REVIEW: Among the Burning Flowers (Samantha Shannon)

Book: Among the Burning Flowers

Author: Samantha Shannon

Premise: It has been centuries since the Draconic Army almost extinguished humankind. Marosa Vetalda is a prisoner in her own home. Aubrecht Lievelyn, rules Mentendon in all but name. Estina Melaugo hunts the Draconic beasts that have slept across the world. And now the great wyrm Fýredel is stirring, and Yscalin will be the first to fall.

This is a short prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree, covering the return of the dragons. We witness the fall of Yscalin alongside Marosa, imprison by her father the King and trying to quietly rebel. Her story is sad, with lots of suffering. I enjoyed seeing more of Aubrecht in this book as we didn't get much of his character in TPOTOT. Here we get to see his loyalty to those important to him and also the dynamics of his family. I feel like it's helped shape him more. Finally we have Estina, a fugitive who witnesses the fall of Yscalin as a civilian. Again, her story is harrowing with her witnessing many atrocities. Really enjoyed dipping back into this work. The pacing was excellent and the artwork dotted throughout was a lovely touch.