In February 2020 Bloomsbury Publishing invited me to take part in an exciting new Readathon with a twist!
This was the first ever Tandem Collective ‘Teaserlong’.
They informed me that this would operate in a similar way to other Readalongs, except that instead of completing the entire story, we’d finish at the end of Part One. This was because the book is a substantial - and very enjoyable - read!
**Please note there will be spoilers ahead.
This was the first ever Tandem Collective ‘Teaserlong’.
They informed me that this would operate in a similar way to other Readalongs, except that instead of completing the entire story, we’d finish at the end of Part One. This was because the book is a substantial - and very enjoyable - read!
**Please note there will be spoilers ahead.
So I started reading! Here's how it went...
Day 1: Page 34
‘The stranger came out of the sea like a water ghost barefoot and wearing the scars of his journey.’
Tandem Collective - With the threat of the red sickness in the air, Tané has committed a treasonous act: has she done the right thing bringing the stranger to Cape Hisan?
At this point I was a little baffled why Tané had done this. She was putting a lot at risk to help one individual who was a total stranger to her. I wasn’t exactly sure why she felt compelled to help him, but I knew it would be great to see how her decision would pan out as the plot developed.
Tandem Collective - Doctor Roos has agreed to harbour the young man despite making it clear he doesn’t want to: why?
I felt Doctor Roos agreed to harbour the young man probably because he needed the money and was the type of person who would instinctively want to help someone in need. I thought there was definitely more to it too, and as I looked forward to reading on more I guessed that the real reasons would be revealed later.
It took me a little while to really get into the book, but the storyline immediately drew me in and held my attention from the very first line of page one. I liked the mystery around the opening scene and the barefoot stranger emerging from the water.
At this point I was a little baffled why Tané had done this. She was putting a lot at risk to help one individual who was a total stranger to her. I wasn’t exactly sure why she felt compelled to help him, but I knew it would be great to see how her decision would pan out as the plot developed.
Tandem Collective - Doctor Roos has agreed to harbour the young man despite making it clear he doesn’t want to: why?
I felt Doctor Roos agreed to harbour the young man probably because he needed the money and was the type of person who would instinctively want to help someone in need. I thought there was definitely more to it too, and as I looked forward to reading on more I guessed that the real reasons would be revealed later.
It took me a little while to really get into the book, but the storyline immediately drew me in and held my attention from the very first line of page one. I liked the mystery around the opening scene and the barefoot stranger emerging from the water.
Day 2: Page 97
‘This was a breed that had not been seen in centuries… Mightiest of the Draconic creatures. The High Westerns, largest and most brutal of all the dragons.’
Tandem Collective - Dragons are, of course, a staple of Fantasy fiction, but how would you say Samantha Shannon has made them seem fresh and exciting in The Priory of The Orange Tree?
I love the way the author writes about Dragons in this book. Although many humans fear them, I love the way that others (in the East) train for years and years in the hopes of being able to ride these majestic creatures. I wasn’t expecting the Dragons to be able to talk, so this is another really intriguing quality about them!
Can you think of any other examples of fictional or mythical creatures being reinvented successfully?
I was really intrigued by the sirens and the Sea Queen in Alexandra Christo’s To Kill a Kingdom. Mermaid are awesome!
By this point I was absolutely hooked and barely able to put the book down all day. I was so eager to find out more about Tané's hopes of becoming a Dragon rider, and how she could achieve her dream. I also loved reading about Ead and Queen Sabran in the West, The Queen's backstory is particularly intriguing and I desperately wanted to know more about her and her ancestors.
DAy 3: Page 143
'The streets glistened like sand under the sun, and the petals drifted along the canals... Charcoal smoke thickened the air... messengers ran or rode between buildings, stray hounds nosed at scraps of food.'
Tandem Collective - The Priory of the Orange Tree wonderfully brings to life many different vibrant and interesting places. Which would you most like to visit and why?
I think I’d go East because so far in the book I’m really enjoying reading about the new soldiers of the High Sea Guard and how they train their whole lives to be able to work alongside Dragons, with some eventually even being able to ride them. In this region people see Dragons as beautiful creatures to coexist with so I think its definitely the place id most want to visit.
DAy 4: Page 220
He deserves to look as corrupt on the outside as he always was within.'
The Donmata is barely surviving a terrible existence, caring for a murderer she loathes. Do you notice any real-world analogies to the King's illness and her position? Do you think Loth should trust her?
I'm not too sure about any real-world analogies right now, but I am definitely a little sceptical about the Donmata and whether Loth should trust her. Whilst on one hand I feel really sorry for her situation, I'm also not entirely convinced she is telling the total truth. Maybe her intentions aren't as good as she wants Loth to believe?
We finished the teaserlong at page 249 (the end of Part One) and I'm definitely going to continue reading this wonderful fantasy novel! The Priory of the Orange Tree is a a trailblazing, epic high fantasy about a world on the brink of war with dragons - and the women who must lead the fight to save it. I am so excited to see what happens next! Thanks again to Bloomsbury Publishing and Tandem Collective for sending me an advanced copy of the book and inviting me to join the teaserlong, along with all the other really wonderful Bookstagrammers!
We finished the teaserlong at page 249 (the end of Part One) and I'm definitely going to continue reading this wonderful fantasy novel! The Priory of the Orange Tree is a a trailblazing, epic high fantasy about a world on the brink of war with dragons - and the women who must lead the fight to save it. I am so excited to see what happens next! Thanks again to Bloomsbury Publishing and Tandem Collective for sending me an advanced copy of the book and inviting me to join the teaserlong, along with all the other really wonderful Bookstagrammers!