The Raven Scholar was a really pleasant read. The characters were intriguing and well built. The mystery was good but nothing special or memorable

Every once in a while a book comes along that's so unique and different it really wins a place in your heart. I was drawn to The Raven Scholar by the premise, devoured it for the humour and action.
Neema serves the outgoing Emperor as the Raven Scholar, dreaming of writing her books in peace when she accompanies him on his retirement. Only, during the trials to choose the new emperor, Neema finds herself a contender, battling to not only survive the trials, but perhaps, maybe even win?
This book had everything good fantasy needs and more. The worldbuilding and lore was so unique and different. I was hooked from the start and riveted throughout. There's betrayal, twists where you audibly gasp, humour, love, magic, dragons and a solitary raven.
I can't put into words how much I loved this book. A stunning cast of characters in a wonderfully exotic setting. This is one of my favourite reads of the year. A stunning piece of fantasy and I'm so excited and keen to see where it goes.
A must for any fantasy fan and a very easy five stars from me!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an arc in return for an honest review.

The Raven Scholar is a glorious, hard to put down read. I laughed, I cried, I gasped and I smiled. Everything I like in story was packed into this well paced and uniquely written book. It has trials, mystery, political intrigue, some romance, a unique magic system and magical creatures, and a badass (and not teenage!) FMC. Neema is intelligent, brave and vulnerable, and makes choices that didn’t leave me despairing. The story told from a third person narration, but you don’t discover who the narrator is until later in the story which was such an interesting read. It’s also really funny, despite moments of high stakes, action packed tension. I loved it, and can’t wait for the next book. Magnificent.

For a fantasy novel, The Raven Scholar starts out relatively low key. There is no epic battle, the land has been at peace for centuries, the only recent rebellion quickly put down before it even got started. There is a minor hangover from that rebellion still to be mopped up, but while even that seems relatively insignificant, you know how it goes with fantasy novels. This is just the beginning of a trilogy, so you can be sure there will be ramifications down the line, and sure enough these events already come back to bite before the end of book one.
So what kind of a fantasy world does Antonia Hodgson delve into in her Eternal Path Trilogy? It's close enough to a Game of Thrones style fantasy, where there are powerful rival families in Orrun and there are religious and militaristic powers. The difference here is that you can choose which 'family' or anat of the Eight Guardians you wish to follow. There is the Way of the Bear, the Ox, the Raven, the Monkey, the Hound, the Fox, the Tiger and the Dragon. Their followers take on the attributes of their chosen guardian - somewhat aligned with the animal characteristics - but few actually worship their guardian or believe that they are 'real'. There is rivalry between all of the clans certainly, but they are all in agreement that peace serves their best interests. The empire is currently run by Bersun of the Bear contingent, but according to the constitution there is a contest between the leading contenders from each group every 24 years to choose a new ruler, and that time is now approaching.

In terms of drama to draw you into the world and its history there are two episodes - seemingly minor, as I said, but likely to become significant. The Raven Scholar opens with the exile of a young woman, Yana, the daughter of Andren Vallit, the Great Traitor who rebelled against the emperor. Condemned by her own twin brother Ruko, exile means certain death, but may we suspect that might not be the end of her story?

The other event is the situation facing the main character we follow in the book, Neema Kraa, a scholar from the Raven monastery whose calligraphy and knowledge of obscure historical customs and lore that she produces papers on are highly valued - so much so that she was tasked with writing the certificate of Exile for Yana. Although the 'anats' are open to all, not everyone is treated equally and since she is not from one of the High Families but a Commoner, Neema hasn't risen to the heights she might have otherwise. She now faces a dilemma over documents that have resurfaced and fallen into the hands of her rival Gaida. These documents reveal that she would have been expelled but for the sudden arrest and death of her instructor. The forthcoming ceremony and contest for the new emperor, largely organised by Neema, is going to be an excruciating experience for the Raven scholar.

That doesn't sound like it is much to go on, but there is certainly enough to keep you locked in and it is certainly never dull as the characters are given as much attention as the history of Orrun. Fantasy has certain conventions and styles, but it also has the capacity for great creativity and imagination and Antonia Hodgson has plenty of that. The warring kingdoms are sort of there (potentially), there's plenty of prophesy, a tournament, and there is a 'chosen one ' in an unlikely commoner, a bookish loner who no-one wants to be associated with, who (you could reasonably presume) comes to achieve her potential. All fine, but what Antonia Hodgson does with those conventions and how she reveals the character of the world is terrific. By the time you are a third of the way in, The Raven Scholar is totally unputdownable, taking on a thrilling momentum.

Needless to say, the contest is the centre of the turmoil that is about to be unleashed,. After 24 years of rule time for change of emperor, and each anat has put forward a contender. Ruko - who had his own sister banished at the introduction to the book - is now the Tiger contender, and as such a formidable candidate. Thankfully though the author spares us the dullness of fighting descriptions, keeping them mercifully brief or passed over entirely in favour of the intrigue they inspire in the imperial court, where clearly other strange events - not least the murder of the Raven contender Gaida - suggest that some other intrigue is beginning to play out. Not to be discounted either is the fact that there is magic in this world, practised by the Dragons who by tradition do not enter the contest for the new ruler. Neema also secretly possesses a magic book that tells her of an ancient curse that is about to be unleashed, a curse that heralds the return of the Eight from the Hidden Realm.

“May they remain hidden”, is the response given to anyone bestowing the blessing of the Eight. There is a reason the Guardians are feared as well as respected. There are however other family and clan secrets that have remained hidden, long histories that are revealed in original ways by Antonia Hodgson partly as a murder mystery investigation, but one where there are mysterious forces at work that suggest that the ascension of a new emperor how heralds an immediate danger to peace. And unfortunately, since the Raven contender is now dead, it is Neema, the bookish Raven scholar who is caught in the middle of a grand intrigue. Indeed a grand conspiracy wouldn't be too big a word for what is going on, and we are only at the beginning of it.

Like any good opening to a trilogy, The Raven Scholar is an impressive start that leaves you wanting more. Like any other good trilogy it also has a satisfying conclusion but opens up a lot of new directions. Some of those are potentially disruptive considering where we are left, but with some wonderful characters supporting Neema along the way including Cain, Benna and Sol and a few others who will remain nameless for fear of spoilers, you have a whole range of other possibilities, interest and humour aside from the sword and sorcery wars and intrigue carrying over to the next book. Can't come soon enough for this reader.

<i>Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.</i>

The Raven Scholar is an adult fantasy murder-mystery competition-for-the-throne novel which had me very excited from the premise, as I absolutely adored a novel with a very similar premise (The Councillor by EJ Beaton). Unfortunately I had problems getting into this novel right from the start, and could not bring myself to finish it. At the 40% mark I was still waiting for something to happen that would make me care about the plot or the protagonist--if it hadn't happened by then, it wasn't happening.

One of the issues that works against the novel is choppy prose, which likes to switch from narration directly addressing to reader, to distant third-person omniscient, to close third-person perspective, to literal head-jumping between multiple characters in a matter of paragraphs so we see exactly what each of them is literally thinking right now. These jumps tended to happen during the most important parts of a scene, which would throw me out of the flow and distance me from the action and characters.

The other main problem for me is that the novel begins in the point of view of Yana Valit--and then in chapter five switches to a new character, Neema Kraa. Neema is the actual protagonist of the novel but I found Yana to be far more interesting, and to have far more complex relationships with other characters than Neema did. By the time of the switch, I was too attached to Yana and wanted the story to be about her attempts to survive and thrive, not Neema's.

I unfortunately could not connect emotionally to Neema. I found her 50% unlikable and 50% boring -- and the boring half is the killer. I can happily follow an unlikeable protagonist (or villain) if they are engaging. I had no issue with her being coded (intentionally or unintentionally) as autistic, but her goals did not resonate with me (wanting to not be the most junior royal scholar; wanting to move to a monastery to write the retiring Emperor's biography). Wanting to clear herself of a suspected murder charge was the only goal that had any stakes, and that didn't happen until past the 25% mark of the novel, far too late.

The world building has some interesting ideas but never quite came together in a big picture for me. I'm unsure what time period or culture (clothing, food, architecture) this world is meant to resemble. There are fancy ballgowns that sound European but fairly modern, "headscarves" of unspecified culture, generic "armor" that isn't really narrowed down beyond placement on the body never an approximate appearance or time period or culture of origin. There's a cool idea of eight animal gods ruling the world, having saved it seven times but being prophesied to destroy it when they appear for the eighth time. However these animal gods are an extended version of the Hogwarts problem -- everyone in the world has one of seven personality traits (no one can choose to follow the Dragon, the Dragon chooses people via special birthmarks). You follow the animal with your personality trait, and then everyone in a particular animal Clan/Family basically believes the same things, acts the same way, and like/dislike all the same things. There is no culture outside of the animals' culture. For example, all Foxes are tricksters, manipulators, and don't take anything seriously. They are also the only people who make or like iced tea. It just isn't how people or cultures work. The prophecy about the gods destroying the world also never became relevant from what friends who did finish the novel tell me -- a shame because it was one of the most interesting pieces of the worldbuilding to me. Perhaps this becomes relevant later in the trilogy, but even if so, it's an example of another problem with this novel: it's too long for the actual important content. The inciting incident from the book's own blurb (the murder) doesn't happen until 25% into the novel. We spend almost a tenth of the novel following a false protagonist before switching to the real one. There is a lot of description that doesn't actually form a clear picture, padding out a very slow novel that could have been made much tighter. It feels like many current YA and NA Romantasy novels where the authors have made a list of popular tropes and are determined to force them into the story whether they're actually serving the plot or not.

The characters are supposedly 34 and above, but they speak, act, and react like young teenagers. Even the Emperor, who is meant to be around 60, has the temper tantrums of a teenage boy experiencing floods of testosterone for the first time. No one actually has much of a grasp on politics, apart from vague nepotism and plenty of insults and backstabbing. But it doesn't feel like an adult political novel, everything is kept at surface level and neither the content or the prose feel mature enough for Adult Fantasy.

Is this a terrible novel? No. It's because there's so much potential that it frustrates me so badly. We started off with a great protagonist, why did we move to a much blander one? The worldbuilding with the animal gods is unique, but falls into lazy YA "pick your faction aka. single personality aspect" rather than exploring the myths or developing believable non-monolithic cultures. I love a competition for a throne, but making it over 50% PVP duels with a few logic puzzles isn't testing any of the qualities a leader actually needs (or their <i>actual policies????</i>), which leaves it firmly in YA territory where politics is never as important as 'chosen one' abilities (Neema can defeat warriors who've been training all their lives for this competition despite only doing 'stretches' for a short time of an evening that include trying to mimic a few punches or kicks she's seen other animal warriors use). Why raise the issue of the gods destroying the world and then have the main plot be an unrelated murder mystery? The novel tries to do too much and therefore only skims the surface of many things rather than delving into just a few major points of focus. I wish there was more depth to this novel so it felt properly adult rather than YA or NA. As with many debuts of recent years, this needed structural edits to trim the fat and beef up its unique and most interesting facets.

My friends who did finish rave about a huge twist at the end. I can't speak for how well it may or may not be executed, but it sounds like a good twist that no one saw coming. I'm not sure how well it meshes with the rest of the plot that's been established (as far as I understood it at 40%, if the main plot is the murder mystery), or if this is just a big twist for the sake of having a big twist/reveal.

I think personal enjoyment rests entirely on a reader's ability to engage with Neema (which I could not), and their reaction to, or tolerance of, a very disjointed style of prose/perspective/narration.


<b>Rating: 2.5 stars</b>, rounding down as always -- DNFs are almost always a 1 star from me, so please be clear that there is honestly something special buried on this novel to earn 2.5 stars. This could have been an amazing novel, and clearly for many other ARC readers it is. But for me the flaws are too large for the tiny, buried gems.

Well. This is my first five star read of 2025. I was immediately blown away from the get go. It pulled me straight in and I didn’t want to leave. Like seriously, the world building?? The lore??? The pure brilliance of the writing??? I’m actually in awe. This is a truly fleshed out fantasy novel and Antonia Hodgson should be PROUD OF HERSELF. This is a masterpiece. I can’t wait for the next one. This is everything I want in a high fantasy novel.

Thank you to netgalley and H&S for a free review e-arc!

The Raven Scholar is an intricately-woven epic fantasy packed full with trials and political intrigue. Neema finds herself in the middle of a competition to replace the outgoing emperor after another contestant is murdered. She must investigate her opponents to find the killer while working through trials she is wholly unqualified for. Throw in a childhood love, plenty of dirty laundry and more scheming than you can keep track of, and you have the Raven Scholar.

I LOVED the first half of this book!! I was absolutely wrapped and sure it would be a 5 star read. The world-building and lore is unique and absolutely riveting from page one. Did I know what was going on 100% of the time? No. Did I need to? Also no. The author is incredibly talented at throwing the perspective around at just the right times and their overall voice is thoroughly entertaining, there are really no lulls. I love that the book opens with Neema's backstory (before jumping 8 years into the future) rather than slowly unravelling these events because it ensures her motivations and intentions are crystal clear and you can spend time simply enjoying her quirks rather than questioning her actions. She is an incredibly loveable protagonist and I think even if I didn't enjoy this book, I would be likely to continue the series regardless just to spend more time with her. I don't want to spoil anything but her *companion* along the way is so complimentary and will give you so many laughs. I felt like all of the main characters were interesting and layered, and there was just great chemistry everywhere. If you like banter, witty one-liners, etc. this is for you!! I think this is one of the best example of great dialogue that I've ever read. I was astonished and obsessed with the lack of cliches and how many times it pulled a smile out of me.

After the halfway point, things get a little messy, and by the end it's verging on clusterfuck. Personally I think 1 or 2 characters/storylines should have been cut during editing because there are too many leads to follow towards the end and it really impacted the overall quality of the book. I love a fat fantasy book and I think this book is a great length, but it would've been more enjoyable if the main storylines weren't competing for page time with so many other threads. Another reason I think less characters would've been more in this case, is that Neema's relationships with some characters is incredibly dynamic and deep, while other connections read as very superficial and almost unnecessary. I think if there weren't so many characters in close proximity to her that needed attention, there would have been more development overall.

In saying that, I will 100% be looking forward to the sequel, and even possibly rereading this in preparation (depending how far away publication is) and I hope there is more focus as the series continues.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!! Full review to be posted on my GR closer to the release date, but for now, I will keep it simpler:

The Raven Scholar swept me away with its intricate worldbuilding, high-stakes intrigue, and compellingly flawed characters. Set in the richly imagined land of Orrun, where eight guardians vie for power based off on eight different animals, the novel masterfully blends political intrigue, murder mystery, and mythology.

I’ll admit, it took me a little while to warm up to Neema, bc while her arrogance and reclusiveness made her interesting, it's not for everyone, and what she did at the start of the story was cruel. But as the story unfolded, I found myself completely engrossed in her journey, rooting for her despite (or maybe because of) her flaws, lol. And the supporting cast? Every single one of them was layered and memorable. Cain, in particular, stole the show for me, I love him and his cleverness, sense of humour and his bottomless stomach, lmao! (And I am admittedly very partial to foxes — the animal — in general.)

That said, the pacing may not be for everyone. The opening is a slow burn featuring a different character, and the prologue is hefty. But once the story hits its stride, it doesn’t let go. The twists were clever and well-done (for me personally), and I loved how the mystery element wove seamlessly into the larger narrative.

Highly recommended to anyone who is new to this author, as I am!

Antonia Hodgson’s The Raven Scholar marks her debut in fantasy, and as an avid fantasy reader, I sincerely hope she continues writing in this genre—because this book was simply amazing.

No matter what you’re looking for in your next read, The Raven Scholar has something to offer. Want a richly developed fantasy world with intricate court politics? It delivers. Craving a murder mystery to unravel? You’ll find one here. Yearning for a high-stakes competition that keeps you on the edge of your seat? Look no further—this book has it all.

While reading it, I was impressed at how tight and thoughtful writing is. Every detail feels purposeful, and the various plot threads intertwine seamlessly as the story unfolds. Whether this is due to Hodgson’s careful planning, her editor being terrific at her job, or both; the result is a deeply satisfying narrative that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

The worldbuilding is equally remarkable. Vivid descriptions bring the island setting to life, and the rich history and mythology add layers of depth to the world the characters inhabit. Which, speaking of characters: they are fantastic (no pun intended). Neema is very refreshing as the main character, being introduced as someone who will hesitate (but consider) to do morally questionable acts and will take the rational approach when it comes to weighing the pros and the cons of her decisions. She is also a bit of a grumpy couch potato who gets excited at the prospect of doing mountains of paperwork instead of having to do something like interacting with other people or physical labour. The side characters are just as compelling, each colorful and nuanced in their own way. Special mention goes to Sol, who has effortlessly become my favorite animal companion in any fantasy novel.

As for the audiobook, I cannot praise Daphne Kouma enough. She did an incredible job narrating this book, despite its difficulties with the different PoV narrators and its fairly large cast of characters. Each character has a distinct voice, and she perfectly balances solemnity and playfulness, especially with the more whimsical characters.

Overall I LOVED The Raven Scholar. From its captivating story full of twists and turns to its beautifully crafted prose and charming characters. I can’t wait for the sequel!

Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for providing audio-ARC and eARC copies in exchange for an honest review.

The book started strong with lovable characters and a captivating story, but it lost steam toward the end. The premise of the plot was dampened by a slightly unexciting but fast-moving story and a missing sense of urgency from anyone but the main character.

The first part of the story, which is technically the prologue, grabs your attention right away, but I found it a bit confusing. I had to go back and read the blurb again to figure out who the main character was supposed to be, which felt a little disorienting and disappointing.

The characters are very likable, and I enjoyed reading about Neema and Cain. The shifts in point of view throughout the story added a fun element, and the moment of realizing whose perspective we were actually experiencing was unique and enjoyable. However, after about 400 pages, I started to lose interest. The story felt like it was dragging on, and I just wanted it to wrap up. Once the mystery of the murder was solved, the excitement fizzled out, and the plot didn't hold my attention like it used to.

The last 200 pages were okay, but I noticed that even though a lot was happening, I wasn't as engaged anymore. The trials felt drawn out, and besides Neema, there was something missing in the urgency of the contenders fighting for the throne. They were literally battling for their lives, but they didn't seem as desperate to win, which took some excitement out of the story.

While the characters and the first half were enjoyable, I found myself wanting more.

A super entertaining novel. Three books in one. First, the detective mystery part of it. Second, the pure worldbuilding with such a great treatment of gods and avatars. Third, the competition. A mix of Dragon Ball/Cobra Kai competition where the competitors fight to became the new emperor, which has to take down the role after 23 years. One of the most entertaining read of the year and with such an ending I could not believe it.

Antonia Hodgson’s The Raven Scholar is a richly layered fantasy novel that blends political intrigue, a murder mystery, and a fierce competition for the throne—all within a world steeped in mythology and history. While the story begins with an information-dense setup, it quickly gains momentum, delivering high-stakes action, complex character dynamics, and unexpected twists.

At the heart of the novel is Neema Kraa, a sharp and ambitious protagonist whose loneliness and inner struggles make her deeply compelling. One of the book’s standout elements is her bond with the Raven guardian, a sarcastic, opinionated entity that literally resides in her chest—offering both unsolicited advice and much-needed comic relief. The interplay between them is one of the book’s greatest strengths, adding levity to the tension-filled plot. The novel also introduces a memorable supporting cast, including the enigmatic Cain, the determined Benna, and the ever-intriguing Ruko, whose arc promises even more in future installments.

Hodgson’s world-building is intricate, drawing on the mythology of eight mythical creatures that form the basis of the realm’s factions. While this depth can feel overwhelming at first, it ultimately enriches the story, making the world feel grand yet intimate. The novel’s shifting narrative style—moving between third-person internal focalization, fairytale-like storytelling, and even first-person plural—shouldn’t work as seamlessly as it does, yet Hodgson pulls it off brilliantly, adding to the novel’s distinctive voice.

The romance remains subtle, woven naturally into the background rather than overtaking the main storyline. Yet, for those who enjoy slow-burn, well-developed relationships, the crumbs Hodgson offers are more than satisfying.

Another highlight is the book’s humor—witty, sharp, and perfectly balanced against the darker themes of ambition, betrayal, and power struggles. The courtly pettiness, the wry observations of the Raven, and Neema’s own cutting wit make for an engaging, often amusing read.

While some elements may feel familiar to seasoned fantasy readers, Hodgson’s execution and fresh perspective elevate the novel beyond standard YA tropes. The book also excels in its natural and effortless representation of diverse characters, including LGBTQ+, Black, and neurodivergent figures, making the world feel inclusive and lived-in.

If you enjoy intelligent fantasy with a strong mystery element, a protagonist who must navigate a web of deception and ambition, and a narrative that isn’t afraid to experiment with form and perspective, The Raven Scholar is a must-read. It’s an impressive start to what promises to be an unforgettable series.

Really different and intriguing genuinely enjoyed this. Lots of characters to try and keep track of but 100% worth it with all the twists and turns. Would recommend.

Wow. This book was everything that I wanted from an epic fantasy, and more.

Antonia Hodgson has successfully weaved a tale full to the brim of betrayal, bravery and love, set in a cruel and unforgiving world.

The Raven Scholar opens with the story of Yana, and the tragedy that became of her. Yana becomes a beacon throughout the story, every twist and characters having a connection to her or being driven by her in some way.

Following this, our protagonist Neema becomes the focal point of the story. Neema is driven, relentless and almost ruthless in her position as the high scholar. With her character being set in a world of tragedy and betrayal, Neema own ties to Yana’s story become a driver that set her on a path she would have never anticipated.

There is so much to say about The Raven Scholar and the intricacies of the world Antonia Hodgson has crafted. It is a beautiful, clever book and a very promising start to what should be an incredible series. I had to take my time reading this book, appreciating the world and the depth of the characters.

After looking at other reviews i can put my hands up and say that i didnt like this book and its a me thing.
It just wasnt for me- its not my typical type of fantasy that i like but thats my fault for not looking to it more before requesting.
I could not get into this at all and jsut never wanted to pick it back up

One of the few epic fantasy novels I've enjoyed in a year or two. It takes a while for the murder to happen, but it's not something I rushed to know about. The author spednds a delicious amount of time introducing us to lore, setting, and characters, and I loved being steeped in this story.

Full review to come.

I had really high hopes for this one but unfortunately it fell flat for me for a few reasons:
- The first few chapters from Yanara’s POV intrigued me and I was keen to see where her story was headed. Given what then transpires with Yanara, I think it would have been better to have her story/POV as a prologue, rather than the first few chapters of the book about her, then all of a sudden jump forward 8 years and switch to a new character and POV.
- There are changes to whose POV we are reading in throughout the book and most of these were very unclear and confusing to me.
- There were a lot of flashbacks and very detailed back stories which to me did feel unnecessary most of the time. This book is quite long at over 650 pages and it did feel too long in my opinion.
- Despite very detailed, in depth world building in this book it was hard to picture the world when reading.

Emperor Bersun’s reign is approaching its end, and as per tradition, there will be seven contenders competing with each other to see who will be next in line for the throne. But when one of the contenders is found dead in their room, Neema, an outcast scholar from a humble bloodline, is tasked to find the murderer and also fill in as the seventh contender.

THE RAVEN SCHOLAR blends the legends and court politics of high fantasy, its questions of the ethics of (mis)rule of an empire, with the intrigue of a murder mystery. The stakes get ever higher as Neema finds herself possibly having a fighting chance at ascending to a position she never wanted, while finally learning to open up to people over the course of the competition. This book sows seeds at the beginning that sprout into groundbreaking revelations towards its end, it brings in plot twists that made me genuinely worry for the contenders, and it weaves in the folklore and governing rules of the Guardian deities of the realm, how they are given their strength through collective belief and imagination, and how the human mind may be able to defy them. The first book in a trilogy, this is Antonia Hodgson’s first foray into fantasy, and she does an outstanding job. This story had me hooked from the beginning, and as I continue to worry for the characters after where we last left them, I am waiting impatiently for the remaining instalments.

This is a very interesting book with a unique and engaging story. I really like the mystery mixed with the complexity of this world and the way the story is presented. Writing is good and the world is intriguing. Love the fact that this isn’t about 16 year old girls but actual mature people.

The only downside here is that at times it’s very slow. It’s like getting stuck and all you want is to finish it faster. Then at times it is fast and really delivers which is odd. It makes for a bit of a choppy read and I feel like it would have been better to keep the pacing up throughout the book.

I both listened to the audiobook read the e-ARC, switching between them equally, both provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for that.

It took some time for me to get used to the POV(s), the characters, and the world. I felt more invested the more we got to see behind the façade that is presented to us at first. The reading flow got easier around the time Neema was introduced and when the narrative settled more in present-time events.
The story is told from an omniscient POV, with increasing appearances of a first-person plural POV woven into it. Both of these basically form one combined POV in this book, which may sound confusing, but it will make sense eventually. Once I got used to it, I did end up enjoying this narration style. I think it fit the story well, giving it a kinda whimsical and quirky touch that was delightful to read. There were also some footnotes sprinkled in.
The characters grew on me over time. I especially adored Neema’s animal companion Sol. Might have got a bit teary-eyed for the little guy, too. Neema and Cain felt quite a bit younger to me than their supposedly mid-thirties.
The second-chance romantic subplot was fine, even though their dancing-around-each-other without acknowledging the elephant in the room got a tiny bit tiring after a while.
I liked the stories within the story, and the way they are presented to us.
The murder mystery and courtly intrigue were interesting. The trial/competition for the throne less so. It’s part one-on-one combat and tasks set by the different factions that align with the values they follow. I could see the potential in the latter, but it wasn’t used in full. Even the fighting could have been interesting. I could see that there was tried to add stakes, but they were also lowered at the same time by world-building and plot elements. It also felt like we didn’t spend as much time as was necessary to actually experience the competition to feel properly invested. Maybe the problem also lies in having tried to add too many elements to the book, and not doing all of them the proper justice they deserve? Overall, the plot came across as slightly chaotic but still enjoyable.
We got a first impression of the world, and for that it was fine. Nothing groundbreakingly new world-building- and magic system-wise. The plot is pretty confined to that small island the competition is taking place in. I wish we could have explored the magic a bit more and developed a feeling that the rest of the world is being lived in. It felt a bit too much like empty space to me, but I think that might be rectified in the sequel.
The audiobook narrator made the story and characters come to life beautifully, and it enhanced the experience I had with this book. I also liked the music interludes that added epic and dramatic vibes.

Characters x4: 6.5/10 (Okay)
Relationships x4: 6/10 (Okay)
Atmosphere/Vibes: 9/10 (Excellent)
World-building/Setting x2: 4/10 (Mediocre)
Writing: ×4: 7/10 (Good)
Plot/Pacing x3: 5/10 (Average)
Audiobook narration: 10/10 (Outstanding)
Enjoyment x5: 7/10 (Good)
Total: ~6.38 = 3.25*