I thank to Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Antonia Hudgson for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
I rated the book 5 stars.
In "T I thank to Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Antonia Hudgson for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
I rated the book 5 stars.
In "The Raven Scholar" we follow Neema, an introverted scholar and outsider. One day, after fulfilling a task given to her by the emperor, her life changes completely.
Eight years later, everything becomes even more complicated. The Trials bring murder, betrayals, mysteries and secrets from the past.
This book is an interesting mix of genres, being a fantasy - murder mystery - romance novel that just makes sense. The reader explores an amazing world (with a matching world building!) with Gods, unusual customs and political intrigue, while solving a murder (and some other mysteries) and following various relationships (romantic, friendships, mentor - mentee). Not to forget the presence of an unexpectedly cute and smart sidekick that makes you both smile and roll your eyes.
Every chapter is more interesting than the previous and the reader - trough Neema - is guided to unfold secrets and explore the kingdom. Nothing is what it seems and one little mistake can be last.
The characters are well rounded, diverse, with motives and motivations. It's interesting to watch them compete, since they have opposing strengths. They are all in their mid to late twenties (!!) which is truly refreshing. The reader has the chance to explore many types of relationships and observe how natural the characters interact during the novel.
Even though it's a long novel the pacing was steady, which made it easy to follow. The writing style is straight forward, inspired and entrails you in the story (don't get me started on the plot twists, so satisfying!) There are some interesting foot notes that offer insights in the world. Not to forget that the last 150 pages were simply chef's kiss! The plot twists, the drama!! Can't wait to read the next book!
Beside the obvious problematic things, the writing style is really nice and has a good flow.
Later edit: After thinking about it a bit more, I'll giveBeside the obvious problematic things, the writing style is really nice and has a good flow.
Later edit: After thinking about it a bit more, I'll give it 1 â�. The writing style can't make up for: justification of rape &abuse (and making the FMC forgive her abuser as a sign of accepting God), objectifying& manipulating women (MMC profiting of the health state of the FMC to marry her and take her to his farm) and "taming" a female character to in order to achieve a redemption arc (FMC isn't allowed to have any of her previous personality traits and becomes a passive, impressionable wife) Everything only shows that it's a man would and women can never be free. The FMC only wanted freedom and space, which the MMC could have offered, if he really were the good & patient Christian man he claims he is, but his lust and greed - disguised as god words apparently - stood in the way. Instead of building homes and offering land to random people, he could've build some little something for her to live alone, while still giving her some jobs to do, as a way for her to earn some money. Refusing to offer her that freedom (and working her like a dog for his benefit) he is not redeemable to me. He never acknowledges his mistake, playing the pious man that carries a huge burden. Sorry. Not my cup of tea.
To use some booktok/bookstagram lingo, the misunderstanding trope and third act breakup (well, one of many, but still) make an appearance, fyi. Other tropes are reverse sunshine- grump and reverse touch her and you die (meaning he is still like a brother with her rapist).
It's obvious I won't read another "Christian" book...more
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