4/5⭐
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for letting me read this ARC!
Diving back into the world of Virtudom and all the characters we know and love from The Priory of the Orange Tree has been such a treat. This book gives readers more context of how the country of Yscalin fell to the rule of the wyrms and Fyredel years before the start of Priory. This added context gives us so much more to both the story and to the characters.
Marosa is such a unique character in that she seems weak and naive at first, but by the end of the book, she proves that she is capable of doing what is necessary to protect her people. Her strengths lie in her ability to keep calm in horrifying situations and plan strategies that will save her country from the rule of Fyredel. We also have a few chapters of Estina Meluago and Aubrecht, both deepening their characters and giving the reader more context of the worlds they live in.
This book is absolutely a must read for fans of the Roots of Chaos series. I liken it to Rogue One in the Star Wars series: filled with strong stories and amazing characters that will surely be a fan favorite.
Can you read it before reading either The Priory of the Orange Tree or A Day of Fallen Night? I don’t think so. There is too much context and references from both books that I feel it would be too confusing for new readers. I do think you could do either Priory, Burning Flowers, and Fallen Night or Fallen Night, Burning Flowers, and Priory as adequate reading orders.
I sincerely hope Samantha Shannon keeps giving us stories from this world!

all things considered i think that this was a really great companion/prequel to priory!! i think i would have much preferred to have listened to this vs reading it, i think it would have hit better for me, i will most likely go give it another try upon release. the biggest issue i have with this book is just how it flowed, it didnt grab my attention as much as i would have liked it to!

I had high hopes for Samantha Shannon’s newest novel in the Roots of Chaos series and it did not disappoint! I know she made this one shorter so people wouldn’t be intimidated by the size but I just wanted more! Shannon has a way of engulfing you in the story and characters. She perfectly told the story that led to the Yscalin’s downfall in Priory. But I still want more of it!

Another great book from this series!
I can't get enough from this world, you know it's a good one when your main complaint is that it was short.

I love Samantha Shannon with my entire heart and this novella is my entire heart. Shannon knows how to build a world, create complex characters, and intriguing politics that captivate the story. Being able to dive back into the Roots of Chaos world was something I knew I needed, but didn't realize how much of a comfort it would actually be. Rich in detail and emotional stakes, this book is perfect for those looking for the beautiful writing that you find in every other Samantha Shanon book.

I enjoyed this prequel to Priory of the Orange Tree! I honestly wished it were longer so we could spend more time with the characters and just let the plot breathe a little bit more. It made me want to jump directly into the Priory again but it doesn't have the same depth as this one and A Day of Fallen Night.

Samatha Shannon excels at writing complex women characters, compelling storylines and exciting romances.

If you, like me, were wondering how Yscalin departed from the chainmail of Virtuedom to become such a spooky, horrifying place, or if you wanted some more backstory about Aubrecht Lievelyn and how his engagement to the Donmata of Yscalin came about and then dissolved, or if you simply wanted to exist in this world of competing/allied kingdoms, dragons, and magic, then this is a delightful opportunity to revisit this world. It is quite short compared to the other books in the series, and it doesn't really drive towards a big climax like the others do. I would say it's more of a series of vignettes than a full length, epic novel like the others. I suppose the length would make it approachable to those who want to dip their toes in, but I imagine it might be difficult to follow without a LOT of context and backstory (and future knowledge) gleaned from the other two books. It might have been interesting to read it before Priory, but I don't know if I would have been as gripped by this as a first read as I was by Priory. However, I don't mind circling back to learn more and fill in some of those gaps afterward, and so I did enjoy this companion installment despite its brevity.

Samantha Shannon's world building is up there with the best and this is no exception. The Donmata's story is so, so vividly sad, and I would love to do even more exploring in Yscalin in particular. And Aubrecht's story did some to complicate my understanding of Mentendon and their relationship to Hroth and the other nations in Virtuedom. Shannon does an amazing job writing different character's perspectives to the point where with each one that's introduced I find myself confused about who is "good," what is "normal," in this world. Of course the fire breathing dragons seem to be an incarnation of evil or imbalance, but even Marosa's experience and perspective adds some complication to that. Anyway, I was very happy to read that there will be a third full length installment in this series, and possibly some other companion length entries as well. I still have so, so many questions about this world.

And last note! There are beautiful illustrations as a part of this text. Not required in my opinion but absolutely a wonderful bonus.

Also, delightful, I was able to read this as an ARC thanks to NetGalley. All my appreciation.

A perfect companion to Priory of the Orange Tree. It gave a better depth to the world Samantha Shannon brought forth and one that we love. It was emotionally driven and compelling, I couldn't put it down.

This prequel to Priory of the Orange Tree gives readers a glimpse into the tragic fall of the Kingdom of Yscalin immediately leading up to the events of Priory.

As a big fan of Priory of the Orange Tree, I really liked this book. However, I'm not sure how readers new to the series will take to it. This book felt like it was written more for those that have read Priory than for new readers, as a lot of the events that happen in it are alluded to or talked about in Priory.
This book does a great job of getting the pieces into place for Priory of the Orange Tree. Set two years prior to Priory, we follow Marosa, Aubrect, and Estina as they navigate the return of evil draconic creatures to the world and the fallout that ensues.
I hadn't read Priory for a while, so it took me a bit to remember who the characters are in Priory and realize why their stories are significant leading up to Priory. It is a very interesting prequel to be able to see how things got to where they are when the reader starts Priory. However, as a standalone, which I've seen it marketed as, I'm not sure how well it works. It could stand as an easier introduction to the world of Priory of the Orange Tree, as there are less main characters to follow and there is a bit less worldbuilding than Priory. However, the book does jump right into some heavy worldbuilding, which can be a lot to take in. As a prequel, the book doesn't have much of an ending, either, as it leads right into the start of Priory of the Orange Tree, and a lot of things are left unresolved.
As always, Shannon has an enticing writing style that draws the reader in. Her characters are unique and I found myself wanting to read more of their stories. I didn't want the prequel to end, especially knowing that the main characters in the prequel are not the main characters in Priory, so we don't get as much page time with them in Priory.
4 stars, although I would recommend that readers plan to read Priory of the Orange Tree either before or after reading this book. I feel that reading them in either order works, but that this book doesn't feel complete without Priory.

A hot mess. The main story did not flow for me, and the secondary story was left hanging in such a way that its inclusion seemed pointless. As a prequel, I wish there had been a little more context given (I am not one who remembers all the details of previous books read months or years ago)

As expected, this was great! It was so fun being back in this universe and I was craving a high fantasy after so long. Samantha Shannon is one of the best to ever do it - there are endless stories she could tell from these characters.

This was shorter than I was hoping for, but it definitely made me want to reread priory!!!

Thank you so much to Bloomsbury for the advanced copy!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars — A sweeping, smoldering prelude to a beloved epic

Samantha Shannon returns to the world of The Priory of the Orange Tree with Among the Burning Flowers, a prequel that burns bright with political intrigue, fierce heroines, and the ever-present threat of fire-breathing annihilation. If Priory was a roaring blaze, this is the spark that lit the match.

Set in the golden land of Yscalin—now facing an ominous reckoning—this novel is a tense, emotionally rich chronicle of a world on the edge. Shannon balances three central perspectives: the imprisoned yet unbroken Marosa Vetalda, the idealistic but calculating Aubrecht Lievelyn, and Estina Melaugo, a hardened dragon hunter whose chapters pulse with tension and sorrow. Each character feels distinct and fully formed, and their intertwining stories lay the groundwork for the tragedy and grandeur to come.

What sets this book apart is its sense of inevitability. Readers familiar with Priory know where history is headed, yet Shannon imbues every moment with suspense. The slow stirring of the great wyrm Fýredel is terrifyingly well-paced, and when destruction finally comes, it’s as beautiful as it is brutal.

Ultimately, Among the Burning Flowers is a testament to Shannon’s talent for world-building and emotional storytelling. It’s not just a prequel—it’s a tragedy in bloom, laying fertile ground for what’s to come. An absolute must-read for fans of The Roots of Chaos series, and a compelling entry point for the dragon-curious.

I am a big fan of the world within the Roogs of Chaos, and this installment did not disappoint! The world building remains unparalleled and the characters are so viscerally real you feel exactly what they are. The only issues I faced where with the formatting ofthe ebook. The chapters were simply larger pieces of text, causing my kindle not to register separate chapters at all - making it difficult to navigate the ebook. While illustrations are tricky to integrate into ebooks, I feel that they should have been added to this novel’s galley, as they could have added context and detail to the story.

What an exciting preamble to all that's to come in The Priory of the Orange Tree!

Shannon expands on her well-developed plot, setting the stage with all the familiar poetry of her prose. Readers will uncover the compelling modi operandi of some of their favorite Priory characters, each new revelation and twist like a fun Easter egg for fans of her first two novels. But first time readers, worry not, this book still works as a precursor the Priory (though I don't think I would recommend reading it with no context; as in, at the very least, it should be read after A Day of Fallen Night).

Much of the plot focuses on Marosa Vetalda, Donmata of the Kingdom of Yscalin, portrayed in Priory as a hopeless wasteland of political and spiritual turncoats. But Among the Burning Flowers provides a peek behind the curtain as the young Donmata scurries under the dangerously watchful eyes of her greatest enemy, doing what she can to contact her betrothed and save her people from their fiery fate.

Readers will see the backstory of the love affair between the Donmata and the Red Prince of Mentendon as well as follow the path of wyrm culler, Estina Melaugo, as she seeks refuge in Lasia. It's far from a standalone piece in The Roots of Chaos, but rather an exciting appetizer for the full meal readers enjoy in both Priory and Fallen Night.

Thank you to NetGalley and BloomsburyUSA for providing me with an eARC, so I could delve back into the Roots of Chaos as soon as possible.

This is, as always beautifully written. I like how this is a good entry for both the series and Samantha Shannon's writing style. I would highly recommend this!

Among the Burning Flowers places itself inbetween Shannon's two previous installments in this series, taking place only around 2 years before the beginning of Priory, and it packs a punch! Emotionally driven and incredibly heartbreaking, 'Among the Burning Flowers' immediately immerses returning readers in the well-established universe of Priory, but sorely lacks the incredible (albeit long) storytelling previous installments had. I can chalk some of this up to the length of the book, coming in at just under 300 pages, but as a hardcore Shannon reader, I couldn't help but feel a little let down by this installment.

What was supposed to be a stand alone book in a universe that I adore, left much to be desired, especially if I was new to this universe. The incredible prose and exposition that I loved so dearly in the previous installments was missing from this one, likely because of how short the book is compared to its predecessors. I am of the mind that no, this book cannot be read as a stand alone, but is a very well written prologue of sorts to Priory.

Still, I find myself balking at rating this under 4 stars. I love Shannon's work and will always read more in the Roots of Chaos series, but I am conflicted at giving this an all around 5/5. New readers may find this book incredibly dense with information, making for a confusing read. Returning readers will want to re-read the entire series from the beginning after finishing it. For the reason, I must rate Among the Burning Flowers at a 4/5.

Thank you to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for this amazing opportunity!

Among the Burning Flowers by Samantha Shannon is a prequel/companion novel to The Priory of the Orange Tree, set in the kingdom of Yscalin as dragons and wyrms begin to rise from their centuries-long slumber, about two years before the start of Priory.

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 great wyrm Fýredel is stirring, and Yscalin will be the first to fall . . .

I really enjoyed this story! Since it’s so much shorter than Priory or A Day of Fallen Night, the pacing is tighter and the action is much more jam-packed. As someone who read Priory over two years ago and hasn’t read it since, my reading experience wasn’t at all affected by not remembering anything, which is important in prequels. And compared to the lengths of the previous books in the series, it was an absolute breeze to get through and enjoy.

The characters were all great fun to read. Since it’s a prequel mainly about the kingdom that submits to the forces of evil, it was inevitably going to have a sad ending, but not one without hope. Each character was easy to root for, and they all had compelling storylines. Some I wished were longer and continued for more of the book, but I’m okay with the length of it all because it never felt like any of it was dragging.

Marosa Vetalda, the princess kept caged from society and her kingdom by her controlling father, King Sigoso.

“She looked at it all until her chest hurt. The city she could see, but never touch.”

Prince Aubrecht of Mentendon, desperately trying to keep everyone he loves safe.

“On his watch, no one else he loved would die before their time.”

And Estina Melaugo, the hunter-for-hire in exile who can barely begin to imagine what it would be like to live with a full stomach and a home.

“And where there was fear, there was always profit.”

Apparently there will also be illustrations in the finished version, but they aren’t present in the review copy. So I can’t comment on those, except to say that I might have to borrow the book from the library so I can see them!

If you’re even a passing fan of The Priory of the Orange Tree, I really recommend you pick up Among the Burning Flowers. You absolutely don’t have to remember everything (or anything!) from Priory to enjoy the tale told in these three hundred pages. And if you haven’t read Priory because the sheer size of it is intimidating, it doesn’t contain spoilers and doesn’t assume the reader knows everything about the world already, making it a good entry point into the world of The Roots of Chaos.

Among the Burning Flowers comes out on September 16, 2025. Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for the eARC in exchange for review!

Many thanks to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for the preview. All opinions are my own.
4+ stars

I didn't realize how much I missed this world until I started reading. I particularly loved getting more time in Yscalin with Marosa. That seemed to be the most mysterious place to me while reading Priory, so this was a real treat. I also liked getting Albretch's POV. As the fall of Yscalin is a dark tale, this story is pretty grim; it definitely eased my mind having already read Priory and knowing how things would turn out.

The writing is gorgeous and evocative as always. I can't say that this story stands on its own, or even that it's the best entrance to the world. I think you absolutely get the most out of if if you've already read Priory (Day of Fallen Night is less essential, though it remains my favorite). That being said, I loved all the references to things we already know and getting more backstory.

I know these books can be intimidating, but I really love this world and recommend! This makes me want to do a re-read!