I seriously will be shocked if this doesn’t blow up, it deserves to be crowned one of the best fantasy books of 2025.

This book pulled me in with its deadly trials, layered mystery, and incredible characters. The narration is sharp, funny, and perfectly balanced with the darker, more complex plot. The worldbuilding is rich and immersive🤌🏻 I felt like I was living in it.

Neema, our Raven Scholar, is brilliant, flawed, and so relatable. Watching her navigate high stakes trials while unraveling a murder kept me hooked. I loved her intelligence and unique approach to every challenge.

The side characters shine too✨Ruko totally surprised me, and Cain was a standout.

With political intrigue, secrets, and eerie twists, this is an epic start to a series I can’t wait to continue. I think what I loved most of all is that it was hilariously funny at some points? I did not expect that at all🤣

This was escapism at its finest AND she is in her 30’s, highly intelligent and on the autism spectrum. I adored the diversity and that I could read about adults doing trials and not 18 year olds. That alone made me want to give it high stars.

It takes a minute to get use to the setting, but once you are in, the world building will grab you and not let go!💕

The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson is one of my contenders for book of the year. With a tagline like 'She might win the throne. She might destroy an empire. Either way, it begins with murder.' I knew that I was in for an interesting time and boy was I not disappointed. I love a book that features a trial or a competition and what could be more exciting that a competition to find the next Emperor?
The world that Hodgson has created here is both beautiful and complex, with its own religious and magical systems, a powerful Court wreathed in intrigue and with a brutality that means the stakes are always high and a population of characters so well crafted that they come to life on the page.
The set up is deceptively simple, the Emperor's reign is coming to an end, bound by the rules laid down by the Gods centuries before, no ruler can spend more than 24 years on the throne. To find his successor contenders from each of the rival monasteries ( designated by the animal cipher of the Gods they serve e.g. Ox, Raven, Fox, etc) will take part in a series of trials devised to test them to their physical and mental limits. When one of the contenders is found murdered on the eve of the first trial , Neema Kra, Raven scholar to the emperor and devoted academic is ordered not only to investigate, but also to take the place of the murdered contender in the trial, something she is woefully unprepared for, especially given that at least one of the others bears a personal grudge and several of them think she may in fact be the murder. What follows is an investigation unlike any other, one that will either save the Empire or cause it to fall completely.
This is a high stakes book with a complex and layered mystery at its heart, and once I found my way in this unique world I was absolutely gripped and simply did not want to put the book down. The reader does need to have a little patience and take their time to settle into the book, the pacing may seem a little slow at first, and there is a timeline jump that I found confusing at first, but all was eventually revealed and in the end I appreciated the depth and background that it gave to the story being told in the main body of the novel. The writing style is descriptive, almost poetic at times and I really appreciated the dark sense of humor that flows through the book. Of course there is a romance subplot, but it adds to the overall story rather than dominates it and I really found myself rooting for the characters involved. Just when I though I had things worked out the author would pull the rug out from under my feet, and I love a book that can keep me guessing, I am really excited to see where she takes the story next.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

he Raven Scholar is one of the best new fantasy releases that I have read in a long time. Filled with fascinating characters, engaging writing, a deadly competition, and a complicated mystery, this book is a shining example of everything that I love about the fantasy genre.

This is a tough one – I loved the plot but struggled with the writing. I started The Raven Scholar at the beginning of March and struggled to get hooked. When I put the book down I really didn’t want to pick it up. When I finally pushed past the start, into the meat of the story, I was hooked!

My main issue with the writing is that at the beginning, it was very unclear who was telling that part of the story, which turned out to be the Raven. The Raven’s perspective, which you get several times, is written completely different from everyone else so it felt quite jarring at the start. Also, there were times when the story was covering an event that happened prior to the book, and I honestly couldn’t tell if they were actually talking about the past or present. There was one time in particular close to the start of the book where I had to triple check.

Apart from all that I really enjoyed it. The plot was well thought out, unique and interesting. There were some twists that shocked me so much I had to be asked if I something bad had happened (my answer was “don’t worry, it’s just my book”). There’s political intrigue, mystery, trials, rivalries, and a smidge of romance – it’s pulled from a lot of areas. Antonia Hodgson expertly blended all the themes together to craft something truly unique. She could’ve focused purely on the mystery or the trials, instead she created this rich multilayered story.

The world building was fantastic and as the series continues, I can’t wait to learn more!

The characters. There is honestly so much I could say. Hodgson has crafted such multifaceted deep characters, and there’s still so much more to discover about them! You’d think that having such a large contingent of characters would lead to some very shallow one-dimensional characters, but you can really see the care and attention that was put into their creation. I’m very excited to see their journey, especially after that ending.

If you are looking for an epic fantasy with a gripping story, this is the book!

This was the most fun I’ve had with a fantasy in years. Brilliant characters, a hilarious narrator, two twists I didn’t expect at all, multiple thematic shifts throughout. Fantastic

Ooooh this was outstanding - sooo good. I went into this with little knowledge/expectations and was blown away.

I devoured this in three days and I think it’s about 700 pages - I just couldn’t wait to get back to it.

The worldbuilding is great, it has all the familiar fantasy tropes and elements but presented in a fresh way. The system of the Eight was so deftly done and consistently woven through not only in the world but in the characterisations.

I really liked the main character Neema and I loved that she was a morally grey character who is working to redeem herself. I would also like to take a minute to appreciate that the main characters are 34 during the bulk of this story which feels like the cool side of the pillow after all the 20 year old protagonists (not that there’s a problem with it, it’s just nice to have some thirty something MCs on the field). Cain quickly became a “must be protected at all costs” character and I thought the other side characters were all compelling and three dimensional. Even Ruko, who we should despise is somehow sympathetic and I found myself rooting a bit for him at the end which I did not think would be possible. And, of course, the star, the most magnificent, most illustrious Sol has my heart completely. This book made me laugh aloud a lot - which is rare for me - and most of it was down to Sol or guardian related high jinks.

I’m actually at a bit of a loss now because I want the next book immediately and can’t get my head around there not even being a name or date for it yet!

Thank you for the advanced copy!

I really loved this book at the beginning but when the SPOILER exile happened and th POV changed I started to lose interest. I love the concept I just found the execution a bit lacking and the switching of POVs randomly was disorientating for me. I did however love being tte Raven!

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this eCopy to review

I recently finished The Raven Scholar, and it was an exhilarating blend of mystery, political intrigue, and epic fantasy. Hodgson’s storytelling is intricate, with a richly developed world and a protagonist who is both brilliant and deeply flawed.

Set in the empire of Orrun, the novel follows Neema Kraa, the emperor’s High Scholar, who is thrust into a deadly competition after the sudden death of one of the contenders for the throne. Every twenty-four years, seven exceptional individuals—warriors, strategists, and scholars—compete for the right to rule. But when one of them is murdered, Neema is forced to step in as a replacement, despite her reluctance to claim power.

As she navigates the trials, Neema is persistently contacted by the Raven, an enigmatic entity that offers guidance—but at a cost. With political factions scheming behind the scenes and the empire’s future hanging in the balance, Neema must uncover the truth behind the murder while fighting for survival. The deeper she digs, the more she realizes that the Raven may hold secrets that could change everything.

What I loved most about The Raven Scholar was its complex world-building. Hodgson crafts a realm filled with mythical guardians, political manoeuvring, and ancient secrets, making every chapter feel immersive. The competition itself is thrilling, blending physical trials, intellectual challenges, and strategic battles in a way that keeps the tension high.

Neema is a fascinating protagonist—intelligent, sharp-witted, but deeply conflicted. Her interactions with the Raven add an intriguing layer to the story, making me question whether she’s being manipulated or truly guided. The novel also explores power, ambition, and the cost of knowledge, making it more than just a fantasy adventure.

Overall, The Raven Scholar is a masterfully woven fantasy with a compelling protagonist and a richly detailed world. If you enjoy epic fantasy with mystery elements, this book is well worth reading.

This book completely surprised me in the best way. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did, but the worldbuilding, the characters, and the mix of mystery, magic, and lore had me hooked from start to finish. Despite the length, I didn’t want it to end. I’ll be first in line for the sequel.

Did you ever read a book that’s such an eclectic mix that it should totally not make any sense but still blows you away!

This is one of those books. I went in totally blind and if I’m honest at first I was unsure. It’s such a unique writing style. There’s magic, ancient gods, political fantasy, intricate world building, deadly trials, a murder mystery to be solved. There is tragedy, betrayal- you can’t see how it can all fit together but not only does it work but it is literally epic!

Centuries ago, Empress Yasthala laid certain rules to prevent humanity falling prey to the devastation of future wars.
Rule 1 - no emperor can rule for more than 24 years and rule 2 - their successor shall be chosen by a series of deadly trials.

Against this backdrop there’s a wealth of characters, world building and whilst that could have been confusing, it didn’t feel it.

Unlike most books MCs I fall for, Neema (The Raven Scholar) isn’t someone I would be drawn to. In fact she’s quite unlikeable, but then that’s intentional- and like real life she’s flawed, as are all the characters which make them all the more relatable.

There’s heartbreak (in fact my heart broke pretty quickly). Strict rules and even stricter punishments. It’s a cruel unforgiving world. Yet moments I laughed and some amazing characters.

I loved it and can’t wait for book 2.

Would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this epic book

And what a book it was … so much action drama and betrayals abound … and one betrayal stands out the most that you want to cry when you find out how much that betrayal hurts

I can’t wait for the sequel for this one will be keeping a close eye on this author

This is THE fantasy. This is amazing.

rom the very first pages, this book pulled me in with its vivid imagery, compelling characters, and a world that feels truly lived in. Set against the backdrop of a society shaped by eight mythic beings and the factions that follow them, the story weaves together rich world-building, a clever murder mystery, and a thrilling competition that keeps the stakes high and the pages turning. The characters—both human and animal—are deeply memorable, with distinct personalities and motivations that make every interaction feel meaningful and real.

What elevates the book even further is its sharp, wry narrative voice which brings levity and cleverness to even the darkest moments. The writing is smart and full of surprises, with twists that genuinely caught me off guard. Despite its hefty length, it never once felt like a slog. For fans of immersive fantasy with strong character work, inventive storytelling, and just the right amount of humor, this is an absolute standout—and a fantastic way to kick off a new year of reading.

I went into this book completely blind, hadn’t read the blurb, just knew it was a fantasy trials book, which I’m not always the biggest fan of, but I am so glad I picked this one up!

The start did really confuse me based on what I knew of the book, but was 100% needed in the context of the story. The sheer brutality of the first part really set the pace for the rest of the book.

I did find it a little info dumpy at times, but this is a beautifully complex world where it’s really required in order to grasp it fully. Otherwise the pacing was good, I raced through it really for such a chunky book!

Plot was excellent enough going on to keep me engaged but without it being too much all at once. I’m usually pretty good at guessing plot twists and endings but actually in this book, there were definitely a couple of surprises which kept me on my toes!

I liked Neema as a character, I think some people may find her a bit irritating, but I found it suited her role in the book. My only tiny issue was the romance, I really didn’t feel like it was needed, it’s a really minor plot point but just felt unnecessary tbh.

Overall, great book with an excellent ending, can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you to Hodderscape for the opportunity to review this ARC.

If you like politics and intrigue you will enjoy this book.
The book follows Neema who is a Raven Scholar and rises to the position of High Scholar.
She finds herself involved in a competition to see who will replace the current emperor.
Then one of the contestants is murdered.
The first few chapters are a bit dry but are obviously setting the scene.
Neema is likeable and has worked hard to get to such a position often at the expense of being liked.
There is a lot of back stabbing and power struggles.
There are also funny bits and a bit of romance.
It took me a while to get into the book but I was glad I read on.
The characters in the book have choices to make but don't always choose the right path and it comes back to haunt them.
I really did not like Ruko and how he betrayed Yana.
Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher.

Sad to say I didn't love this one as much as I hoped. It's a book with a good story, great characters, and balanced humor, but unfortunately I couldn't connect with any of it, and reading past the 30% ended up feeling like a chore, which I'm sure is part of the reason why it took me over a month to get through my ARC, even though I loved the beginning of the book. The Raven Scholar will appeal to many readers; I'm not one of them, sadly.

Thank you Netgalley and Hodderscape for the ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Hodderscape and Netgalley for both the eARC and audio ARC copies of this book in exchange for an honest review (read and listened to in combination).

I have to say that I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but this chaotic fantasy book has turned out to be one of my favourite reads so far this year.

The mix of humorous and more serious aspects meant I never knew what was going to happen next, and I found it hard to put down (despite the length). There’s something to keep everyone intrigued - political intrigue, games and a murder mystery, and some romance.

The characters are very well developed and the world building was very unique, but just so well crafted (and not in an overwhelming way!)

I love good banter and humour, and two of my absolute favourite things in this book were the witty dialogue and characters. Both were seamlessly interwoven with the more serious aspects of the story.

For example: “I’m not furious,” Katsan said, furious.

As well as the humour, I appreciated the fearless approach to dealing with characters to move the story along, and the plot twists were fantastic.

I also adored watching the various relationships between the characters grow and develop, and can’t wait to see how they develop further.

I really enjoyed the audiobook, and the narrator’s accents and voices for the characters were on point.

Bring on the next book!

Wow, The Raven Scholar completely blew me away. From the very first page, it grabs your attention and doesn't let go, even after you've finished reading. I found myself just sitting there, staring at the ceiling, trying to process everything that just happened. Antonia Hodgson has crafted a world so rich, so layered, that it feels like stepping into a completely different universe—one that’s filled with god-like animal guardians, high-stakes political drama, throne trials, and a murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Let’s talk about the world-building because it’s honestly chef’s kiss perfect. The empire of Orrun is ruled by an emperor who only reigns for 24 years before a new one is chosen through a series of brutal trials. These trials aren’t just about who’s the strongest or smartest, though. Each contender represents one of seven sacred animal monasteries: Raven, Tiger, Fox, Hound, Ox, Bear, and Monkey, with the mysterious Dragon lingering in the background. These animal guardians are no mere symbols—they’re actual, powerful entities who meddle in human affairs with a combination of humor, grace, and terrifying grandeur. Seriously, the Raven’s narration is one of the best parts. It’s sassy, dramatic, and just so full of itself that it had me laughing out loud.

The story kicks off with Emperor Bersun, a former Bear champion, preparing to step down, but things take a dark turn when one of the contenders is murdered. Enter Neema Kraa, the Raven Scholar, who gets thrown into the chaos, not only as an investigator but as a surprising contender in the trials. What follows is a wild, unpredictable ride full of revenge plots, betrayals, secret alliances, and conspiracies that run deeper than anyone expects. And just when you think you’ve figured it all out, Hodgson pulls the rug out from under you—more than once. I literally gasped out loud at some of the twists and turns.

What really makes this book stand out, though, is the characters. Neema is brilliant but deeply flawed, trying to navigate the ruthless world of court politics while carrying the weight of her past mistakes. The other contenders are just as compelling—Cain, the charming Hound, Yasila, the fierce Tiger, and so many others, each with their own hidden motives and secrets. And don’t even get me started on the guardians. The Raven’s scenes are some of the best, both hilarious and awe-inspiring, while the Fox… well, let’s just say I’d rather not run into it in a dark alley.

The pacing is spot on—no slow moments, just constant tension and intrigue. The trials themselves are intense, testing everything from combat skills to diplomacy, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Plus, the footnotes throughout add an extra layer of depth, making the world feel even more real and immersive.

If you’re a fan of political fantasy with a twisty plot, morally grey characters, and a magic system that feels fresh, The Raven Scholar is a must-read. It’s got it all: heartbreak, humor, a touch of romance, and an ending that will leave you desperate for the next book. Seriously, is there a sequel coming? Because I need it!

I don’t usually read a bunch epic fantasy, especially ones that clock in at 600+ pages but the synopsis for The Raven Scholar really stood out to me. The world and characters pulled me in from the very start. The pacing is slower in the beginning, but it does a great job setting the stage for the tournament and introducing us to the contenders.

I really enjoyed the murder mystery woven through the plot. It kept me guessing and I loved how the pieces gradually clicked into place. The last couple hundred pages were an absolute whirlwind, I found myself torn between racing ahead to find out what happened next and pausing to really sit with the reveals and let them sink in.

And I can’t talk about this book without mentioning one of my all-time favourite tropes: talking animal companions. Without giving anything away, I’ll just say that this element was an absolute highlight for me.

The book starts off focusing on two twins who have just reached a stage of maturity in their society as they travel to visit the emperor. It turns out their father was a rebel many years ago and tried to overthrow the emperor and the story starts from there. Except it doesn't exactly, as it flips then to focus on Neema - the titular Raven Scholar. For some reason the empire decides who is going to control the empire for 24 years at a time by having a series of trials set up by each of the 8 main houses of the Gods and then also fighting each other on a daily basis to gain points. I did struggle to get into the book as the main character is supposed to be unlikeable - a know it all who signed an order of exile and fated a teenager to her death because she wanted to show off her calligraphy as much as anything - but there are layers to Neema - and to the book as a whole. It turns out that the story you think you know might not be quite as it seems and there are reveals and twists and turns throughout the story. The cast is large and this didn't help me engage with the story, but it did payoff and after slogging through the first 45% of the book I flew through the rest. There is a lot of politics, scheming, trials, secrets, historical tales being exposed, mythical/legendary/holy creatures becoming more present in the living realm. There is a LOT going on and I've no idea where the author could take it in the sequel but I am interested to find out.

Amazing new fantasy with fantastic characters! Already can’t wait for more in this series, would definitely recommend to fantasy lovers