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A review by katie_the_reader
The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
OMG 🐦⬛ THIS 🦊 BOOK 🐉 IS 🐒 SO 🐻 FREAKIN 🐅 GOOD 🐂
I honestly don’t even know where to start. This book is so different, so refreshing, so intriguing, so imaginative I cannot even begin to tell you how hooked I was.
Welcome to Orrun, an empire devoted to the Eight deities - the Tiger, Monkey, Raven, Fox, Hound, Ox, Bear and Dragon. After the emperor’s 24 year term is over, a representative from each of the temples faces a set of deadly and devious trials in order to earn the throne. But after the Raven representative is murdered the night before the festival begins, the emperor’s High Scholar Neema is thrust into the unwanted position of contender. But behind this long-established routine of power change, political machinations are in motion, and the Eight - who have saved the realm 7 times - promise to destroy Orrun if they have to return again.
UGH. This story is delicious, I really could not put this down. There’s a murder mystery, prophecies, courtly intrigues, spies and assassins, games and trials, just EVERYTHING.
The characters are so complex and interesting I found myself caring about every single one of their journeys rather than just focussing on the main storyline.
That brings me to the writing - my god this blew me away. At first you don’t know what perspective this story is told from, is it a narrator or another character? The story seems to jump in perspectives and tells the overall plot through so many different characters that it just feels so rich and complex that I could just squeal about it for days. Aside from that the characterization of the Eight, the way their voices are woven into the story is just incredible.
I would give this 10 stars if I could. I’m begging for book two and this isn’t even out yet!
This is one you NEED to pre-order. It releases on 17th April and trust me you must must MUST add it to your TBR.
Thank you so much Hodderscape, NetGalley and Antonia Hodgson for the absolute privilege of reading this ARC!
I honestly don’t even know where to start. This book is so different, so refreshing, so intriguing, so imaginative I cannot even begin to tell you how hooked I was.
Welcome to Orrun, an empire devoted to the Eight deities - the Tiger, Monkey, Raven, Fox, Hound, Ox, Bear and Dragon. After the emperor’s 24 year term is over, a representative from each of the temples faces a set of deadly and devious trials in order to earn the throne. But after the Raven representative is murdered the night before the festival begins, the emperor’s High Scholar Neema is thrust into the unwanted position of contender. But behind this long-established routine of power change, political machinations are in motion, and the Eight - who have saved the realm 7 times - promise to destroy Orrun if they have to return again.
UGH. This story is delicious, I really could not put this down. There’s a murder mystery, prophecies, courtly intrigues, spies and assassins, games and trials, just EVERYTHING.
The characters are so complex and interesting I found myself caring about every single one of their journeys rather than just focussing on the main storyline.
That brings me to the writing - my god this blew me away. At first you don’t know what perspective this story is told from, is it a narrator or another character? The story seems to jump in perspectives and tells the overall plot through so many different characters that it just feels so rich and complex that I could just squeal about it for days. Aside from that the characterization of the Eight, the way their voices are woven into the story is just incredible.
I would give this 10 stars if I could. I’m begging for book two and this isn’t even out yet!
This is one you NEED to pre-order. It releases on 17th April and trust me you must must MUST add it to your TBR.
Thank you so much Hodderscape, NetGalley and Antonia Hodgson for the absolute privilege of reading this ARC!