AMONG THE
BURNING FLOWERS
The Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling
prelude to The Priory of the Orange Tree
It has been centuries since the Draconic Army took wing, almost extinguishing humankind. Marosa Vetalda is a prisoner in her own home, controlled by her cold father, King Sigoso. Over the mountains, her betrothed, Aubrecht Lievelyn, rules Mentendon in all but name. Together, they intend to usher in a better world.
A better world seems impossibly distant to Estina Melaugo, who hunts the Draconic beasts that have slept across the world for centuries.
And now the wyrm Fýredel is stirring, and Yscalin will be the first to fall . . .
A story of human resilience in the face of dire circumstances, Among the Burning Flowers leads readers through the gripping and tragic events that pave the way for the opening of the million-copy bestseller The Priory of The Orange Tree.
Illustrated by Rovina Cai
‘No one enthralls me like Samantha Shannon’ – R. F. Kuang, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Katabasis
‘Samantha Shannon's writing remains exquisite, impeccably crafted and beautifully detailed, while somehow always feeling effortless to us readers. Among the Burning Flowers feels like Yscalin has been there for centuries stretching back far beyond the first few pages, and will exist long after we turn the last page of this book. Samantha Shannon is at the top of her game, and I am always excited to spend time in her books’ – Alwyn Hamilton, New York Times bestselling author of The Notorious Virtues
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REVIEWS
‘immediately captures your attention and will set you up for the world and intricacies of this broader story […] This world that Samantha Shannon has built is so beautiful and incredibly intricate; it is amazing that we get the chance to explore different parts of this story. She is a vivid storyteller with the ability to make every character, no matter how small, have purpose’ – BookTrib
’[The] sheer terror that befalls the Yscali people as they face Fýredel’s pure evil is both powerful and relevant. Marosa’s plight further solidifies her as a hero worth remembering; her strength and defiance shine through as hope for the future she’s dreamed of slowly flickers out. Devoted series fans will appreciate the added pieces to this expansive narrative puzzle’ – Kirkus Reviews
‘for readers who are intimidated by the novels’ size, or new to epic fantasy, Among the Burning Flowers strikes a good balance between the two approaches while maintaining Shannon’s trademark combination of political intrigue and action delivered in rich, descriptive style’ – Daily of the University of Washington
‘For new readers, this is a perfect bite-sized entry point. It shows off Shannon’s world-building without overwhelming, promises intrigue and heartbreak in equal measure and gestures toward the enormity of the saga still waiting’ – Michigan Daily
death, invasion threat, pandemic (mentioned), parental abuse, suicide (mentioned), starvation, uxoricide, violence