The Raven Scholar cover art

The Raven Scholar

The Eternal Path, Book 1

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The Raven Scholar

By: Antonia Hodgson
Narrated by: Daphne Kouma
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About this listen

 She might win the throne. She might destroy an empire. Either way, it begins with murder.

After twenty-four years on the throne, it is time for Bersun the Brusque, emperor of Orrun, to bring his reign to an end. In the dizzying heat of mid-summer, seven contenders will compete to replace him.

Trained at rival monasteries, each contender is inspired by a sacred animal - Fox, Raven, Tiger, Ox, Bear, Monkey, and Hound. An eighth - the Dragon proxy - will be revealed only once the trials have begun. Eight exceptional warriors, thinkers, strategists - the best of the best.

Then one of them is murdered.

It falls to the brilliant but idiosyncratic Neema Kraa to investigate. But as she hunts for a killer, darker forces are gathering.

If Neema succeeds, she could win the throne - whether she wants it or not. But if she fails, she will sentence herself to death - and set in motion a sequence of events that could doom the empire . . .©2025 Antonia Hodgson (P)2025 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Dark Fantasy Fantasy Fiction
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I went into this novel thinking it would be for a younger audience but was pleasantly surprised. What a brilliant read. Definitely the type of book you just want to snuggle up for the day and devour. The characters are captivating and the story is enthralling - was sad to get to the last page of this one. Eager to check out more of Antonia Hodgen’s work. Bring on the next instalment

Thoroughly enjoyable!

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My favourite read of 2025 so far. While it took me a little bit to get hooked, I went on to devour this book in 3 days. I never saw the plot twists coming, I loved the characters, and it frequently made me laugh out loud. The whole thing was just delightful and I can’t wait to dive into this world again with the next books

Magnificent 🐦‍⬛

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Literally 10/10 all the way through, a breath of fresh air in originality and story and twists and the best characters, and absolutely insane narrator too!!

Narrator and characters

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what a wonderful tale- bit of a slow start but I can't wait to see where this goes.

absolutely enjoyable

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Loved it from the start, totally he me enthralled, got me out of a reading slump can’t wait for more

Unique story well written characters

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great read cannot wait for the next book, the story, character development, plot twists, language and scenes were all remarkable.

the story was very good but the narration made it supurb

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10 out of 10.
Fast paced, witty, heartwarming, vibrant world and characters. Relatable FMC, adorable MMC, Magnificent Sol.
Really looking forward to the next instalment, suspect and hope we might get to see some more of Ruko and Benna spending more time together.

incredible

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This was such a great listen. I think it could be the best narration I've ever heard and such a great story. highly recommend.

loved it!

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Rich world building with characters that you want to root for despite their flaws and questionable decisions. Well-written and not suffering some of that repetitive YA style that can get grating. Let it draw you in! Looking forward to next book

Great adult fantasy with a mystery to draw you in

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The Raven Scholar is a skilful and successful melange (or potpourri, if you will) of tropes that feels fresh. Without listing all the influences to avoid spoilers, there's a murder mystery, other realms, animal companions, prophecy, a reluctant hero, Hunger Games, with a touch of grimdark and romance. The book has multiple POVs, all contributing to the narrative, and was done well in the audiobook.

Many mystery novels take the Holmesian approach of a dramatic reveal at the end; however, in The Raven Scholar, we discover the culprit mid-way, but the author continues to push the tension through the book.

I was pleasantly surprised by the witty dialogue and humour. Traditional fantasy readers may not like the swearing and modern sensibility, but it worked well and kept me engaged for the entire (long) book. (In case you were worried, it's not at Gideon the Ninth levels.)

Highly recommended! I hope the next one comes out soon.

Exciting and Fresh Fantasy

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