The Priory of the Orange Tree (The Roots of Chaos, #1)

by Samantha Shannon

Each eye was a burning star,

Gorgeous imagery

Sabran’s own mother, Rosarian the Fourth, had been slain by a gown laced with basilisk venom.

I need to know the mechanics of this

Going outside was like stepping into a kiln. The heat varnished her skin and made her hair feel thicker. Seiiki had a scent to it. The perfume of the heartwood in the trees, unlocked by rain, and the green on every leaf.

Already a big fan of this writing style

Ead still found the our jarring. In public, Sabran spoke for both herself and her ancestor, the Saint.

Super interesting - what better way to maintain control over the country you rule than to claim to be chosen by God?

Ead knew the scent of a secret. She wore it like a perfume.

Great line

Of course, he had no intention of giving it to Sabran Berethnet. She could hang. But if he made it known to any ruler that he had it, they would see to it that he was brought back to Mentendon and allowed to live out the rest of his life in luxury and wealth. And he would see to it that Sabran knew what he could do, and when she came to him, pleading for a taste of eternity, there would be no sweeter pleasure than denying it to her.

So petty, love it

Moving unseen was another of her gifts, for with flame came the subtlety of shadow.

Great line

As it passed, Loth could smell the heat inside it, the reek of smoke and brimstone. The bear-trap of its mouth. The hot coals of its eyes.

So vivid

“No, I do not, you witless cabbage.”

Amazing