This was a great prequel! From the depths of the earth, it is a 2nd coming of dragons. Samantha Shannon delivers the same beautiful writing as in The Priory of the Orange Tree and A Day of Fallen Night. Beautifully written and she brings all of the heart with the story and the characters. Excellent!!

For fans of her other work, Samantha Shannon’s return to the Roots of Chaos world in a more compact format is nothing short of captivating. This book expands the lore and emotional stakes of the series with rich detail, offering new insights that deepen the larger narrative arc.

Marosa, the main character, is handled with grace and emotional precision. Her struggles are nuanced and compelling, making her a standout voice. Readers will also appreciate the perspective of Melaugo, whose sudden narrative disappearance mid-book may leave some longing for more, but nonetheless adds texture to the story’s tapestry.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or diving in fresh, this installment is a brilliant, character-driven addition to the epic world Shannon has created. Highly recommended for fantasy readers who love deep worldbuilding and emotional storytelling.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for providing me an ARC!
I am already a huge fan of Samantha Shannon’s works, and this latest installment has not let me down. Shannon is known for her elegant world building and story telling which is highlighted in this novel. This novel allows the reader to take a look into events that provide clarity for the main novel in such an easily digestible way. Between the beautiful artwork, diverse and strong characters and well developed plots, this is another amazing addition to Samantha Shannon’s works.

A dark and tragic lead up to Priory of the Orange Tree combined with gorgeous illustrations throughout. I couldn't put this down!

I was so excited to read this one after Priory and Fallen Night (both were incredible) and Among the Burning Flowers did not disappoint. This novella, set before Priory, once again showcases Samantha Shannon’s unmatched worldbuilding. Every scene was so vividly described that I could picture it all perfectly. It felt incredibly immersive. Her characters had real depth without relying too heavily on inner monologue, which I really appreciated. It definitely was a perfect way to set us up for Priory and I’m so here for it. She mentioned this story occurred about 2 years prior to the start of Priory. Because it was short, the pacing felt quick and I love the cadence of her writing. I feel like I could read her work forever. Can’t wait for the next one. Five stars, highly recommend!

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!

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.