Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 31/01/2025
Published by: Hodder & Stoughton Audio
ISBN: 9781529339895
Publication date: 17 April 2025 (Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!)
With its vibrant world, drama-filled storyline and well-developed characters, ‘The Raven Scholar’ quickly evolved into a captivating listen despite a slightly rocky start.
Cover:
Writing:
Storyline:
Main character(s):
Secondary characters:
Romance:
Narration & Audio:
The story kicks off with crucial backstory and immersive world-building, creating a rich but ultimately information-dense foundation to wade through. Fast forward eight years and the storyline picks up with lots of drama, action, and tension as a treacherous competition for the throne is rooked by the murder of a contestant and long-laid schemes. While some aspects felt familiar from other Young Adult fantasy reads, Antonia Hodgson’s unique flair and engaging writing style breathed fresh life into these tropes, elevating them to match the epic scope of the narrative. I devoured every twist and turn and was impressed by the creative world packed with mythology, history, and political intrigue. I also thoroughly enjoyed the clever humour woven throughout the story and the petty courtly posturings. What’s more, themes such as loneliness, ambition, and social class added to the story’s depth and enriched the characters’ journeys.
in times of light in times of shadow seek for one small pearl of joy and you shall find it
It was actually the well-developed and realistically flawed characters that first drew me into this story. In particular, the Raven guardian, with their larger-than-life ego and comic relief moments, was an immediate highlight. Then there’s Neema Kraa, the main character, whose ambitions, painful loneliness, and quirks are relatable and compelling. Several secondary characters, including Cain, Benna, Ruko, and Emperor Bersun, also left a strong impression, as their detailed backstories and evolving connections with Neema enhanced the story. Even the romance was refreshing light, with an adorable and realistically messy development that never overshadowed the main storyline. I certainly can’t wait to see what lies ahead for each of these characters!
no diamond ever shone as brightly as an open heart
Daphne Kouma’s narration contributed significantly to the immersive quality of this audiobook. Her ability to deliver varied accents and fitting vocal nuances brought each character to life, making it easy to distinguish between them and adding emotional depth to their experiences. Clever production effects for the Raven and atmospheric music at the start of each part of the story further heightened the epic atmosphere of the narrative and made it even more immersive.
Discussion Questions (Contains spoilers!):
Q: If you had to choose between the monasteries, which would you want to join?
I would choose the Fox Monastery! I adore the playful, mischievous traits of those in this monastery and how they navigate situations with wit and cunning.
Q: What aspect of the story intrigued you most?
The challenges for each monastery were a standout aspect for me. Each brilliantly tied in with the core traits of the animal guardians, and I really enjoyed those that required the contestants to think outside the box.
Q: Which twist caught you by surprise?
I was completely shocked by the emperor’s true identity and long, calculated schemes to take his son’s place on the throne! I can’t wait to see how the throne will be prised from his cold, ruthless grasp—or if anyone even stands a chance.
Q: Can you recommend any similar books for fans of this one?
My mind immediately goes to The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett—though that leans more into its mystery aspect. There is also The Silverblood Promise by James Logan, Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, which share similarities with this story.
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