What if the world’s greatest threat wasn’t just awakening, but rising?How do you fight ancient evil when darkness itself falls from the sky?
Prepare to be completely immersed in a world of majestic dragons, intricate queens, and a looming terror unlike any other. Samantha Shannon’s A Day of Fallen Night is a monumental prequel to the beloved The Priory of the Orange Tree, plunging you into a time of even greater peril and the legendary heroes who first faced the coming darkness. This isn’t just a book; it’s a sprawling, breathtaking epic that demands your attention.
What Kind of Book Is It?
- Genre: Epic Fantasy / High Fantasy / Dragon Fantasy / LGBTQ+
- Tone: Grand, sweeping, intricate, intense, deeply emotional, with a sense of impending doom
- Setting: The vast, richly detailed world of The Roots of Chaos, centuries before Priory, across multiple kingdoms and cultures (Inys, the North, the Golden Empire, the Priory itself)
- Pacing: Deliberate and intricate, building complex storylines and character arcs towards an earth-shattering climax
What Epic Saga Awaits You? (Spoiler-Free!)
Set centuries before the events of The Priory of the Orange Tree, A Day of Fallen Night takes us back to a time when the world stood on the precipice of an ancient evil’s return: the Nameless One, a terrifying dragon of fire and destruction.
The story unfolds across multiple perspectives, introducing us to a new cast of unforgettable characters whose destinies become intertwined with the fate of humanity:
- Tunuva Melim: A disgraced elder of the Priory of the Orange Tree, grappling with a past love and a desperate mission to save her order.
- Glorian: The younger sister of the Queen of Inys, thrust into the dangerous world of court politics and unexpected betrayals.
- Dumai: A reluctant dragon rider in the distant Golden Empire, chosen by a silent dragon, who must unlock ancient magic she never knew she possessed.
- Wulf: A fierce warrior from the North, bound by duty and honor, facing a growing darkness that threatens his people and his land.
As the Nameless One stirs from its long slumber, unleashing its devastating Wyrms upon the world, these diverse heroes must confront their own fears, navigate treacherous landscapes, and make impossible choices. The fate of their respective cultures, their very understanding of good and evil, and the survival of humankind itself depend on them.
This story is about:
- The origin of a legendary conflict between humanity and ancient dragons.
- Interwoven storylines across vast continents and diverse cultures.
- Powerful female characters forging their own legacies in a patriarchal world.
- Forbidden loves and fierce loyalties tested by ultimate adversity.
- A grand, immersive exploration of power, prophecy, and the courage to fight for light in the darkest of times.
Why You’ll Be OBSESSED with This Masterpiece
Still wondering if this monumental epic is for you? Here’s why A Day of Fallen Night is an absolute triumph:
- Unparalleled World-Building: Samantha Shannon once again delivers a world of breathtaking scope and intricate detail. Every kingdom, every custom, every magical element feels meticulously crafted and alive.
- Complex, Compelling Characters: The multiple perspectives allow for deep dives into richly developed characters. You’ll become utterly invested in their individual struggles, their relationships, and their pivotal roles in the larger narrative.
- Epic Scope & Stakes: This book is huge in every sense, delivering on the promise of a truly epic fantasy. The stakes are immense, and the tension is palpable as the world descends into chaos.
- Beautiful Prose: Shannon’s writing is elegant, evocative, and powerful, perfectly suited to the grand scale of the story.
- A Must-Read for Fantasy Fans: If you love long, immersive fantasies with dragons, political intrigue, diverse representation, and a sense of history unfolding before your eyes, this book is a masterpiece.
Ready to witness the beginning of a legend and the fight against ultimate darkness? Ready to get lost in Tunuva, Glorian, Dumai, and Wulf’s world of ancient dragons and a looming catastrophe? You can find A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon on Amazon or at your favorite book stor.
Loved “A Day of Fallen Night” (or “The Priory of the Orange Tree“)? You’ll Be Enthralled by These Next!
- “The Way of Kings” (The Stormlight Archive) by Brandon Sanderson: For a truly massive, intricate epic fantasy series with extensive world-building, multiple POVs, a complex magic system, and a deep philosophical core.
- “The Bone Shard Daughter” by Andrea Stewart: If you enjoy complex magic systems, unique creatures, political intrigue, and a compelling female protagonist fighting for her rightful place in an empire.
- “A Memory Called Empire” by Arkady Martine: For a brilliant space opera that feels like epic fantasy, with intricate political maneuvering, cultural clashes, and a protagonist navigating a complex, imperial society.
- “Foundryside” by Robert Jackson Bennett: If you’re looking for a highly original magic system based on ‘scriving’ or rewriting reality, combined with a clever protagonist, thrilling heists, and a deep dive into power structures.
