Reading the Hugos

The Raven Scholar

A book club in which we read current and potential Hugo Award nominees.

The Hugos are one of the most prestigious awards for Science Fiction and Fantasy media, and one of only a few major awards that are actually voted on by readers! Let's get together to discuss current and potential future Hugo Award nominees and decide whether we would vote for them or not.

The book selection for December is The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson.

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.

For teen and up readers. Books can be checked out at any NLRPLS library location or online on the Libby app. We meet at Larry's Pizza in North Little Rock. Look for the table which has the book club sign. Feel free to plan to eat dinner there or just come for the discussion! For more information, contact Megan at mhines@nlrlibrary.org. No registration required.