Content levels
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
A world divided. A queendom without an heir. An ancient enemy awakens. The House of Berethnet has ruled Inys for a thousand years. Still unwed, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction – but assassins are getting closer to her door. Ead Duryan is an outsider at court. Though she has risen to the position of lady-in-waiting, she is loyal to a hidden society of mages. Ead keeps a watchful eye on Sabran, secretly protecting her with forbidden magic. Across the dark sea, Tané has trained to be a dragonrider since she was a child, but is forced to make a choice that could see her life unravel. Meanwhile, the divided East and West refuse to parley, and forces of chaos are rising from their sleep.
Is The Priory of the Orange Tree appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This epic fantasy contains significant battle violence with blood and death, assassination attempts, mature political themes, and a lesbian romance with some intimate scenes (fade-to-black level). Strong language appears occasionally throughout.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, moderate sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include death, violence, and blood (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be drawn to the sweeping world-building, multiple badass female protagonists, dragon riders, forbidden magic, and court intrigue.