2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge discussion

This thread is to discuss A Day of Fallen Night, a prequel in the Roots of Chaos series by Samantha Shannon.

Pages: 880 pages

Length: 2 month (October and November)

Participants: Michelle, Rachael, Ilona, Lorraine

Everyone reads at their own pace during a Buddy Read. Because participants can be at different parts of the book at different times, it is extremely important to mark spoilers so that the book is not ruined for someone who is not as far along as others!!!

Mark spoilers by placing {spoiler} before the text and {/spoiler} after the text but use the < and > instead of the { and }.

Hello everyone. Unfortunately I will not be able to join you on this one. Have fun!

I'll be starting in a few weeks!

Ilona wrote: "I'll be starting in a few weeks!"

Me too!

I have already started this book! I couldn't wait to pick it up. I'll probably take a break from it halfway through the month as I'm going on a trip and I'd rather take my ereader than this heavy book. I'll try to write an update every so often :)

Goodday,

Currently on chapter 6 (after the prologue chapters). I really needed this sunday to get into the characters and the world again. I've made some notes, mostly on people and who they are. How do you keep track of the characters and places at the beginning of the book? It takes me a lot of energy, but I obviously know it is worth it.

Here are my notes so far:

East (Seiiki)
(view spoiler)[
- Saguresi of Afa: Governor of Afa (under Manai III), Riverlord (under Jorodu IV), exiled (Clan Kuposa)
- Unora of Afa: Maiden officiant at the High Temple of Kwiriki
- Dumai of Ipyeda: Godsinger at High Temple of Kwiriki
Saguresi > Unora > Dumai

- Manai III/ Grand Empress: Former Empress, Supreme officiant at High Temple of Kwiriki, married into clan Mithara
- Jorodu IV/ EmperorJorodu: Emperor (since age 9 under Kuposa pa Fotaja).
- Kuposa pa Sipwo: Empress consort
- Kuposa pa Fotaja/ Lord Kuposa: River lord, head of clan Kuposa
Manai III > Jorodu IV (+ Kuposa pa Sipwo) > Suzumai

- Kanifa of Ipyeda: Godsinger at High temple of Kwiriki, close friend of Dumai
- Tajorin pa Osipa: Member of clan Tajorin, Loyal handmaiden of the Grand Empress of Seiiki (hide spoiler)]

West (Berehnet family of Inys)
(view spoiler)[
- Sabran V/ Malkin Queen: 16th Queen of Inys
- Jillian III: 17th Queen of Inys
- Marian III/ Marian the less: 18th Queen of Inys
- Sabran VI/ Sabran the Ambitious: 19th Queen of Inys
- Glorian Hraustr Berehtnet/ Glorian Óthling: Princess of Inys & Hróth
- Bardholt I/Bardholt Hraustr: 1st king of Hróth, King of Mentendon
- Ólrun Hraustr: Half brother of Bardholt I
- Einlek Ólrunsban Hraustr: Heir of Hróth
Sabran V > Jillian III > Marian III > Sabran VI (+ Bardholt I) > Glorian
Olrún > Einlek

- Julian Crest: Lady-in-waiting to Glorian
- Helisent Beck: Lady-in-waiting to Glorian
- Adelia 'Adela' afa Daura: Lady-in-waiting to Glorian
- Florell Glade: First lady of the Great Chamber to Sabran VI

- Wulfert 'Wulf' Glenn/ Child of the woods: Adpoted son, house carl to Bardholt I
- Edrick Glenn
- Mansell Shore
- Mara Glenn
- Rosa
Eldrict + Mansell > Wulf, Roland, Mara (adopted)
(hide spoiler)]

South (Priory)
(view spoiler)[
- Siyu du Tunuva uq-Nãra: Postulant of the priory, bonded to Lalhar
- Apaya du Eadaz uq-Nãra: Initiate of the priory, posted at court of Ersyr
- Esbar du Apaya uq-Nãra: Heir of priory, boned to Jeda
- Tunava Melim: Initiate of the priory, Tomb keeper, lover of Esbar, bonded to Ninuru
- Imsurin: Brother of the priory, unofficial leader of men
Apaya > Esbar (+ Imsurin) ? Siyu

- Siyãti du Verda uq-Nãra: Ersyri handmaiden of cleolind, 2nd prioress
- Saghul Yedana: Current prioress of the orange tree

- Yeleni Janudin: Postulant of the priory, hunting partner of Siyu, bonded to Farna
- Gashan Janudin: Initiate of the priory, bonded to Barsuga

- Kuposa pa Nikeya/ Lady of faces: Seikkinese noblewoman, heir of Kuposapa Fotaja.
(hide spoiler)]

South (Carmentum)
(view spoiler)[
- Numum/Decreer of Carmentum: Leader of the republic
- Mezdat uq-Rumelabar/ Mezdat Taumãgan: Married to Numum, eldest daughter of Daraniya VI
- Ebanth Lievelyn/ Briar Rose of Brygstad: Mentish noble woman, married to numum
- Daraniya VI/ Queen of Queens: Queen of Elsyr, Head of house Taumãgam. Bodyguarded by Apaya uq-Nãra.
- Arpa Nerafriss: Advisor to Numum
(hide spoiler)]

I plan on starting tomorrow :)

Michelle, as you have already started, do you think it's a good idea to refresh my memory and read a summary of The Priory of the Orange Tree before I start reading? Or is it such a separate story that it's not necessary?

I thought A Day of Fallen Night was a prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree

It is, but I am not sure how early this story takes place (maybe some characters are ancestors of those in The Priory of the Orange Tree) and how much world building we get in this book.

It feels like an entirely different book with entirely different characters. I don't think it's necessary to read a summary of the priory of the orange tree. This book takes place a LONG time before priory of the orange tree. There are more parts to the country, like the republic of Carmentum and the Queendom of Sepul that don't exist anymore in the priory of the orange tree. There is a whole new introduction of the characters and world.

I've reached part 2 (chapter 24) now.

(view spoiler)[
I do quite like the plot of the east. It was somehow unexpected, but could also be expected due to the background story. It seemed fitting that Unora and/or Dumai would come into contact again with the Kuposas. I really like the king so far and am curious how Dumai will hold herself in court and all its intrigues.

The story in the west is obviously also a story at court. I don't really like that part. It seems like all of the Berethnet family is stuck and that feels sad. However, I really do love Wulfs and king Bardholts characters. I do love that we read a bit more about Wulf and his family and hope we'll continue to do so. He will obviously cross Glorians path again.

For the south, I'm not really sure where the story is going to go. It has to do with the creatures that came out of the Vulcano obviously. I really liked Siyu but now I just read she's to be confined during her pregnancy, so I'm a bit afraid we won't see much of her for the next bit though I would really like too. We'll see how it progresses.
(hide spoiler)]

Michelle wrote: "It feels like an entirely different book with entirely different characters. I don't think it's necessary to read a summary of the priory of the orange tree. This book takes place a LONG time befor..."

That's good to know, thank you! :)

Michelle wrote: "Goodday,

Currently on chapter 6 (after the prologue chapters). I really needed this sunday to get into the characters and the world again. I've made some notes, mostly on people and who they are. ..."

I just finished chapter 6 and am really enjoying the book so far! Honestly I thought I was easily keeping track, but then I looked at your list and didn't recognize half of them haha.
My copy has a list of the characters in the back, doesn't yours?

Michelle wrote: "I've reached part 2 (chapter 24) now."

(view spoiler)[
I really like the plots of the east and west,
Dumai is a great character and I love to see how she will handle politics, and I'd like to see more of Wulf's character. I think we'll get to see more of his history in the Haithwood, and think a romance between Wulf and Glorian is likely.

I like the Southern story less, Siyu my least favorite character at the moment, although we haven't seen a lot of her, just a lot of talk about her. (hide spoiler)]

I just finished part 2 (chapter 41)!
First thoughts (and giant spoiler): (view spoiler)[I am a bit sad that we lost so many main characters. It was foreshadowed, but still, I really liked Queen Sabran, King Bardhold and Wulf. Poor Glorian, and Barons! (hide spoiler)]

I have some more thoughts on part 2 today:
(view spoiler)[
West & North: So sad to lose my favorited characters! I also feel that there is still some mystery left around Wulf's origins, hopefully we'll still find out if there is a connection with the Haithwood witch. Glorian is a bit young (both in age and mind) to become queen, but I am curious to find out if she'll be a good one.

South: Still not my favorite storyline, but I like that we got so see the first wyrm! Tunuva's dream about Esbar stabbing her is worrying though, especially since Esbar will become the Prioress soon!

East: Dumai seems to be doing well at court! I am glad she has some friends, but it also interesting to see what Nikeya and her uncle are up to! (hide spoiler)]

I will be starting this in a few days hopefully. Glad it's a 2 month read

I did get somewhere in part 2 and then went on to read another book as a break. it's almost finished and then I'm picking this back up!

Finished the other book unexpectantly yesterday evening. So I'm picking up this book again!

About the character list; yes, my copy also has a list in the back. But I feel like they're out of order and the information given there isn't always what I would write down. So it helps me in the beginning to make my own list, especially with so many characters in so many parts of the world :) But I guess everyone has his or her own way

Reacting to Ilona's comment on the chapters until chapter 24:

(view spoiler)[ It's interesting to see how we like the same characters (Dumai and Wulf). Gets me thinking if that's coincidence or if that's intended and done by the writing style, etc.. What do you think? (hide spoiler)]

Michelle wrote: "Reacting to Ilona's comment on the chapters until chapter 24:"

(view spoiler)[I think that this is mostly writing style: Both characters are written as completely lawfully good. They are loyal, honest, and self sacrificing, but still complex and with an intriguing backstory. (hide spoiler)]

I finished the book two days ago and very much enjoyed it! :)

I've read the prologue(s) and first six chapters so far. A lot of characters to keep track of! I am looking forward to seeing how the stories will connect.
Glorian: (view spoiler)[this line from the beginning of chapter 7 resonates with me: "she still had no interest in consorts and the only puff she fancied in her belly was the sort that came from a good helping of blackberry pie." I really hope this element of her character remains because I crave more asexuality representation in media especially if it's done well (hide spoiler)]

Got to part III (chapter 41) as well yesterday evening in bed! (view spoiler)[ Oh no! That was unexpected for me, though I did expect something to happen. I did really like King Bardhold and Wulf as well.. But maybe I read it wrong, but I have hope for Wulf. Even though it's only a little little little bit. It said there was no escape, but still. Who knows.. (You probably, since you finished the book). I'm also quite intrigued with the sleepwalking and sleepwalking person. I'm curious who it is. It may be one of the dragons?

Nikeya is also an interesting character yes. I still don't know her intend and fully trust her. She probably has her own secret agenda, but who know what that is... (hide spoiler)]

Rachael wrote: "I've read the prologue(s) and first six chapters so far. A lot of characters to keep track of! I am looking forward to seeing how the stories will connect.
Glorian: [spoilers removed]"

Yes, a lot of characters. But this book feels easier to get to know and remember them than in the priory. It is indeed a good and beautifully written line. And the truth of many in her position I guess...

I've finished. It was a slow start for me but after the first few chapters, I couldn't put it down. I think I do slightly prefer Priory though

On chapter 59.

(view spoiler)[ Wulf survived. Guessed it correctly. I'm glad he did, because he is one of my favorite characters. But I do feel for him with so many of his friends that died.. and his king and queen obviously. I did see it coming that he'd ask Glorian in his bed and I hope she takes the offer. It's very noble of her to agree to wed the old man for the country, but to make a child together. Gross...

It was interesting to find out that Dumai and Glorian are linked through the dreamwalking. I hadn't guessed, but I've had thoughts about that possibility earlier in the story, so it wasn't a total surprise either. Dumai said she thought she could send rain though and then it went over that aspect very quickly. How?

I'm also very curious what'll happen to Tuva now she's heard of Wulf maybe being her lost child.. and also to know how and why it happened. I'm also less invested in that story, but we'll see how it goes. I find it very intriguing how Samantha Shannon gets all the stories so well intertwined at the end while they seem so separate at the beginning of the book. (hide spoiler)]

As a side note; have you read the bone season series of the same author? I've read the first one last month as a buddy read as well. It also took some time to get into, and it's a whole different kind of story, but I did like that one as well. Got invested in the characters and intrigued with the story and world. I'm continuing part 2 and remaining books in the series as buddy ready from January on. So you're welcome to join if you find the time to read the first part before January :)

Michelle wrote: "As a side note; have you read the bone season series of the same author? I've read the first one last month as a buddy read as well. It also took some time to get into, and it's a whole different k..."

I have not, but will check it out :)

Finished the book this fine Sunday!

(view spoiler)[ I think the ending is the same as expected. There would be no other way either, because the priory came after it and the world needs time to get back to that. I think, however, that the book gives insight in the cycles of life (hot vs. cold) and how the courts all work. I got less engaged in this book than in the priory, but I did still think it was worth reading the book. The writing style and the way all the worlds and characters are intertwined in the end, even though they have many different stories.. I don't know how she does it. I do think it's ashame that Glorian and Dumai didn't find each other in the end and I don't know if I fully undertand Dumai's choice in the last chapters to diminish her light to the dark. (hide spoiler)]