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A review by tej_reads
A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon
adventurous
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I wanted to wait before publishing this review, as I happened to be seeing Samantha Shannon in Conversation at Waterstones Piccadilly (and also because my Broken Binding copies shipped so I wanted a cute picture).
Now I am concerned about how exactly to write this review in a way that doesn't spoil things for people who haven't read Priory, however it seems that the books can be read as standalones where you can dive into either one and not have had to have read the other but I will keep this spoiler free and brief.
In Shannon's own words A Day of Fallen Night is longer and gayer than The Priory of the Orange Tree, taking place 500 years before, and I think I'm going to leave describing the book there.
From the first line, you're hooked, the imagery Shannon creates is beautifully; you truly feel immersed in the world. When Shannon said she spent hours at the British Museum researching what a hat would be made of in a specific time period - she meant it, her dedication to world building and every little detail shines through in ADOFN (and Rabbit is the answer).
Now ADOFN is thicker than Priory, and for good reason - we finally get to the North and explore the Priory! ADOFN focuses on four main characters: Tunuva, Glorian, Dumai & Wulf and spans several years. The storylines initially seems independent but as we go along we see how they all connect with each other. The age and hierarchical difference in the characters was done exceptionally well, especially Tunuva who is older and really isn't a character you see in popular literature - fantasy or otherwise. I do think with the characters you either love them or hate them. I liked Glorian from the get-go she is smart, self-assured and cunning and I was in a way hoping for world domination for her. The world building I cannot stress enough Shannon creates religions from the Godsingers to the Virtudom of the Queendom of Inys. ADOFN is a world you want to explore.
Now I would say it is chunky, so pace yourself if you need to, don't feel overwhelmed or intimidated by it's size ADOFN wants to be read, however you choose to read it. I do recommend perhaps Audio-booking this, just for ease.
Final words? ADOFN demands to be read.
Thank you to Samantha Shannon and Bloomsbury for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
book 7 of 2023
Now I am concerned about how exactly to write this review in a way that doesn't spoil things for people who haven't read Priory, however it seems that the books can be read as standalones where you can dive into either one and not have had to have read the other but I will keep this spoiler free and brief.
In Shannon's own words A Day of Fallen Night is longer and gayer than The Priory of the Orange Tree, taking place 500 years before, and I think I'm going to leave describing the book there.
From the first line, you're hooked, the imagery Shannon creates is beautifully; you truly feel immersed in the world. When Shannon said she spent hours at the British Museum researching what a hat would be made of in a specific time period - she meant it, her dedication to world building and every little detail shines through in ADOFN (and Rabbit is the answer).
Now ADOFN is thicker than Priory, and for good reason - we finally get to the North and explore the Priory! ADOFN focuses on four main characters: Tunuva, Glorian, Dumai & Wulf and spans several years. The storylines initially seems independent but as we go along we see how they all connect with each other. The age and hierarchical difference in the characters was done exceptionally well, especially Tunuva who is older and really isn't a character you see in popular literature - fantasy or otherwise. I do think with the characters you either love them or hate them. I liked Glorian from the get-go she is smart, self-assured and cunning and I was in a way hoping for world domination for her. The world building I cannot stress enough Shannon creates religions from the Godsingers to the Virtudom of the Queendom of Inys. ADOFN is a world you want to explore.
Now I would say it is chunky, so pace yourself if you need to, don't feel overwhelmed or intimidated by it's size ADOFN wants to be read, however you choose to read it. I do recommend perhaps Audio-booking this, just for ease.
Final words? ADOFN demands to be read.
Thank you to Samantha Shannon and Bloomsbury for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
book 7 of 2023