The Priory of the Orange Tree

The Priory of the Orange Tree is an epic standalone fantasy that weaves together multiple storylines across a richly imagined world divided by ancient beliefs about dragons. In the queendom of Inys, Queen Sabran the Ninth must produce an heir to protect her realm from the return of a legendary draconic evil, while her lady-in-waiting harbors dangerous secrets. Across the sea, a dragon rider from the hidden Priory pursues her own mission, and in the East, an exiled warrior seeks redemption through forbidden knowledge. As prophecies converge and old myths prove unreliable, these characters must bridge cultural divides and challenge long-held beliefs to face an emerging cataclysm. Shannon crafts a feminist reimagining of dragon lore and Arthurian legend, exploring themes of religious dogma, forbidden love, political intrigue, and the distortion of truth across generations. The novel is particularly notable for its complex world-building that examines how different cultures interpret the same historical events, and for its matter-of-fact inclusion of LGBTQ+ relationships and diverse characters without making them the source of conflict. At over 800 pages, this sweeping tale appeals to readers seeking an immersive, self-contained fantasy epic with memorable characters, court intrigue, dragon battles, and a romance that defies borders—all without the commitment to a lengthy series.