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The Raven Scholar
by Antonia Hodgson
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From an electrifying new voice in epic fantasy comes a masterfully woven tale of imperial intrigue, cutthroat competition, and one scholar's quest to uncover the truth. 'IT'S THRILLING, ROMANTIC, OFTEN TRAGIC, AND ALWAYS FUNNY' ALIX E. HARROW 'SIMPLY GLORIOUS!' GEORGIA SUMMERS 'FIENDISHLY CHARMING AND CLEVER' TASHA SURI 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.…
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"Let me start by saying that writing a really good epic fantasy is hard to do. But with The Raven Scholar, Antonia Hodgson makes it look like a breeze. The story takes place in Orrun, where a fierce competition to replace the emperor is about to take place. When a contender is found dead before the tournament begins, Neema Kraa, a scholar – with admittedly dubious morals – is tasked with finding the killer. This tale of murder, tragedy and familial betrayal is firing on all cylinders, layering multiple mysteries with characters who defy their own archetypes."
"Narrator Daphne Kouma wows in this epic fantasy/murder mystery/political thriller. In a society built around eight powerful animal spirits, a new emperor is chosen every 24 years when those vying for the throne compete in a series of trials. When the Raven palace’s contender is found dead, scholar Neema Kraa finds herself simultaneously taking her place in the trials and investigating her murder. It’s a wonderfully immersive and satisfying performance of a richly imagined novel. (24 hrs)"