A flower, without water, persists in growing – even when all that surrounds it is burnt.
Among the Burning Flowers, prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree, chronicles the fall of Yscalin and the grief that follows. Through the perspectives of Marosa, Melaugo, and Aubrecht, the reader is taken across a kingdom stricken by terror at the threat of a draconic awakening.
The novel explores faith, loyalty, and the cost of obedience, all revealed through acts of deceit and quiet bravery. The storytelling is visceral and immersive, made all the more powerful by its beautifully crafted prose.
It’s hard not to be invested in Marosa, who is not only confined and hidden, but also navigating tragedies of both past and present. In a realm marked by betrayal and unpredictability, she remains unwavering in her identity.
The culler, Melaugo, wrestles with the weight of impending doom and the ache of loneliness. Her arc offers a glimpse into the quiet devastation experienced by ordinary people, though her storyline feels underdeveloped in comparison to the others. Aubrecht, Marosa’s fiance, provides a different emotional lens. His longing to be reunited with her amplifies the reader’s intrigue, while his perspective raises doubts about whether the king – Marosa’s father – has descended into madness or has chosen to renounce faith.
Among the Burning Flowers is a captivating read that lingers – for its stoicism, sorrow, and the bravery it takes to survive. With its surprising conclusion, it pairs well as a companion to The Priory of the Orange Tree.
Reviewed by Mille Hughes
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born in London in 1991, Samantha studied English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford from 2010 to 2013.
In 2013, at the age of 21, she published The Bone Season, the internationally bestselling first instalment in a seven-book series of fantasy novels. Her first book outside the series, The Priory of the Orange Tree, has sold over a million copies in English worldwide. Its prequel, A Day of Fallen Night, hit shelves in February 2023, becoming an instant #1 Sunday Times bestseller.
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