Book: The Raven Scholar
Reviewed by Rallie X
Rating: 5/5
Okay, this is one of those books that's really hard to review without getting into spoiler territory - high intrigue with a main character who is as smart as the author says she is (instead of just being told "she's smart" and the reader waiting for her to catch up) - so instead I'll just say it's such a cool book, the intrigue is top notch and really does keep you on your toes in a delightfully satisfying way. And don't be put off by the size of this chonky boi! Antonia Hodgson takes her time to really build everything out, making the most of her space, and just oh. Oh! It's going to be SO satisfying to see the payoff as the intrigue and conflict builds into the next book!
Hodgson does something very very cool with way she begins this book, and that's all I have to say about that if you want more go read it because oh man is it a brilliant narrative choice.
I adore Neema, like we love an autistic queen in this house but Neema is just something absolutely special. Everything she goes through you're just right along with her (like the ravens!), just like "oh Neema no (╥﹏╥) " and "oh Neema yes >:]". She's a brilliant main character, and I love when characters are smart in practice and not just because we're told they are. The way other characters orbit around her and each other through the story is such a masterful instance of keeping the main character in sight while really clearly having other interactions happening off screen matter .
I cannot recommend the audiobook enough, the narrator is incredible and I'm so glad I decided to do an immersive read on this one! She get's the ravens PERFECTLY with the KRAAA KRAAA. Love it.