A review by ashmagoffin
The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson

4.75

Thank you to Hachette for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review. 

It has been 24 years of Bersun the Brusque's rule on the throne and it is time to find a suitable replacement for the emperor. Eight contenders from rival monasteries will compete in a trial in order to win the throne. 

 

DO NOT BE DAUNTED BY THE SIZE OF THIS BOOK. It is hefty and contains vast world-building but it is an absolute breeze to read. The focus of this novel is rather tight which makes it an easy plot driven novel to follow the narrative. A sheer feat to create a easy to orientate world within layers upon layers of high fantasy. There are powerful and malicious forces as an undercurrent during a high stakes tournament for the throne. This book did not take long to grip me, the world is vivid but also are the characters. Ruthless characters with ambition, impulsive and self-interested spirits, equally unpredictable and demanding. No one is afraid to give you their unsolicited opinion. The Raven Scholar is effortlessly hilarious, full of sass, wit and a wild ride from start to finish. I absolutely adored this, I am so happy to be back in my epic fantasy era! 

The Raven Scholar is out on the 29/4/25 (ebook/audio 17/4/25)