Among the Burning Flowers
- Authors: Samantha Shannon
- Series: Book 3 in the Roots of Chaos series
- Type: Novel
- Genres: Fantasy
- Rank:Top 100 in Best Folklore Books on AmazonTop 200 in Best Sword & Sorcery Fantasy Books on AmazonTop 300 in Best Epic Fantasy Books on Amazon
- Rating: 4.3 based on 197 reviews
- Release Date: September 16, 2025
- Print length: 288 pages (Hardcover)
About the book
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).
Accolades
Praise for Among the Burning Flowers
Inventive, intriguing, and endlessly surprising-no one enthralls me like Samantha Shannon.
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.
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.
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.
[O]ne of modern fantasy's finest world builders.
The perfect addition to this series... beautiful and incredibly intricate... [Shannon] is a vivid storyteller.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About the author
