Among the Burning Flowers. A Novel - Samantha Shannon

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

With the awakening of fire-breathing dragons, Among the Burning Flowers sees the first sparks of danger that threaten to consume the world in The Priory of the Orange Tree.

Take your first steps into the epic.

Yscalin, land of sunshine and lavender, will soon be ablaze.

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 . . .

A story of human resilience in the face of dire circumstances, Among the Burning Flowers leads readers through the gripping and tragic events that pave the way for the opening of the million-copy bestseller The Priory of The Orange Tree.

Richly illustrated with magical artwork by Rovina Cai (@rovinacai).

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

With the awakening of fire-breathing dragons, Among the Burning Flowers sees the first sparks of danger that threaten to consume the world in The Priory of the Orange Tree.

Take your first steps into the epic.

“Inventive, intriguing, and endlessly surprising-no one enthralls me like Samantha Shannon.” —R.F. Kuang, #1 New York Times bestselling author of BABEL

“At just 250 pages, this book will seem concise compared to the giant tomes the Roots of Chaos series is known for and will come with periodic illustrations by Rovina Cai, making it a delicious and savory bite for any fan . . . The leads are fierce in the face of fire, the wyrms are as terrifying as ever, and the story richly adds to the epic world of Priory . . . Shannon's Roots of Chaos series has many dedicated, passionate fans who will seek out this latest volume, and readers new to the series will want to know what the buzz is about.” —Booklist, starred review

“Devoted fans will be pleased by the depth it adds to beloved side characters and the lore of this lush, meticulously drawn world. For those who can't get enough of Shannon's worldbuilding, this will be a treat.” —Publishers Weekly

“The sheer terror that befalls the Yscali people as they face Fýredel's pure evil is both powerful and relevant. Marosa's plight further solidifies her as a hero worth remembering; her strength and defiance shine through as hope for the future she's dreamed of slowly flickers out. Devoted series fans will appreciate the added pieces to this expansive narrative puzzle.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The story's intensity ebbs and flows thanks to the immersive prose . . . An epic coming-of-age novel wherein loyalties are tested and worlds are reshaped.” —Foreword Reviews

“Samantha Shannon returns to the sprawling canvas of her Roots of Chaos series with Among the Burning Flowers . . . This book (which is a mere 288 pages) will venture to the kingdom of Yscalin, which is about to fall to the terrifying wyrm Fyredel.” —BookPage, "Most anticipated SFF & horror of fall 2025"

“A testament to humankind's endurance and unending hope for a better future, this brief foray into Shannon's fantasy world adds a few additional layers to events mentioned in her other books.” —Library Journal

“Samantha Shannon's writing is as fierce as the magic she conjures. I'm not convinced Shannon isn't magic herself; her prose is ethereal, her characters captivate the heart and mind. She's in a league of her own-truly the best fantasy there is.” —Saara El-Arifi, author of FAEBOUND and THE FINAL STRIFE

“[O]ne of modern fantasy's finest world builders.” —Bookpage

“Samantha Shannon's Roots of Chaos books are some of the best fantasy releases of recent years . . . Shannon's latest sounds complex in terms of world-building, characters, and politics, making it an exciting addition to 2025's fantasy lineup.” —Screen Rant

“Given its compelling characters, morally gray themes, and generally less hefty size and scope, this is an excellent introduction for anyone looking to dive into Shannon's Roots of Chaos series, and a real treat for longtime fans who have been with the story from the start.” —Paste Magazine, "The Most Anticipated Fantasy Books of Fall 2025"

“With great world-building, a look at the history of Draconic beasts and secrets to be unraveled, it is the perfect introduction to Samantha Shannon's world.” —PinkNews

“The perfect addition to this series . . . beautiful and incredibly intricate . . . [Shannon] is a vivid storyteller.” —BookTrib

“Shannon's command of this fictional universe is wildly impressive. Her worldbuilding truly remains unmatched . . . And the story slides effortlessly into conversation with the other two books . . . Yet another beautifully realized entry into one of the best high fantasy worlds in recent memory.” —Paste Magazine

“There is indeed a queen of epic fantasy, and her name is Samantha Shannon . . . With intricate worldbuilding . . . glittering and gritty descriptions . . . Among the Burning Flowers is well worth the read.” —The Southern Bookseller Review

“A must-read for fantasy fans, especially those looking for more books with dragons.” —Screen Rant, "10 Fantasy Book Series That Are Just As Good As A Song Of Ice & Fire"

“Belief splinters, kingdoms fall and in Yscalin's ruin, we glimpse not just the collapse of a nation, but the private shattering of the people bound to it . . . Shannon's prose remains hypnotic--easy to read, easy to get lost in and always gesturing toward a vast world beyond the page . . . By the end, [Marosa] becomes the book's most powerful symbol: the last flower among ashes, refusing to burn.” —The Michigan Daily

“The perfect starter fantasy for readers intrigued (or intimidated!) by the genre.” —The Daily of the University of Washington