reading THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE in 24 HOURS (spoiler free! + a day of fallen night)

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📌 CHAPTERS ☟
00:00-02:02 intro
02:03-03:22 challenge breakdown
THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE
03:23-04:56 day one
04:57-11:18 day two
11:19-17:27 day three
17:28-18:57 priory thoughts
A DAY OF FALLEN NIGHT
18:58-24:46 day four
24:47-28:43 day five
FINAL THOUGHTS
28:44-30:20 general thoughts/disclaimers
30:21-33:45 my review
33:46-34:34 hats off
34:35-36:09 outtro

[@ashleyslittlelibrary]

Omg the ending hahaha I’m glad I could give you a confidence boost to share a not-so-overwhelmingly-positive opinion in a sea of people who love this book so dearly. It’s okay to not like every book! 🫶🏻😂

[@allisonpaiges]

truly your video brought me SO much comfort - keep doing what ya do! 🫶

[@dlyn1124]

You make some of the best "I didn't really like this book" videos. To dislike and to disagree doesn't always have to equate to negativity; honestly, it's those differences that help us stay authentic. Your open-mindedness and thoughtfulness is truly a superpower.

[@joreneereads]

Hahaaa I’m currently reading priory and I am MINDBLOWN that you stopped and looked up every vocabulary word… deadass didn’t even know there was a glossary. If I need to know, she better tell me in the text, otherwise I just keep reading and hope for the best 😂

[@Zablazer7]

When you said there were people that said that "you'd like these books even if you don't like fantasy," my jaw hit the floor. These are some of the fantasiest fantasy books that ever fantasied. I love them for that and I love that you don't :) P.S. Every time I see a comma instead of a period on your phone timer I'm reminded you live in Europe lol

[@emilylockwood4302]

I love fantasy but also HATE keeping up with names and places etc. And I literally CANNOT continue until I know EXACTLY what’s going on and it makes it extremely hard AS A FANTASY LOVER so I’m really enjoying watching someone else who will struggle JUST AS MUCH as I will before reading

[@graceannreads]

I would love to see you try a Brandon Sanderson book, his fantasy is so much more accessible to me. His world building is awesome and my small brain cells can handle it

[@zozobop]

the dragon animation in day 2 was so cute 😭🥰!!!! your videos are always so full of the most aggressively adorable things 💗💗💗

[@allisonpaiges]

thanks! it's trogdor :)

[@Jeffrey.e]

​@@allisonpaiges BURNINATE!

[@kristenmoore925x]

@@allisonpaiges the burninator!! Omg I thought I was the only human alive who still knows homestar runner

[@squall6789]

TRIGDOOOOR!! *guitar solo*

[@dectren]

I liked the idea of Priory more than I actually liked reading it. It was super slow until the last 200 pages and I feel like the action it spent so long leading up to ended up being anticlimactic. But I was desperate for a book with sapphics and dragons so I have a soft spot for it even though I was bored and confused

[@aydaybaynay]

It's so cool that you gave these books a chance. The range of fantasy is so broad and these two are HIGH fantasy. I think that acknowledging that this isn't a writing you can get into is something I needed to hear. I CANNOT get into Brandon Sanderson but I could get into Priory. Just because you like one high fantasy author, doesn't mean you can get through them all happy at the end. Thanks for your perspective on these books. It was very refreshing 💛

[@offonatangent8822]

Dude I am SO excited for Ally to read the fifth season trilogy! Imo so different from lots of fantasy, so character focused, so good aahhhh

[@francescakyanda9182]

I own the whole trilogy so if she makes the first a Pocket Pages read I’ll read along!

[@mariemuller8447]

I love the fifth season! Its a favorite!! (Also it took me a while to really love it because i expected something else) plus i just this Moment finished the priory of the orange tree (and it took me almost 2 years😅 … to be fair probably online Picked it Up about 15 times) and i agree with ally -not a bad Book but i am a Charakter girly and i just wasnt invested (plus dont give me a dragonriderschool and not do more with that 😅)

[@Mia_M]

probably because it's science fantasy, so it's more of a crossover than just straight up fantasy

[@readingwraynbow]

The Broken Earth trilogy is SO. FREAKING. GOOD. omg. A must read. Loved this vlog, hope you’re feeling better ❤🫶🏻

[@readingwraynbow]

also trogdor 🐉🫰🏻

[@Amy_Anh]

It’s so funny how you have to emphasize “FOR ME, PERSONALLY” because there are those out there in the book club who are very scary

[@itsthemadster]

Your facial expressions while reading are the best! Congratulations on conquering this challenge and thank you for sharing your honest thoughts.

[@elliafabia]

I don't watch your videos, because we have the same taste in books (although it is very similar). In fact, some of your favorites are my flops and vice versa. I watch your videos, because I think that you express your thoughts and opinions about books so eloquently and smart, yet still manage to make the videos feel so cozy and entertaining. I started including my reading into my vlogs, because you inspired me to do so 😄 looking forward to all your upcoming book adventures 💖 and, I'm not a fantasy girly either. I try now and then, but I just can't get into it. So, I never even considered reading The Priory. However, I watched multiple reading vlogs and reviews about it 😅 don't ask me why

[@allisonpaiges]

this is such a nice comment :') you've made my day!

[@elliafabia]

@@allisonpaiges I'm glad it did 💞

[@1book1review]

This was probably the most helpful video to form my decision to put these books off for longer. Thanks for reading them and being so honest about your thoughts while reading.

[@goodbyecowgirl]

I love love love the music you use for your videos… like the zelda, pikmin, miitopia, animal crossing music is all so nice and fits the vibe so well.

[@francespeterson2452]

Yes! This was exactly how I felt when I started (and dnfed) priory of the orange tree a few years ago! And I'm someone who generally really likes fanatsy! I actually have found the book to be very hit or miss when talking to other people. My dad did actually read the whole thing and pretty much had the same opinion you did so you are definitely not the only person!

[@JCallaghan88]

Okay only a minute in and I just want to say I love that you don’t sacrifice sleep but rather time your reading! 😊

[@justvynexa]

will this vlog finally get me to read this book after it being on my shelves for years? the world may never know.

[@theeldritchfox]

It's okay, Ally! You know about Trogdor, so you're still in the cool kid club. I used to draw him with chalk allll the time as a kid!

[@LmackenzieH]

You do such an amazing job of being honest about your feelings on a book while still validating other’s experiences with it! Love that! Also, if it makes you feel any better, you said you don’t know anyone who doesn’t like these books. IRL I don’t know anyone who does like them! So there’s that. 😂

[@catesmith5762]

The amount I need a Spotify playlist of all the music you use in your videos is insane!

[@Sl4yd3n22]

i know this is an old comment but it’s just the legend of zelda ocarina of time and majoras mask soundtrack

[@lxxy05]

ally your editing is always top tier but i especially loved it in this video!! it was so entertaining 🎉

[@AlexKillzMC]

Omg you are my new favorite booktuber!!! I love your editing

[@froggystrap1232]

Love your editing and color grading so much!! Your video is really entertaining to watch

[@isabellajohnson956]

This brought me so much joy just hearing your reactions and the sounds and seeing the facial expressions. I’m hopefully diving into these books myself soon!

[@gaia_dira]

ahh i’ve been so excited for this vlog! i love the priory of the orange tree and still need to read a day of fallen night. i’ve been wanting to hear your thoughts on them for a while ☺️💚

[@PressPlayChey]

I haven’t yet read these, but looking forward to trying!! Figuring out what you like / dislike is so important to building your own personal “literary canon”. I’m glad you shared it with us. We need different perspectives, it’s what keeps a community excited and in discussion :)

[@SheeBearable]

You came into my recommendations today and I'm so happy you did! Your editing (loveee the ac/zelda music) , personality, and opinions are just ~ *chefs kiss* ~ cannot wait to watch more of your videos 🥰

[@jareduwu5849]

i really like the way you edit your videos. i never even read these books, but i stayed for the style of the vid which was fun yet relaxing. awesome cats btw!

[@kalareadsagain]

I’m so glad you made this video because I’ve been debating reading Priory for a while but everything negative you’ve said is something I would really hate. So thank you for saving me a LOT of time! 😂

[@stitchedscorpio]

this was the first video of yours i ever watched and have since started from the beginning and watched everything. thank you so much for the safe space and for the incredible quality videos you make. ❤

[@simonatodorova689]

I love you and the warmth radiating from you and your videos! Thank you for bringing it to me and reminding me that I also have it in my life.

[@kaylaloftis]

Literally subscribed off the sheer amazing useage of Zelda, a plus that you're adorable and I love the cozy chaos!

[@twoghostsinacornfeild]

Ahhh it's such a relief to see someone else trying to get into he fantasy genre but struggling with the complexities of the world building! Love your videos, have an awesome day and keep reading :D

[@samanthaweston443]

new subscriber here!! i found this video a few weeks ago when i was trying to find the courage to pick this book back up after about 100 pages and a veeery long break - and while you did admittedly convince me not to do so, i got absolutely lost in your channel and have been consuming all of your content since. thank you for being such a cozy place to hang out (and for playing zelda music in between sections) :)

[@ireallyamjomarch]

I just picked up the Priory at my local bookstore 😂 I have a love hate relationship with Fantasy with a capital F so we’ll see. Also, I hate that you have to apologize for not liking a book. We should all be able to express our opinions about books without fear of being attacked. I understand when you love something it can feel like you need to defend whatever it is when someone else isn’t a fan but their lack of love doesn’t take away from your own.

[@yuhalane]

I had to laugh in the beginning when you were saying that it takes you forever to get used to the world and just info dumping. I agreed a lot. I did somehow finished priory in 3 days, I do read fantasy as main genre ( or actually WAS. This year, my brain decided to just go hardcore for Scifi and Classics. My brain just decided for me and I said, aight. Right now I am reading the Count of Monte Cristo, the book that I vaguely remember reading shorter version as a child, but as adult I just went for the full unabridged version. And will hopefully finish it today) All I wanted to say, is I congratulate you for finishing TWO GIANT TOMES of a genre that you normally do not read. What a challenge! Thank you for sharing these monents and your thougts, always. Love from Florida 😘

[@Jinxofthedesert]

I think it's great you finally got to read these books! Your review was also fun to hear about and I enjoyed how open you were to the series too. Priory has been on my physical TBR since it came out but, while I enjoy fantasy, high fantasy has always been very daunting to me. However, I recently got into Shadow of the Gods, a high fantasy books and am actually loving it to pieces! So I am on my way to hopefully picking up my copy of Priory in the near future!

[@artrose3763]

I *will* watch this once I’ve finished studying. Can't wait!!

[@alliec5515]

I just discovered your channel and I am in love with it. The vibes, the colors, the energy you carry in your videos. Love every part. Can't wait to binge all your vids :))))

[@meettherodgers1374]

First video I've watched on your channel and I'm hooked. I absolutely adore your positive attitude and your cats are the cutest.

[@oliviacure8453]

Hi Ally! I love your videos so much. They inspire me to take life slower and enjoy the smaller pleasures. You are responsible for my absurdly long TBR. Can you do an updated all the books on my TBR video please? ❤🎉

[@allisonpaiges]

thank you 💛 &maybe in the future! the other is only like six months old ☺️

[@Alex-pb5rf]

AAAAHHHHH AM CURRENTLY BALL OF EXCITEMENT!!!!!! I look forward to your videos every week ☺️ I hope you've had a good week Ally!!! After watching appreciation post: I fricking loved the little hand drawn dragons and the Zelda beats. They made the video so much better 😁

[@maggie7908]

I appreciate your honesty and careful thought SO much! If you want a character-driven fantasy, a song of ice and fire is IT. imo it’s true world building, plenty of showing and not telling, and knock out characters. Especially if you’ve seen game of thrones, it is much easier to follow than priory. I’ve also heard Robin Hobbs’ books are super character driven and fairly accessible!

[@hopeolson531]

i just found u and i think youre my new fav booktuber, omg ily

[@jessicaschmitt7161]

Even though you didn't love Priory as much as I did, I really enjoyed this vlog and I'm so glad that you at least enjoyed the ride and the conversations! I am inspired to reread Priory and finally read the prequel

[@ACupofNicole]

I’m really hoping this vlog will take away the fear I have of reading priory (it probably will!!) so excited! 🥳

[@ACupofNicole]

4 mins in- IM SCARED

[@user-tu8yx3xp2v]

Honestly I felt the same when I read these! So validating to have someone feel similarly! Don’t give up on fantasy though!!!

[@lexaraereads]

I feel SO validated by this video! I was really underwhelmed with priory and really started to internalize that it was me and I just didn’t get it. Thank you for sharing your perspective and recognizing that every book has its audience and it’s super cool that we all have our own taste!

[@wandering0wonderland]

I felt the exact same way when reading Priory! It's just an okay read. Also never trust the people who say "the next book is better", it's very rare that it ever is 😂

[@ayantikasen3490]

One of the reasons I liked priory is because I read it over MONTHS. I do understand why people wouldn’t like it because even I didn’t like it as much when I was forcing myself to read more than 50 pages a day. But since I read it from May to December last year I think it might have allowed me to enjoy it more.

[@PistachioGold]

I've always been intrigued by these books given the thickness and cover 😅 I definitely want to read it still. Your vlog is so enjoyable and funny, and very colourful 🎉

[@tazaryeet]

hehehe i got the notification for your video while currently reading priory of the orange tree!!!! i'll read a few more pages and then watch your video :)))) 💚

[@purplemataya]

sabaa tahirs series absolutely killed me, so many good characters, i read all four right in a row

[@baeticat]

Ooh I'm so curious to see whether these books are worth the hype. Omg and the MSN messenger beeps are scratching my nostalgic brain ❤

[@JackStrange]

Just subscribed from this video 😂 Every time I watch an orange tree vid I get closer and closer to actually reading it

[@agothbee]

omg the prequel cover is sooooo beautifulllll 🤩

[@Sab26790]

"we are uncomfortable but the day was a success" i like you!

[@chelseyjohnson501]

I totally bought these books for the covers. Maybe I'll read then one day. I so much enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing

[@addunk355]

I enjoyed this video! Thank you. What a video to watch on a busy Sunday when one needs a moment of escape :0

[@LHx95]

weirdly, your vlog made me very excited to finally read those two books!! this reading vlog was lovely thank u :)

[@allisonpaiges]

HELL YEAH i am so glad!!

[@josiewallace4478]

I subscribed when I saw you annotating “hell yeah” in the margins; I read it in Jenna Marbles’ voice and knew that that was the vibe you were vibing with. I felt vindicated/affirmed when you then inserted a Jenna clip. I’m so excited to binge watch all of your videos.

[@Abisolutelyfabulous]

So excited for you to read the Broken Earth trilogy! All of the new words make enough sense that you can mostly figure out what they mean without the glossary. And the characters are (chef's kiss emoji, chef's kiss emoji). And all three books won the Hugo Award.

[@KirstY_YtsriK]

Please make a playlist with the music you used in this vlog! The vibes were immaculate 😙✨️

[@DanieleaReads]

Honestly look forward to your videos every Sunday for my weekly dose of dopamine 😄

[@Wings0fFreedom]

First of all, it was awesome to hear that you are learning Dutch! And second, you have my respect for reading those 2 bricks! I have the first one on my shelve for a while now and I'm so intimidated by it 😂 This was my first time watching one of your video's and I love your vibe! Will definitely watch more from you. Greetings from The Netherlands ❤

[@joeawad4325]

I haven’t read Priory yet, but this video was so interesting!!! Also, Saaba Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes series is more than worth it, it’s honestly my favourite fantasy series ever! I hope you’ll enjoy it when you get around to read it!

[@ariannawestley]

I haven't read either of these yet but I sure did sit here and watch your whole video 😂 I had a very similar experience when I read book 1 in the Crescent City series so I totally understand the struggles with all the info dumping!

[@berrelleza151210]

Nothing better than a video from you on a Sunday morning, the perfect way to start the day. 🥰💕 Maybe this is the signal to finally pick up the priory of the orange tree.😅

[@kylierussell0207]

Listen I was just THRILLED to see a 36 min video! 😍👏🏻 (also not a fantasy girlie either. I see you.)

[@boringthings]

It is Sunday, my dudes! 🥳

[@Katertomater]

This was such a fun video and I’m so obsessed with your channel. I watch every Sunday morning with my 2 year old 😂 (he says “meow” when he sees your cats 🥰)

[@vicsbooknook]

This is the most intimidating book on my tbr 😅 now I’m probably going to put it off for even longer 😂

[@bethbcrafts]

I want you to know that this is the video that made me subscribe to you. Haven’t read these books, and I might not, but I loved watching you experience them.

[@andeeheartsbooks7447]

I read Priory a few months ago and am almost halfway through the prequel. Liked the first one better so far. Want to love the prequel more. Love your reactions to it all!

[@frogtossing6449]

I read this book at the exact same time as you and i totally share your feelings towards it! Im not much of a fantasy reader either + i have never read a book that long. And i totally agree that the first 250 pages were super hard to get through, i constantly had to flip back to the map or forwards to the glossary but at some point i just gave up in trying to understand every single custom and new word and just let myself fall into the story and to enjoy it purely for the vibes. Ultimately i gave it a 4 star rating but i think thats because this was my first time reading a high fantasy story, so i dont have much to compare it to. I think ill still pick up the prequel though, just not right now. Ill give it some time and maybe ill get to it in a year or two ^^ i really enjoyed seeing that im not alone with my feelings towards Priory :D

[@poppyev8188]

Best day of the weeeek!!❤

[@kirstun_]

i love the fact that ur learning my language, you don't see many people doing that!! :D

[@rowan.27]

I so relate to not being a fantasy person! My bookclub with my friends is reading She Who Became the Sun this month and I'm scared lol I definitely gravitate more toward cozy fantasy and sci-fi as opposed to epic fantasy. Props to you for powering thru these books and so valid of you to not like them!

[@deblawrence8341]

Excellent job completing those colossal books in record time! Your classics book buddy here. 😁 After finishing Orwell's "Down and Out in Paris and London" I switched to something much lighter: "Legends and Lattes"!!! So far out of my reading scope but I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Viv and her friends. I adored Cal and especially Thimble. What sweeties they were! I was really hoping that Laney, Viv's neighbor across from the coffee shop, would turn out to be a witch and when she wasn't sweeping her porch (with her BROOM) or baking not-so-pleasing desserts, that she turned into the dire cat and secretly made her way around the town to keep herself in the know. But alas, it never came to pass. Am currently reading Colette's "The Vagabond" and am thoroughly engaged in the imagery she paints with words. I wish more people knew about her, her life, and her works. She was an amazing, and spunky, lady. 🥰 Hugs to you dear!

[@charliegrace4460]

the BOTW background music 🥹 this is my first video of yours and I’m HOOKED

[@andrijanav9735]

Omg !! NK Jemisins trilogy is amazing! i really hope you will make a video about it bc this was so enjoyable to watch!

[@xxlobke]

🐉💚 thanks for the great video Ally!!

[@katiewass339]

Everyone: Discussing fantasy. Me: Here to tell Ally about a book I’m reading that I think she’ll love? Maybe? It’s mundane AND high stakes, it’s giving ‘I Who Have Never Known Men’ and ‘The Sound Of Music’. I’m only 50 pages in but I think it’s incredible, ‘The Wall’ by Marlen Haushofer. Awesome vlog, thank you for all your efforts despite not feeling good 🎉

[@bookishlymichelle]

i connected with both of these books pretty much effortlessly but the fifth season? nothing but confusion for like the first 50% 😂😂 it's ultimately still one of my favorite series though and i hope you'll have a better time with it!!! I'll love priory & adofn for both of us 🙌

[@snhreader7765]

33:39 AHHH! I just noticed you have Sweet Bean Paste on your shelf! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 I'm trying to start reading that next month.

[@donnarainey9178]

I love fantasy books, they have always been my comfort. I haven't read this series yet but definitely will, eventually. Even knowing that you're not a big fantasy reader and our book tastes are a little different I always look forward to your videos. They bring me joy and the excitement you have for books makes me smile everytime. Because of you I've reached for books that are outside my regular reading comfort zones Thank you for that and for this beautiful little corner of the internet we have.

[@catrinevansmusic]

thank you thank you thank you, this is EXACTLY how I felt about priory! I actually dnfed two thirds of the way through which is unheard of for me (I've usually either given up in the first 100 pages or see it through to the bitter end) because some twist or other happened and I realised I just wasn't invested enough to care. Being able to loose myself in a place and story is why I love fantasy/sci-fi so much and like you say, the telling not showing was too much for me to become fully invested. I just have one rec if you're looking for a sci-fi/fantasy novel with stellar world-building and characters, I'm reading A Memory of Empire right now and it's absolutely blowing my mind. I'm so invested in the characters that the political intrigue really hits and I'm having a blast with it.

[@emman2052]

i have yet to finish watching this video, so i’m sure ally has some great insights on tackling fantasy,, but here is my approach. any time i start a new fantasy, i just accept that i will be thrown off by the jargon, the world, the magic system, etc. i am fully prepared to be confused for the first couple of chapters, and that’s okay! the author has meticulously crafted this complex world unlike our own and dumped you as the reader right into the middle of it, of course it doesn’t make sense. i just observe the language and remind myself that the rules of this world are different from my own, and eventually you pick up on what is what. i definitely don’t expect this to work for everyone, but this is what works for me! just throwing my rational mind in the trash for the time being haha

[@jsmnpng]

Never thought I would like KZbin about reading. It just fascinates me

[@ohobrenda]

I was already enjoying watching you, but as soon as I've heard the zelda ost I started enjoying even more

[@littleonepaige]

every time I hear paper mario music in your videos I get so happy!! fav fav fav 🥹 also the jenna marbles clip made me SMILE BIG

[@GreatOldOne9866]

This was an impulse buy for me. I read half of the first chapter and didn’t think it was too bad, but the mixed reviews I hear/read have me nervous 😂 it’ll be a while before I actually get into it, since I’ve got a ton other books to read. So if I remember to come back here after finishing it, I’ll give my own take.

[@kindateia]

This is making me have hope for the second one actually

[@krsissweet]

as a person that just DNFed a first book to a very beloved series after the first 100 pages, I feel your pain. I'm a fantasy person, but sometimes the story needs to hit to get you into it, and if it doesn't you end up (literally) falling asleep. my current take for myself is it could just be the wrong time?? sometimes what my brain needs is the equivalent to a quick junky snack and not a multi-course meal where each plate is one bite a piece

[@charoraimondogarcia]

As always you videos make my sundays better! You should read The raven cycle, is more of a soft urban fantasy, with lot of vibes and character development and little plot. Very beautifully written. Very whimsical.

[@valeriebr3202]

I will definitely try these books in the future!

[@catreadsabunch]

The music around 9:05 is giving Halloweentown vibes and I'm here for it!

[@aislinrose1]

I like your way of doing 24 hour readathons. May have to try it myself next time I want to do a readathon 😅