobiła moje serce nawet bardziej niż Sabran, Ead czy Tane, a jednocześnie jej wątek trochę je złamał. Uwielbiam ten świat, mimo że nie oszczędza czytelnika. Od razu robię reread Zakonu, bo te 320 stron to za mało.
Wyjaśnienie znaczenia tytułu chwyciło mnie za gardło jak wyrm. Mimo tak krotkiej historii bardzo sie zaangażowałam. Absolutnie nie zgadzam się, że wypuszczenie kolejenj ksiazki z tego uniwersum było niepotrzebne - w tej części autorka ukazała wydarzenia z perspektywy Yscalinu oraz Mentedonu i myślę, że nawet nieźle byłoby zacząć serię właśnie od tej noweli, bo nie przytłoczy objętością.
Znowu zachwycam się światotwórstwem i językiem, który jest przepiękny. Akcja nie jest specjalnie dynamiczna, ale za to wątki polityczne to wynagradzają. Chciałabym jeszcze więcej Marosy, która pobiła moje serce nawet bardziej niż Sabran, Ead czy Tane, a jednocześnie jej wątek trochę je złamał. Uwielbiam ten świat, mimo że nie oszczędza czytelnika. Od razu robię reread Zakonu, bo te 320 stron to za mało.
September 13, 2025
4,25 ⭐️
September 26, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Among the Burning Flowers is an incredible installment to the stunning Roots of Chaos series and after reading it, it had me rereading the entire series again! Despite its contents being mentioned in Priory already, the story felt new and I loved the nostalgic feeling it gave me when I saw familiar characters and names and I felt as if I was back in 2023, reading Priory for the first time.
The characters are very well developed and all mostly ones mentioned before but all as lovable as Eadaz or Dumai. Marosa was a character I had always been keen to learn more about in Priory and to fully see what she dealt with before Priory was an emotional experience. Samantha Shannon is an extraordinary writer and she has this way of making you feel as if you are Marosa, going through the same feelings of contained anger of claustrophobia that she feels throughout the story. Aubrecht is another interesting character from Priory that didn't get the amount of attention he deserved and I felt emotional seeing how deeply he cared for his family and Marosa and how conflicted he was at having to cancel his betrothal with her. Melaugo's part in this story was emotional too and I think the main message this story is trying to give is that no matter how bleak life seems to be, there is always hope somewhere in the distance.
The reappearance of familiar characters gave this novella a comfortable, nostalgic feeling and as a person who has read Priory and knows the events of the book, I was still turning page after page and skipping meals to finish the book. The ending was deeply satisfying and emotional yet left me hanging and wanting for more (so I reached for Priory on my bookshelf to continue the story (even though the story overlaps with the beginning of Priory)).
Among the Burning Flowers is a perfect read for anyone wanting to jump into the world of Priory for the first time and for long time fans ready to devour any book Samantha gives us! This book isn't as heavily romance based as the other two books in the Roots of Chaos series, instead focusing more on characters, emotion and providing more history, insight and depth for The Priory of the Orange Tree. This book moved me a lot and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a book steeped in myth, history and true, raw emotion.
Thank you to Samantha for writing such an excellent book! 🧡
Pre-read: Thank you Netgalley for letting me have an ARC of this beautiful, amazing and just genuinely brilliant book that I’ve waited so long for! <3 review to come soon :D
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