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'The Priory of the Orange Tree' by Samantha Shannon is an immersive and expansive high fantasy novel that presents a world where women of diverse backgrounds take center stage, breaking away from traditional tropes. The book delves into a world without sexism, homophobia, and racism, while exploring themes of religious intolerance, political intrigue, and the balance of power. The story follows multiple characters as they navigate conflicting political currents and eventually unite to confront an ancient evil threatening their world.

The book offers a feminist reboot of Arthurian legend with LGBTQ representation and a focus on strong female characters. Despite some pacing issues and slow world-building, the novel weaves together a complex narrative with dragons, magic, and diverse cultures, creating a unique and engaging fantasy world that challenges traditional fantasy norms.

If you liked The Priory of the Orange Tree, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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  1. #1
    Gideon the Ninth
    Book 1 in the series:The Locked Tomb

    Gideon the Ninth - The Locked Tomb by Tamsyn Muir
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    Gideon the Ninth is a fantasy sci-fi novel about lesbian necromancers entangled in a Battle Royale cum murder mystery in a haunted mansion in space. The book follows the irrepressibly snarky goth jock lead, Gideon, through action sequences that could rival the best of shounen anime. Despite a hand-wavy world-building at times, the extremely metal plot turns and great ending keep readers hooked. The storytelling style is described as a new level of reading, encouraging readers to give it a try, especially through the audio version for better comprehension.

    IN THE MYRIADIC YEAR OF OURLORD—the ten thousandth year of the King Undying, the kindly Prince of Death!—Gideon Nav packed her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and she escaped from the House...

  2. #2

    The Jasmine Throne - Burning Kingdoms by Tasha Suri
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    In The Jasmine Throne, readers are introduced to a richly woven fantasy world where Princess Malini, exiled to the treacherous Hirana temple by her despotic brother, and Priya, a maidservant with forbidden temple magic, must work together to keep Ahiranya safe and overthrow the emperor. The story delves into complex political machinations, betrayal, mystery, and magic, all set against a backdrop of intricate worldbuilding and compelling storytelling. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering a depth of character development and exploring themes of strength, love, revenge, and the blurred lines between them.

    The writing style of Tasha Suri in The Jasmine Throne is described as evocative and beautiful, incorporating elements from South Asian myths and motifs to create a unique and immersive reading experience. The world she has crafted is reminiscent of ancient to medieval South Asia, filled with symbols, cultural items, and fantastical elements that set it apart from traditional fantasy settings. The book expertly weaves together themes of imperialism, zealotry, and decolonization, all while showcasing morally grey female characters and a slow-burn romance that captivates readers from start to finish.

    Priya was sure of it the minute she heard the thud of hooves on the road behind her. She stepped to the roadside as a group of guards clad in Parijati white and gold raced past her on their horses, th...

  3. #3

    Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
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    "Spinning Silver" by Naomi Novik is a reimagined fairy tale based on Rumpelstiltskin, following the story of three young women from different backgrounds who find strength and agency in challenging circumstances. Miryem, the daughter of a moneylender, discovers her ability to turn silver into gold and attracts the attention of the powerful Staryk king. Alongside Wanda, a poor girl seeking to escape her abusive father, and Irina, the daughter of a duke caught in a political scheme, the women's lives intertwine as they navigate magic, danger, and self-discovery. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the perspectives of these characters, showcasing Novik's talent for intricate world-building and character development.

    The real story is, the miller’s daughter with her long golden hair wants to catch a lord, a prince, a rich man’s son, so she goes to the moneylender and borrows for a ring and a necklace and decks her...

  4. #4

    The Traitor Baru Cormorant - The Masquerade by Seth Dickinson
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    The Traitor Baru Cormorant follows the journey of Baru, a brilliant and complex protagonist, who is plucked from her native family to be educated by an empire that is taking over her homeland. As she rises through the ranks of the empire, she navigates a world of political intrigue, betrayal, and difficult choices. Baru's ultimate goal is to gain enough power to potentially liberate her home, but the central question remains: is she a traitor, and to what exactly? The book delves into themes of morality, sacrifice, and the cost of trying to change a system from within, all while exploring a society undergoing colonization, economic manipulation, and cultural suppression.

    The writing style of The Traitor Baru Cormorant is described as intellectually devastating and emotionally rigorous, blending elements reminiscent of authors like Guy Gavriel Kay and KJ Parker. The story unfolds with intricate plot twists, deep character studies, and a focus on political and economic intrigue. Despite being a fantasy novel without traditional magic elements, the book captivates readers with its complex characters, well-built world, and a narrative that challenges readers to question the boundaries of power and loyalty.

    The Masquerade sent its favorite soldiers to conquer Taranoke: sailcloth, dyes, glazed ceramic, sealskin and oils, paper currency printed in their Falcrest tongue. Little Baru, playing castles in the ...

  5. #5
    Assassin's Apprentice
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:Farseer

    Assassin's Apprentice - Farseer by Robin Hobb
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    In the first installment of The Farseer Trilogy, "Assassin's Apprentice," readers are introduced to FitzChivalry Farseer, the bastard son of a prince, who is raised in a dangerous position where there are people who want him dead. Swearing allegiance to his grandfather the king, Fitz becomes an apprentice to the royal assassin, navigating a world filled with courtly intrigue, political tensions, and the looming threat to his life. The book is praised for its in-depth story, intricate world-building, and fantastic character development, setting the stage for a tale full of twists and intrigue.

    A history of the Six Duchies is of necessity a history of its ruling family, the Farseers. A complete telling would reach back beyond the founding of the First Duchy, and if such names were remembered...

  6. #6

    The Fifth Season - The Broken Earth by N.K. Jemisin
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    The Fifth Season is a captivating blend of fantasy and science fiction set in a geologically unstable future Earth. The story follows individuals with the magical ability to control the earth's structures, known as orogenes, who are feared and oppressed by society. Through multiple perspectives, the book weaves together a tale of survival, discrimination, and the impending end of the world. N.K. Jemisin's unique writing style, intricate world-building, and complex characters create an immersive and thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of power, oppression, and resilience.

    For the past ten years you’ve lived as ordinary a life as possible. You came to Tirimo from elsewhere; the townsfolk don’t really care where or why. Since you were obviously well educated, you became ...

  7. #7
    The Poppy War
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:The Poppy War

    The Poppy War - The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
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    'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang is a fantasy novel based on Chinese history, featuring a protagonist named Rin who rises from being an orphan to excelling at a prestigious military academy. The story takes unexpected turns diverging from typical YA fantasy tropes, delving into themes of tragedy, war, and morality. The book incorporates elements of Chinese culture and history, drawing parallels to real-world events such as the Japanese occupation and the Second Sino-Japanese War. The writing style is described as detailed, immersive, and thought-provoking, providing a fresh take on epic fantasy with strong themes and messages.

    Rin crossed her arms tightly across her chest and walked toward the second proctor. She was led behind a screen, patted thoroughly to make sure she hadn’t packed test materials up any orifices, and th...

  8. #8

    The City of Brass - The Daevabad Trilogy by S.A. Chakraborty
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    The City of Brass is a fantasy novel set in a world of Devas and Djinn, following the journey of Nahri, a young girl with mysterious powers, as she navigates through complex politics, magic, and society. The plot unfolds in a Middle Eastern-inspired setting, where Nahri discovers her heritage and connection to the magical beings, while facing challenges of power, intrigue, and romance in a richly detailed world filled with historical and supernatural elements.

    Nahri smiled behind her veil, watching the two men bicker as they approached her stall. The younger one glanced anxiously down the alley while the older man—her client—sweated in the cool dawn air. Sa...

  9. #9

    This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar, Max Gladstone
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    "This Is How You Lose the Time War" is a beautiful and unique story of two women, Red and Blue, who are elite operatives on opposing sides of a time war. Through secret letters hidden in various ways, they develop a forbidden love while manipulating events across time and alternate realities. The writing style is poetic, with lush language and detailed world-building, creating a complex and evocative narrative that explores themes of love, loyalty, and the consequences of war.

    That was fun, she thinks, but the thought sours in the framing. It was clean, at least. Climb up time’s threads into the past and make sure no one survives this battle to muddle the futures her Agency...

  10. #10

    The Eye of the World - The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
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    The Eye of the World, the first book in The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, follows the epic journey of two young women and three young men as they leave their small village in the Two Rivers. The series introduces readers to a richly detailed world with a well-thought-out magic system and a diverse cast of characters. The plot is filled with adventure, danger, magic, darkness, and brave deeds, capturing the readers' imagination and keeping them on the edge of their seats.

    The writing style in The Eye of the World is described as well-written, fast-paced, and engaging, with a richly detailed world that immerses readers into the story. The book sets the bar high for the rest of the series, delivering a stirring tale of small-town folk who find themselves embroiled in a frightening scenario beyond their wildest imaginations. Despite some comparisons to other fantasy stories, The Eye of the World is praised for being the beginning of a unique series that offers a fresh take on the epic fantasy genre.

    The palace still shook occasionally as the earth rumbled in memory, groaned as if it would deny what had happened. Bars of sunlight cast through rents in the walls made motes of dust glitter where the...

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