Giving this book ⁺₊✧⁺ 4.5 stars ⁺₊✧⁺ rounded up to 5.

The Priory of the Orange Tree made me realise how rusty i have gotten at reading. The 831 pages took a lot out of me, and while enjoying it, i couldn't stop myself from peeking at the percentage very often to see if i am getting any closer to the end.

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This book's concept, its cover, and the fact that everyone on Tiktok refused to shut up about it made me finally pick it up, albeit after much of its hype seems to have calmed down.

And after many many many hours of reading (not helped by the fact that only when i reached the end of the book i realised it included a character guide and glossary), i find myself with mixed feelings writing this review.

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This book had so many elements i adored - gorgeous worlds (of which i feel i still have not seen enough), secret assassin societies (are you kidding me? so cool), conspiracies, people from different and opposing lands coming together (one can only dream; or read books about it i suppose) and DRAGONS.

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I also had a lot of fun trying to figure out all the mysteries in the book, although i failed that every time except for once, and that one was only three paragraphs before the reveal in the book so, not that great at that it seems. )) I also until the end remained confused on some details, but not sure whether that is truly something unresolved in the book, something i did not pay enough attention to, or something tackled in some of the other books in the series. So the confusion might be part of the reason for my mixed feelings.

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I was also not sure about the pacing.

The time spent on the road especially was confusing, seemed very long but at the same time there were a multitude of creatures that would appear and could traverse it very easily. I can also get bored when there is time on the road with little happening, but because the story was focused more on the characters being on this road rather than showing some other things happening in the meantime with the other characters, the passage of time was confusing and it seemed like it was too fast somehow?

I also understood the need to take the time at the beginning of the book to set all the characters on their paths, but when reaching closer to the end, it felt like because so much time was used on that, at this point everything was being resolved too easily and quickly. Also expected more casualties, because for the most part, the consequences of the actions of these characters were decently realistic, and towards the end it seemed all of them had plot armour (unlike Loth, who had plot armour the entire book) and they were all invincible and nobody you really cared about was hurt (not in a very bad way at least). Not to say i don't enjoy happy endings, just was surprised it went that way considering the road so far.

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Thoughts about the main POVs?

I found Loth to be nice, but not interesting enough to be one of the mains. Not to deny how important he was to the plot, as he made the connection between most of the other characters, but the plot armour was strong with this one.

I hated Niclays Roos with a passion the entire book. Yes, one can understand what drives him, but every time i realised it was his point of view again my mood instantly got worse. Felt like he was let off too easy in the end.

I desperately wanted more Tané. I feel her storyline was very interesting and related to her the most, in striving and working so hard while to others it comes so easy, and in feeling too much guilt for too little sin and the need to punish oneself. Just overall a very real character to me, and wanted more. Incredibly confused by the end of her story.

And finally Eadaz. She felt like the most 'main' of the characters. She had by far the most eventful storyline and most character development. I loved that for her, though i felt that the other storytellers where often overshadowed by her because of it. I think she did too much in the end, singlehandedly resolving most conflicts, which again rendered the other characters kind of useless.

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Thoughts about other characters?

✧ Chassar is father of the year, not that there are many contenders for that title, considering basically everyone is an orphan. Still confused on how he is in such an important role in the Priory, considering they believe in female supremacy and am pretty sure all the other men around are only servants, but happy to have him.

✧ Sabran is an icon and a legend and I felt so bad for her for so many reasons. Was surprised she handled all the revelations so well. Was hoping for a more active role for her in the final confrontation, but am sufficiently satisfied with her ending.

✧ Kalyba was very unexpected, and very disturbing. Someone said she scares them more than The Nameless One and honestly same. Derranged.

✧ Expected Turosa to play a much bigger role in Tané's storyline. I liked Meg, but was annoyed at how she became the deus ex machina at some point. Truyde was foolish, but compelling.

⁺₊✧ General, closing thoughts ⁺₊✧

As much complaining as I might have done, I really enjoyed this book. All the kingdoms seemed beautiful and distinct, the characters (even the ones i strongly disliked) seemed to have strong motivations and actions that made sense (for the most part), and the storyline was very interesting. I definitely had some moments of gasping out loud, or kicking my feet and giggling, or feeling heartbroken for some storylines.

That is why i decided on a 4.5 - rounded up to 5 - rating, because over everything, i am a mood reader and a vibe rater ))