The Raven Scholar

LoveReading Says

Every now and then I fall completely head over heels for a book, and this is one of those moments. I didn’t want the story to end, so entirely had it caught me, I just wanted to return to page one and experience the wonder all over again. Set in a land of sacred animals, emperors, and hidden magic, a high profile murder leads to an investigation by a socially awkward scholar who has risen through the ranks. I had previously met author Antonia Hodgson’s writing with the wonderful Thomas Hawkins historical crime series, so was immediately intrigued by the thought of her turning to fantasy. She has the ability to plot with intricacy while allowing characters to shine, and brings her worlds to vivid vibrant life. The introductory maps in The Raven Scholar are fabulous, and set the scene. The first few chapters hit hard, and slicing through emotions, they settled into a corner of my mind to wait. The style of the narration is undeniable, gradually asserting character, becoming known, and it is oh-so cleverly done. The fascinating characters, the courtly intrigue and political shenanigans, the battles for survival and friendships, the smallest of details that matter, the unwinding of the complex plot, the wit and wisdom, it is all, wonderful! The 643 pages left their mark on me, I simultaneously wanted to race through while savouring every word. This, the first in the Eternal Path Trilogy, had to join our LoveReading Star Books and become a Liz Pick of the Month, I am already hungering for the next book in my life. Oh, and a shout out to the cover, I felt privileged to dwell in the raven’s magnificence, and I am quite sure that Sol would approve. Wise and beautifully compelling, dramatic and full of suspense, The Raven Scholar lands with precision, scattering preconceptions into the wind. Highly recommended.

Liz Robinson

Find This Book In