The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

A New York Times Bestseller and Amazon Best Book, this sweeping epic fantasy weaves together dragons, forbidden magic, and a queendom on the brink of chaos. Perfect for readers who crave richly imagined worlds and characters who refuse to be contained by tradition.

In the realm of Inys, Queen Sabran the Ninth faces an impossible burden: she must produce an heir to keep ancient evil at bay, even as assassins close in. But her most devoted protector isn’t who the court believes. Ead Duryan, a lady-in-waiting with secrets of her own, guards the queen with forbidden magic—a power that could destroy them both if discovered.

Across the sea, Tané has sacrificed everything to become a dragonrider, only to face a choice that threatens to unravel her entire life. As East and West remain stubbornly divided, an ancient enemy stirs from centuries of slumber, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

This is fantasy that refuses to play by the old rules. With its unapologetically queer romance, fierce female characters, and world-building that spans continents and cultures, The Priory of the Orange Tree delivers the epic scope of Game of Thrones with a fresh, feminist perspective. The pages practically hum with dragon-fire and political intrigue, while the salt-spray of adventure lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.

Settle in with this one on a stormy afternoon—you’ll need the time to lose yourself completely in Shannon’s masterfully crafted world.

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