🍊🐉 i read an 800 page sapphic fantasy and i'm falling in love again

[@maddummel]

For any of you intimidated by the book who reads fan fics - this book is barely 260k words, it's really not that long :D It's just made to look as such for some reason

[@asthanain4952]

This is embarrassing!! As someone who just finished a 500k words fanfic, I keep forgetting how few words books have!! Why do they look so massive then?? :")

[@Gokuderka]

I just recently finished 590k word fanfic and it wasn't THAT long haha but looking at the book - IT'S MASSIVE OMG Still surprised that books look big, but generally have +/- 100k words (normally)😳

[@maddummel]

​@@Gokuderka I'm guessing it's bc the publisher wants it to look good, but it's not efficent at all most of the times? I mean I have an edition of War and Peace (almost 600k) that could fit in a reasonably sized coat pocket :p

[@morganmeadowes6861]

This is actually really helpful, thank you for that fun fact!

[@fictionalfates]

This is necessary information

[@lindqvistsandra]

This is one of the best books I´ve ever read in my entire life. It actually left me breathless. I lended it to a friend and they say now they can´t read anything else becuase nothing is going to compare. It deserves all the hype! Love to see your reactions!

[@kaylieboyt2715]

I believe Loth is canonically asexual. I'm sure Samantha Shannon has said this in a Q&A. One of my favourite fantasy reads. Glad you enjoyed. 😊

[@Ami-333]

Also Tané is confirmed aromantic :D

[@fictionalfates]

omg that's so great to know, thank you so much!

[@hanna-writes]

I think she said he’s somewhere on the ace spectrum, but she wasn’t quite sure where. He definitely had Vibes with the Donmara Marosa, so I would maybe guess gray ace?

[@itsjinelle]

this book is so intimidating... idk that i could ever get through the whole thing, but im living for this reading vlog

[@fictionalfates]

thank you so much!! i'd definitely just take it in sections but there's also no harm if you didn't want to read it for that reason!

[@blackmeetsred]

It's not quite as long as you think. It's just printed on thick paper

[@perryjones7771]

That’s how I look at “Under The Dome”

[@lynnofseptember]

the MOMENT i saw this i clicked immediately- i love any and all priory content!! i adore this book so much!! and yeah the one bit fault is definitely the battle, but like you i still rated it five stars because it’s so incredible! i’d love to see a spoiler filled review/chat of priory on youtube! i’d literally go on in the comments and rant endlessly bc there’s so much to say here 👏🏼

[@fictionalfates]

Eeee thank you so much, and I may do a spoilery chat at some point!

[@lynnofseptember]

@@fictionalfates if so i’m looking forward to it!!

[@ilse7240]

I read this about 8 months ago and it's still my favorite book ever. No book will beat this ultimate fantasy novel.

[@fictionalfates]

I am so so happy for you!! It's definitely up there as one of my favourite fantasies!

[@judethefourth336]

I absolutely adored this book. It may look so long and big but it is so worthy, seriously and you end up getting so attached to the characters. It also has many elements in fantasy stories that you might like such as pirates, dragons, assassins, guard x queen romance... also I totally feel your comment about The Witcher vibes bc I literally thought "it's them!" When she presented the characters

[@fictionalfates]

YES! I'm so glad you agree

[@whitebearsweet]

shout out to samantha shannon, she is a genius, im excited for the two books coming for the series, i wish the book can get an adaption

[@tjtay02]

I recently picked up Priory from a charity store for an absolute steal and I'm so excited to read it! It's definitely coming to uni with me when I move next month

[@barbaralovesguns3836]

omg im reading the same thing and watching one of my fav booktubers read it too makes me feel more motivated to finish it ngl 😭

[@fictionalfates]

YES, i'm so happy to hear that! (also one of your fave booktubers?? stop i'm so honoured 🥺)

[@MiaMorena-df8wd]

I LOVE this book, watching you read it was such a fun process and seeing you enjoy it as much as I did is making me want to reread it!

[@_r3d_hu3d_gh0ul_]

i adore this book from the bottom of my heart

[@kyestrella]

I’ve always had this book at the corner of my eye in life, but you’re motivating me soooo hard to finally pick it up! Helps that it’s sooooo gorgeous!!!

[@caduceuzs]

literally my favorite book of all time, i'm so happy you enjoyed it!

[@themanylivesofciara738]

This book took me on a journey! SO much going on.

[@alisarobles8000]

I LOVE watching your live reactions to what is happening in the book! I definitely want to read Priory soon!

[@duxz.x]

Finished this behemoth in 4/5 days. Have never finished a book that fast before, it really is just THAT good. The amt of cliffhangers the author placed into this book is just criminal, got me gripping my seat aft each chap. Additionally, I rlly hope there’ll be a sequel for priory, I’d love to see more of Ead and Sabran’s journey. 10/10 definitely worth the read.

[@fictionalmusings4676]

I loved Priory but completely agree with you about the final battle, I was so shocked it finished so quickly!

[@andshereads]

I've been waffling on this book for a few months. You said Dragon Age though and I'm in. That's my favorite video game series and aside from the companion novels, I've never heard anyone else say a book is comparable to it.

[@fictionalfates]

Ahh, I still need to get through the companion DA novels, I own some of the special editions of them and I cannot wait to dive into them!

[@normavillarreal8061]

I’m currently reading this right before book2. And your reactions have me screaming what’s happening! You definitely have a new subscriber here!!!

[@b2ksflyhoney]

Not you getting the arc for the prequel!! FLEX!!! 😭😭

[@naastyaaaaaaaaa]

I've been longing to read this one for ages! One of the most beautiful books I own.))

[@sercemwksiazkach]

I’m so happy that you also loved this book! And VERY excited that you got the arc of the prequel!! I hope you’ll love it as well 💞 I read The Priory of the Orange Tree earlier this year and it automatically made it to my favorites of the year! I absolutely adored the characters, they were so well fleshed out, interesting and fun to read about. Ead is an amazing protagonist to read from. I have a huge soft spot for Sabran, firstly because I am weak for bossy women but also because she grew to be such a powerful and well-spoken queen. Her oratory talent shined in the later parts of the book. I also absolutely loved the two of them together. And I like the promise of being together again, after fulfilling their ‘careers’. Dream life tbh. I also adored Niclays. His love story made me tear up multiple times, but in general he’s so interesting because of the choices he makes. Loth absolutely felt ace to me as well!! Although at first I was thinking that he might date Kit 😅 The world-building in Priory is so rich and expansive and I loved learning about different cultures in it. I loved your parallel of Adam and Lilith, it’s very much on point!! I found the criticism of complete devotion to religion very interesting, as it still rings true today. I live in Eastern Europe (Poland to be exact), and while there’s a tendency to atheism, many people still stick to traditions and religious practices mindlessly. And there are lots of homophobic religious bigots lmao Another interesting thing that comes from that factor is how the characters interact based on their beliefs. The fact that they accepted those different worldviews and mend them a little was heartwarming. Your video rekindled my love for this book and I wrote a fucking lot 😆 Now I want to reread The Priory of the Orange Tree and that’s dangerous, because how can I love other books when this exists? ;)

[@Emiliemooles]

I read this via audiobook at the start of the pandemic and flew through it because it was so engaging. I really want to do a re-read and physically read. However if anyone is intimidated by the book I recommend the audiobook! 👌

[@gee1011]

I second the audiobook recommendation- I found it really engrossing too!

[@fictionalfates]

I third the audiobook!

[@rubyyro]

the way you through the book up and caught it in your intro did give me heart palpitations. I also own the hardback copy of The Priory of the Orange Tree and if I had attempted that lil toss, she woulda fallen tragically to the floor, and probably onto my foot.

[@rubyyro]

but! I adore this book and watching your reading vlog was so good for reliving all the emotions i went through the first time i read it

[@dunmer_appreciator1379]

I started to read this book only about a month after its release so I was able to go into it with no expectations or hype from other people. I just remember thinking how stunning the cover was. I was unsure about it initially so I left the shop without it but then came back for it another day bc I couldn't stop thinking about it. I remember while reading it, I had thought to myself that this book had everything I had basically ever wanted in a fantasy book. It revived my love of reading again, and also inspired me to start worldbuilding my own world, esp. since the worldbuilding of Samantha's books are one of my fav things about them. Also the prose is just beautiful, but I digress. It's still one of my fav books to this day, as is A Day of Fallen Night now. I'm actually doing a re-read of Priory right now after finishing ADOFN, and it's been long enough since I last read it that I completely forgot about some things so it's been so nice to revisit. I know opinions are subjective, but I just simply cannot fathom not loving this book.

[@kipepeo259]

I read this in 2020 and LOVED it, I'm so so overdue for a reread! I think I'll read it close to the release of A Day of Fallen Night!

[@taryndancer29]

I love this book and am so happy to see a booktuber talk about it. I heard there's a prequel coming out next year and I cannot wait to read it.

[@simdom2557]

Just discovered this channel, LOVING your vibe!!

[@AninaySanchez]

You have the book!! 👀👀 omg I can't wait till it comes out! Another book I pre-ordered already ☺️ The Priory of the Orange Tree is so worth the read 📚 👌 one of my favorites this year.

[@DxityDoo]

I’m currently attempting to read this book. I bought it physically a while back now and managed to get about halfway through while on holiday but I ran out of time to finish it before I had to come home and go back to my everyday life. This is now the third time I’m attempting it and I decided to borrow it from the library as an ebook so I don’t keep getting intimidated by the massive and unwieldy size of it. So far it seems to be working pretty well. Managed to read 150 pages of it so far coz you don’t really notice the pages going past when its an ebook.

[@LochsLibrary]

i read this book in 2 days last year i loved it so much. the first 80 pages i almost Dnfd bc of the name dropping but it got so good once the talking dragons show up :’)

[@Chloe-dn9fg]

I just read it, and now I’m looking for reviews because I want to see other people love it as much as I do.

[@unicornwands]

this has been on my tbr list for ages but you instantly had me at the witcher and dragon age vibes, can't wait to give it a go 👌

[@fictionalfates]

yessssss i'm so glad i could convince you with the vibes

[@joa2919]

Bon courage pour les cours de français :) The priory of the orange tree is a book I really wanted to love, and there are aspects of the story I do love, but overall I think it was… just okay… there is one thing in particular that I loved at the beginning of the book but didn’t deliver in the ending (this is a bit of the spoiler!!) is the fact that all the different countries/factions have their own version of the events 1000 years ago, and that dictate their religion and politics. But then we learn what actually happened 1000 years ago and it? Kind of sucks? There are other little things but that is the one thing that stuck with me. But also: dans that book does worldbuilding good.

[@b_r_ooklyn]

bestie, we need a spoiler review for this book, youre reactions looked epic!!!!

[@J.Suboh.Silwad]

I just DNFed this book after 300 pages but now I want to go back and re try it after seeing u post about it Your excitement makes me want to give it another chance

[@fictionalfates]

ahhh i'm so glad!! i hope you do decide to give it another chance

[@emroyka]

OMG so happy you loved it and that you’re excited for the prequel!🐲🍊💖👑

[@RallyReviews]

Thank you thank you for doing this vlog. I plan to jump into that book in november and saved this video to come back to once I start it.

[@radiosilence3657]

YO THE STACKS OF BOOKS NEXT TO YOUR BOOKSHELF HAD ME ROLLING ON THE GROUND! Also, just wanted to tell you, when I got the notification my heart literally swelled, I was so happy and excited Your content is such an inspiration to me and yeah... sorry for the cheesiness I just love what you create nsnsnwjsjnas k peace ✌️

[@fictionalfates]

I always love it when you appear in my comment section!! Thank you so much for your love and support, it truly means the world to me and I'm glad I can serve as an inspiration to you too!

[@exotickelsey]

one of my favorite books of all time!! i'm so happy you read it :)

[@ruth1527]

This book is so amazing definitely worth the hype and time. I can't wait for the prequel

[@aeycv]

been waiting for u to read priory for the longest time!!! i'm happy you enjoyed the book!!

[@palestblue]

I loved this sooooo much and cannot wait for the prequel aaaaahhhhhh!!! Loved the video!

[@Lillyjoy]

I just finished the book and really enjoyed seeing your reactions!! I really enjoyed it and was having similar reactions to you at the end 😊

[@angieoul1097]

I recently got this book as well! I only just started reading, and I can not be more excited!! For some reason the THICKNESS of the book doesn’t intimidate me as much but some days it definitely does :( BUT on those days I just switch on the audiobook for it and helps to still be productive:))

[@kipepeo259]

Also I cannot WAIT for 1. the moving vlog and 2. a book unhaul video??? maybe??? It feels like it's necessary 😂

[@fictionalfates]

i definitely feel the need to do a book unhaul video 😂

[@b_r_ooklyn]

idk if this is also on the hardcover design, but can we pls talk about the pattern design that you can feel for the dragon like i have spent to much time just feeling the dragon instead of reading books, its not funny anymore definitely need to reread this book soon!!!

[@fictionalfates]

omg I CAN FEEL THE DRAGON, it's definitely a nice sensory experience

[@b_r_ooklyn]

@@fictionalfates whoever came up with that design choice deserves a raise!!

[@jeannareadsbooks8475]

The way that I was half way through this book, saw you uploaded this and then read through the last 40% of it in under 24 hours despite being in A&E for a good chunk of that time (dr said i'm fine dw) because I HAD TO WATCH THE VIDEO. So yeah thanks for providing motivation and distraction while dealing with the ridiculously underfunded NHS bestie Joel :)

[@isabellavanstedum3014]

You said dragon age and SOLD ME❤️❤️🔥🙌😭

[@iqrachattah9297]

I was thinking about buying this and suddenly your video came our.. ❤

[@15openend]

Little bit out of context but how I love the tol album of twice in the bookshelf 😌😍

[@grff_]

So excited for your move! Hope we get to see new house related content :)

[@fictionalfates]

Oh yes! I'm hoping to finally get a bookshelf tour filmed

[@litlover7836]

my TBR is already overwhelming but I want to read this so bad!!

[@lauren2898]

I love this book with my entire being and we also have the same bookmark and all of the tassels fell off mine too 🥴 Her new book comes out in Feb and I can’t wait to read it. She has another series which I have read, she’s such a good author than you get sucked into the book. I can’t wait to read it again ❤️❤️

[@fictionalfates]

I read The Bone Season a while back and enjoyed it, but I still need to catch up on that series too! I'm definitely going to have to go back to it!

[@TheSassyLibraryFox]

"The Priory of the Orange Tree" is such a huge book and definitely very intimidating. It's one of the reasons I still haven't picked it up yet. Your vlog made me extremely curious about it now, though. XD

[@SoClose15]

Literally finished Priory last night and couldn't wait to watch this reading vlog...I have so many thoughts and feelings haha 🥰🥲 So excited for your arc review, thinking about preordering and would love your opinion~~

[@emiliej7952]

“6:28” I want to know what shocked you omggggg but this book is so intimidating

[@emiliej7952]

Btw I love this video ! I’m new on your channel, I love it 🤍✨

[@jessicapratt1400]

I didn’t even think about the Adam/Eve/Lilith thing when I read it but now that you mention it 😱 you are so right!!!!!

[@jessicapratt1400]

Biiittttccchhhh how’d you get that prequel arc so soon?!?!?!?!?!

[@AllyEmReads]

One of my favorite books! I actually reread it in August and ahhhhh it was so perfect just as amazing as the first time I read it

[@angiemettler8770]

I love watching your reading vlogs! I love to see all of your reactions!

[@fictionalfates]

thank you so much!!!

[@ficteon]

Personally I didnt love this book, but I feel like one day I need to give it another shot. But my thoughts (no spoiler) one character could've been written out and one other character did not live up to what she couldve been as the focus is so much on the queen and her servant. But hey maybe at a reread one day ill change my mind

[@ficteon]

And my fav died like one book in and I saw so much potential in their story😅 was so quick too. I thought Id see their adventure but nope. No adventure

[@fictionalfates]

OOP I wish I could've seen more from that character too before their death - but I hope you'll give it another shot one day! Otherwise, it's completely fine that you thought differently

[@ficteon]

@@fictionalfates I was so sad.. I liked their friendship too. And it was like one day since they decided to go on :'(

[@courtneygrier2015]

@@ficteon that character died way too soon!!

[@hatchetflims1194]

Freaking finally!!!! Can't wait for this read next year when I do read it. Sense my birthday is Tuesday I'm counting this as a early birthday gift for me. Thx Joel for the hard work that you do and hope the move goes well

[@fictionalfates]

Eeee thank you so much! I'm so glad that I was able to finally get to this, and I hope you love it when you read it too!

[@alyssavon5246]

Girls on tiktok really be reading a court of silver flames in a week and then complain about how long this one is.

[@VelvetReads]

It took me 3 weeks to finish this book 😳 you have to read slower to fully understand what’s going on

[@ruth1527]

OHHHH YOUR ALMOST AT 100K SUBSCRIBERS

[@ChemicalPenguinn]

I definitely belong in the category of people who are intimidated by this book...

[@RioCuperus]

you're giving me huge Loth vibes please keep going

[@RioCuperus]

very cool to see how this book affected his very psychy while he was reading it, I had a similar experience :D

[@tallyfeaturinggranny8511]

Loved it!!

[@acattagite448]

have the same bookmark, that happened to mine on the second day of using it

[@icrichton8955]

I read/audio booked it and that got me through it so quickly

[@lollydolly4590]

I love it, but I did a buddy read and paced my reading of it pretty slowly

[@piratedash]

Saving for later cause I'm in the middle of this book right now 😅

[@fictionalfates]

i hope you're enjoying it, or enjoyed it if you've finished it!

[@JackStrange]

Love the bookshelf!

[@fictionalfates]

thank you!

[@alonadaniel]

loth *is* canonically ace!! so is tane!

[@craftyreads]

Every time I go to the bookstore I pass by this book and I always consider reading it but then I remember how big it really is 😂

[@kinglywaves1474]

Joel since I know you love intimating book series I would love to see you read the some of the Star Wars novelsI recommend starting with light of the Jedi.(also the audio books is one of the most cinematic reading experience I have ever had it has music that plays and sound effects that help set the tone and stage for what’s happening it is honestly like watching a movie.)

[@JayMoReads]

It’s me not realizing the book is broken up into books within 🤣

[@seochangbinsarms]

i’m so insanely excited to read this book but my adhd makes it impossible for me to focus on one book at a time and i just don’t think that with all the books i’m currently reading it would b a good idea to bring in this gigantic high fantasy u know?💀

[@fictionalfates]

weirdly my adhd makes it impossible for me to read multiple books at once, so I can only focus on one book at a time - but yeah, introducing this book into your rotation might be hard unless you read it one part at a time before switching!

[@blackheartbooks]

I’m 200 pages in and struggling. I really hope I start to like it

[@mar2982]

funny i also struggled through the first 200 pages but then i DEVOURED it, i do think it gets so much better!

[@oliverharris60]

I am in no way a high fantasy reader. I don’t tend to like it when I try to read it. But I really really want to! I feel like trying to read this would be a bad idea but I still might 😂

[@JayGTheAwkwardBookworm]

This book scares the heck out of me…

[@yz4wg]

i literally bought that one yesterday

[@evelynemendessemedo]

JOEL PLEASE YOU NEED TO READ LORE OLYMPUS!

[@fictionalfates]

SOON!

[@finsfables]

I got this book a little while ago when I picked it up in the store and one of the employees there told me he really liked it and said I should get it, so I did…I’m too gay. Anyway perhaps I should pick it up especially with this great video

[@fictionalfates]

dfjdslkfj yes definitely read it!!

[@finsfables]

@@fictionalfates sjhdhd i’m currently reading Babel so after that i might try and start it!!

[@kittyscosylibrary]

I have the same bookmark and it did that on me as well 😆😆!!

[@o_o-lj1ym]

20:49 lmaoo

[@katpat-rice]

am i the only one who thought it was “pree-ory” 💀

[@pavlinazitkova]

💚💚👍👍

[@ccckmp]

11:37 this shot made me uncomfortable I’m sorry 😭

[@GameOn444s]

The feminism is overdone. Tried way too hard. I found it easy to get through by imaging all the queens as Trans woman. Made it bearable.

[@jonahulichny9874]

How is the feminism over done?

[@neerajas10N]

TWICE.album.on.the.shelf!