𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 4.5/5 ⭐️

𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮 1/5 🌶️
 

The Raven Scholar by Antonio Hodgson is the first book in the Eternal Path Trilogy. Neema is a Raven scholar who was chosen to write an Order of Exile and then thrust into a world of political plots and intrigue. In a world where contenders fight for the throne (one from each monastery) Neema is only supposed to be in charge of the planning of the ceremonies but when one contender is murdered she is thrown in a race to find the murderer and to save her kingdom. 

The world building for this is quite fantastic. There is a lot of intricate details that really help develop the story. I enjoyed the monasteries being sacred animals and how those who enter those monasteries take on that animals characters. This felt unique to me and added a fresh feel to the fantasy genre. The writing was interesting. I enjoyed the way the author switched up the perspectives. Made it feel like we had a private look into what others were thinking and seeing. 

There is some romance in here but it is a subplot and not a huge part of the story but it did add a little extra. I enjoyed the investigation and the challenges. If this had been a bit faster-paced I probably would have given it five stars. I didn’t really feel the story pick up for me anyways until over half way through the book. 

I am glad I stayed with it though because I did end up devouring the second half and really enjoyed the story! Book 2 is not out yet so now I wait. 

I would recommend this to those who love high fantasy, challenging trials, and political intrigue!