Samantha Shannon's A Day of Fallen Night captivates with its rich, immersive world-building and complex characters. Critics praise its intricate plot and emotional depth. However, some find its length daunting and pacing uneven. Overall, it’s a compelling read for fans of epic fantasy, balancing heart-wrenching moments with exhilarating action.

A reader who would enjoy A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon likely appreciates epic fantasy with intricate world-building and complex characters. Fans of George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones or J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings will find this book's rich lore and grand narrative captivating.

A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon, a prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree, follows ancestors of the original characters as they navigate the Grief of Ages, a time of turmoil involving magical battles, dragons, and warfare set 500 years prior. The story explores themes of monarchy, autonomy, and features diverse, LGBTQIA+ characters living without societal prejudice. The novel features scenes of extended violence and illness.

Fantastical / Mysterious / Adventurous / Emotional / Suspenseful

Samantha Shannon

Adult

Novel

The Roots of Chaos

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore A Day of Fallen Night reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read A Day of Fallen Night | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore A Day of Fallen Night and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

A Day of Fallen Night Summary and Study Guide

Background

A Day of Fallen Night Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Twilight Year (CE 509)”

Prologue-Part 1

A Day of Fallen Night Prologue-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “As the Gods Slept (CE 510)”

Part 2 A Day of Fallen Night Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Age of Fire (CE 511)”

Part 3, Chapters 42-61

A Day of Fallen Night Part 3, Chapters 42-61 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 62-82

A Day of Fallen Night Part 3, Chapters 62-82 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Long-Haired Star (CE 512)”

Part 4-Epilogue

A Day of Fallen Night Part 4-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

A Day of Fallen Night Character Analysis

theme

Themes

A Day of Fallen Night Themes

Symbols & Motifs

A Day of Fallen Night Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

A Day of Fallen Night Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

A Day of Fallen Night Essay Topics

A Day of Fallen Night

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read A Day of Fallen Night?

Reading Age

Book Details