Synopsis.  

This is a high fantasy with dragons, forbidden magic, political drama, and a queendom at its heart. The world-building is chef’s kiss. It’s rich, layered, and immersive. It’s the first in the Roots of Chaos series, but you can absolutely read it as a standalone. 

We follow Queen Sabran IX, plus three other main characters: Ead Duryan (Eadaz du Zala uq Nara), Niclays Roos, and Tane. Each of them brings something unique to the table, and their stories weave together beautifully. 

 Plot & Pacing 

The plot is thick. Like, really dense. There’s a lot of history, a lot of characters, and a lot of buildup. The central conflict revolves around the return of the Nameless One, an ancient enemy, and the need for the East and West to stop squabbling long enough to unite. 

The pacing worked for me overall, but I’ll be honest: the final battle felt a little rushed. I wanted more detail, more tension, more oomph. Still, the emotional payoff and the journey getting there? Worth it. 

 Characters 

Okay, this book has a lot of characters. But the way Samantha Shannon writes them? You feel like you know them. I got attached—like, genuinely attached. When someone died, I felt it.   

Each character’s choices make sense when you understand their past, and even when they’re at odds, you can see how they’re all trying to do the right thing in their own way. Also? Some of them are surprisingly funny. I cackled more than once. 

Themes 

This book doesn’t just tell a story, it explores some deep, resonant themes: 

– Feminism & Gender Norms: Women lead, fight, rule, and shape history.   

– Secrets & Deception: Hidden identities, political lies, covert missions—this book thrives on secrets.   

– Loss & Grief: There’s loss of loved ones, trust, homeland… and it hurts.   

– Unity & Collaboration: The world’s survival depends on people setting aside differences and working together. 

 Final Thoughts 

This book is immersive, emotional, and beautifully built. It’s the kind of story that stays with you, not just because of the dragons or the magic, but because of the people, the choices, and the quiet moments in between. 

It’s one I’ll always recommend. Just try it out and see where it takes you.