Yes, A Day of Fallen Night takes place chronologically before The Priory of the Orange Tree.
Understanding the Chronology of Samantha Shannon's Novels
Fans of Samantha Shannon's works often wonder about the interconnectedness and reading order of her epic fantasy novels, especially between A Day of Fallen Night and The Priory of the Orange Tree. While both novels explore the rich world of the draconic realm, they are set centuries apart.
Prequel or Main Series?
A Day of Fallen Night serves as a substantial prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree. It is set hundreds of years prior to the events depicted in Priory, offering readers a deep dive into the historical origins, conflicts, and characters that shaped the world seen in the later novel.
Here's a quick look at their chronological relationship:
| Book Title | Chronological Placement | Reading Order Flexibility |
|---|---|---|
| A Day of Fallen Night | Takes place hundreds of years before The Priory of the Orange Tree. | Can be read as a standalone novel or as a prequel that enhances the understanding of The Priory of the Orange Tree. |
| The Priory of the Orange Tree | Takes place after the events of A Day of Fallen Night. | Often viewed as the main novel, with A Day of Fallen Night providing historical context. Can also be read standalone, but some lore origins are explained in the prequel. |
Recommended Reading Order
While A Day of Fallen Night is chronologically earlier, both novels are designed so they can be read as standalone stories. For readers who prefer to experience the narrative in chronological order, A Day of Fallen Night would come first. However, many readers discover The Priory of the Orange Tree first and then delve into A Day of Fallen Night for expanded lore and backstory, viewing it as a comprehensive prequel.
Ultimately, the choice of reading order depends on reader preference:
- Chronological Order: A Day of Fallen Night followed by The Priory of the Orange Tree. This approach allows for a linear understanding of the world's history.
- Publication Order / Entry Point: The Priory of the Orange Tree followed by A Day of Fallen Night. This approach allows Priory to be the primary introduction to the world, with Fallen Night enriching the lore and answering historical questions.
For more information on A Day of Fallen Night, you can refer to resources like this overview from Inklings Bookshop.
