The Raven Scholar
by Antonia Hodgson
Every time I thought I knew what's about to happen, I found out that I didn't.
The Raven Scholar book is perfect, and my first five star read of the year. It’s not a surprise that the story of competition, mystery and betrayal had me hooked from start to finish. Every time you think you know what’s about to happen during this story, I promise you that you don’t.
Set in the Empire of Orrun, the story follows Neema Kraa, the Emperor’s High Scholar, as one of seven candidates compete in a series of trials to decide who will succeed the throne. When one of the competitors ends up dead, Neema is tasked with solving the crime before the trials reach their end. It’s a murder mystery wrapped inside a competition of succession, that Neema has to navigate differently to everyone else.
Neema is a character that despite her flaws, tries to be a good person. She is well written, relatable and exactly the sort of person you want to follow in this story. Neema, alongside every other character feels unique, in a world that just makes sense. I look forward to the sequel and to see where they end up next.
If you like fantasy that leans into mystery and a bit of political intrigue between battle scenes, and you want a confident, female protagonist, this is one to grab.