From the bestselling author of The Bone Season, an epic high fantasy about a world on the brink of war with dragons — and the secret society tasked with stopping it.
A world divided.
A queendom without an heir.
An ancient enemy awakens.
The House of Berethnet has ruled Inys for a thousand years.
Still unwed, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to ensure the continuation of her bloodline. But as she clings to her independence, assassins are getting closer to her door.
Ead Duryan is an outsider at court. Though she has converted to the Six Virtues and risen to the position of lady-in-waiting, she will never be truly at home in Inys. As she dutifully goes to the sanctuary each day, Ead keeps a watchful eye on the queen, protecting her with forbidden magic.
Yet even she cannot keep Sabran from harm indefinitely. Dragons are encroaching on Inysh lands for the first time in centuries, the divided East and West refuse to parley, and an age-old force is stirring that no mandate can keep at bay.
The series
The Roots of Chaos is an epic fantasy series by Samantha Shannon that plunges readers into a world where magic is as ancient as the earth itself, and the balance between light and darkness teeters on the edge of destruction. Rich in myth, mystery, and complexity, the series invites readers to explore a landscape where dragons soar over battlefields, mighty kingdoms are divided by old grudges, and powerful forces threaten to unravel the world as it is known.
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At the heart of this breathtaking series lies a richly detailed world where different cultures, nations, and magical systems are intricately woven together. The Roots of Chaos series starts with The Priory of the Orange Tree, which sets the stage for an expansive narrative that spans continents, introduces complex characters, and brings dragons to the forefront as both symbols of power and ancient beings tied to the very survival of the world. The story shifts between powerful heroines, including Ead, an unassuming yet extraordinary guardian, and Tané, a dragonrider from a distant land whose fate is entwined with ancient legends.
Shannon’s talent for world-building shines in her careful crafting of languages, cultures, and intricate political systems. This depth of storytelling is complemented by nuanced character arcs where every decision carries weight, and the boundaries between heroism and villainy blur. The series also explores profound themes such as the costs of loyalty, the echoes of history, and the price of preserving the balance between good and evil.
The Roots of Chaos isn’t just a tale of battles and magic—it’s about legacies, about carrying the burden of what has come before and making choices that will shape the future. As the saga unfolds, readers are drawn into a world where power, sacrifice, and the unknown collide. With an emphasis on strong female characters, gripping plots, and a magic system that feels both ancient and new, this series has captured the imaginations of fantasy lovers worldwide.
The immersive narrative is complemented by Shannon’s compelling exploration of how different cultures understand and wield magic. Dragons aren’t merely creatures—they are an extension of power, legacy, and danger. Fans of intricate world-building and sweeping epics will find themselves absorbed in every turn of the page.
If you're looking for a series that challenges the boundaries of fantasy, where every page unravels new layers of magic, betrayal, and heroism, The Roots of Chaos is a journey worth taking. Its unique blend of dragons, powerful women, and a world on the brink of a new age of chaos promises an unforgettable reading experience that will stay with you long after the last page.
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