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After finishing The Priory of the Orange Tree, I immediately moved on to its prequel:
A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon.
This book takes place 500 years before the events of The Priory, and while it exists in the same rich universe, it stands completely on its own.
So if you’re wondering — do you need to read Priory first?
Not at all.
This story is its own beginning.
The Premise
Set long before the return of the Nameless One, A Day of Fallen Night follows a similar global scope — the East, the West, the South, and now the frozen North.
But this time, the threat is not the Nameless One himself, but his second-in-command, Fýredel, and his four deadly siblings.
The wyrms rise again, but with even more horrifying impact — and this book takes the time to show how deeply that affects every culture, every family, and every belief system.
The Characters
Where Priory was grand and sweeping, A Day of Fallen Night is intimate and immersive.
We follow the perspectives of:
- Dumai, of the East — who was my favorite
- Tunuva, of the South
- Glorian, of the West
- Wulf, of the North — a very close second favorite for me
Each character is distinct, powerful, and raw.
They’re strong not because they’re flawless, but because they’re deeply human — even in a world filled with dragons, politics, and war.
Why This Book Meant So Much
This was one of the most emotionally engaging book I’ve read so far.
I found myself impatient to read more each day — not just to see what happens, but because I genuinely missed the characters when I wasn’t with them.
There was something about their internal battles, their relationships, and the way they stood in the face of devastation that felt deeply personal.
This story isn’t just about saving the world — it’s about grief, legacy, and the weight of choice.
Rating & Recommendation
9.5/10
If you’re a fantasy reader, this book is a must.
- 880 pages of depth, lore, dragons, and soul
- Intricate world-building that never feels like filler
- Characters who stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page
This book doesn’t rely on a traditional “hero saves the world” arc.
It’s messier than that. More human. More real, in a way you wouldn’t expect from a high fantasy novel.
Final Thoughts
Samantha Shannon didn’t just write a prequel — she created a masterpiece that somehow expands the universe while also standing strong on its own.
If you’re thinking about starting with A Day of Fallen Night instead of The Priory, go for it.
And if you’ve already read The Priory and are wondering whether this one is worth the time?
It’s not just worth it. It’s better.
More layered. More emotional. And honestly, the kind of story that reminds you why you love reading in the first place.