Question 1

Is The Priory of the Orange Tree a series?

Accepted Answer

The Priory of the Orange Tree is a standalone epic fantasy novel, not the start of a series. Samantha Shannon also wrote a prequel, A Day of Fallen Night (2023), set 500 years before the main novel. Both books are self-contained and can be read in any order.

Question 2

How long is The Priory of the Orange Tree?

Accepted Answer

The Priory of the Orange Tree is approximately 848 pages and 298,000 words, making it one of the longest single-volume fantasy novels published in recent years. Despite its length, readers consistently note its fast pacing across four distinct POV characters.

Question 3

Is The Priory of the Orange Tree a feminist fantasy?

Accepted Answer

Yes — The Priory of the Orange Tree centers on female protagonists, features a dragon-rider queen, and imagines a world where women hold significant political and religious power. Shannon has cited her desire to write a high fantasy that didn't center male experience as a primary motivation for the book.

Question 4

Should I read Priory of the Orange Tree or A Day of Fallen Night first?

Accepted Answer

You can read either first. A Day of Fallen Night is a prequel set 500 years before Priory and functions as a complete standalone story. Most readers start with The Priory of the Orange Tree (published first and more widely read), but reading A Day of Fallen Night first provides historical context that enriches the later book.

The Priory of the Orange Tree Reading Order

Complete Priory of the Orange Tree Book List