Long read, but worth it. Loved it and I'm hoping there will be more to come. Enjoyed how it was written.

What an incredible way to start the reading year! This might just be one of my favorite books of all time. From the very first pages, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down—I found myself eager to race to the end just to see how it all unfolded.

The characters are so well-crafted that they feel real and relatable, each one adding depth and intrigue to the story. The world-building is nothing short of phenomenal, immersing you in a setting so vivid it feels like you’re right there. And the writing style? Absolutely brilliant—effortlessly captivating and engaging from start to finish.

This is my first five-star read of 2025, and I can already tell it will be a tough one to beat. A must-read for anyone looking for a truly unforgettable book!

In a world with eight kingdoms ruled by a monarch who steps down after their term, a representative of each kingdom must compete in trials to determine the next ruler - yet there's magic and foul play at work, and our titular scholar may just have to get her hands dirty..
The plot of this was fast-paced and made it a great read overall. The characters were well-written and fit well together and within the world as a whole. If you enjoy epic fantasy with trials and magic and familiars, you might enjoy this.

I was not expecting to start 2025 with a 700 page tome of epic fantasy, especially not one that brought something fresh and vibrant to the genre but here we are. What a great start to my reading year.
I really enjoyed Hodgson's historical mystery series so I'm not surprised I immediately gelled with her writing style. This was packed with engaging characters, action, wit and twists against the backdrop of excellent world building. My only stumble was that the prologue was so engaging that it led me to believe the MC would be a completely different character to the Neema, so it took me a while to warm up to her. If you like fantasy competition tropes and political fantasy, then you'll really enjoy this.

The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson is a gripping new fantasy fuelled by a deadly competition to find the new Emperor of Orrun. The story begins with the devastating tale of a young girl called Yana who faces exile and ultimately death at the hands of her twin brother and sadly due to the actions of her Father. This betrayal will cause a spiral of events eight years later where we follow the journey of her twin brother, the High scholar who wrote the exile letter and the corruption of those in power in Orrun.

The World building in this story is excellent, the magic system is unique and the politics will have you shocked with the twist and turns of corruption. I loved the way the writer was able to lay down the foundations of what has happened, giving hints but not requiring to blatantly tell you. I was guessing right up to the end which kept me hooked.

‘When hope flares in the darkness, it blinds even the sharpest eyes.’

The characters are beautifully crafted and complex, Neema the high scholar is a studious, ambitious and follows what she thinks is the right path for the Empire. Cain, her love, is a wily, hilarious assassin with a hunger for all food in sight. Ruco, twin brother and betrayer of Yana is so complicated and interesting I loved his story.

‘The path to the throne is narrow ... And must be walked alone.’

This is the beginning and I can’t wait to see where this story goes. Thank you to netgalley, the publishers and Antonia Hodgson for the opportunity to read and listen to this tale in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a e-arc of this book.
It was such a fun read! I didn't feel drawn to any of the characters, but I was very invested into its world's mythology and history. I'd say I really enjoyed 85% of the book. The end felt rushed so I don't think I'd pick the second one when it'll be released.

Absolutely loved!
I was completely consumed by the plot and characters to the point where I just could not put this down! Twists and turns and a writing style I really enjoyed, can’t wait for more!

If you’re looking for a fantasy novel that will completely consume you, The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson is the perfect choice. With a cutthroat competition, a courtly murder mystery, and a protagonist as brilliant as she is relatable, this book has everything I love about epic fantasy.

The story follows Neema Kraa, a sharp-witted investigator who’s thrown into a deadly contest to replace the emperor of Orrun. What starts as a murder investigation quickly spirals into a tangled web of intrigue, betrayal, and high-stakes power plays. The world-building is stunning, with its sacred animal guardians and intricate imperial politics, but it’s the characters who truly shine. Neema’s dry humor and moral complexity had me hooked, and even the side characters (shoutout to her snarky raven companion) are unforgettable.

Hodgson keeps the tension high, layering twist after twist while never losing sight of the emotional core of the story. It’s a masterful blend of action, strategy, and heart, with just the right amount of humor to lighten the mood.

If you love morally complex characters, intricate plots, and immersive worlds, The Raven Scholar is a must-read. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

This was a great inventive debut. I had a lot of fun reading about the world building, lore and characters. Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future and highly recommend if you enjoy fantasy..

Took me a bit to get into this one but when I did I was hooked!

Really liked the lead and got caught up in her story. Looking forward to book two already!

The Raven Scholar reminded me of what I love most about fantasy: there is nothing quite like getting completely lost in a fictional world. There’s so much comfort to be had in epic fantasy when the storyteller is as skilled as Antonia Hodgson. No matter how action-packed or twisty things get (and The Raven Scholar has plenty of action and twists), the overwhelming feeling I got from the novel was joy.

Like all fantasy, The Raven Scholar is dealing in a few recognizable tropes, and Hodgson avoid any of them feeling too tacked-on or paint-by-numbers. There’s a magical tournament (check) and a courtly murder mystery (check). A lot of novels have these things, and it’s not what makes it great, but it’s still nice to see these fan favorite storylines put in use as a pair.

What actually makes The Raven Scholar great is its characters. Specifically its protagonist Neema Kraa, who is just so much fun to spend a novel with. When the stakes are as high as they are in a novel like this, you want to be invested in the characters making it, and I was SO invested.

It's been a while since I read an ongoing fantasy series, so it feels very good to say: I can’t wait for the next one!

An interesting story and plot that kept me intrigued with a lovely romance and a smattering of spice. The changing narration confused me to start with but settled as the story developed. Looking forward to the next installment

What a brilliant read. Dare I say... magnificent!

The story begins with Yana, a young girl betrayed by her own family and exiled. This act of treachery becomes pivotal to the events that unfold later in the story. Fast forward 24 years: the Emperor is preparing to step down, and eight contenders, each representing one of the eight 'Guardians', are set to compete for the throne. We are then introduced to Neema, a High Scholar who is tasked with solving the murder of one of the contenders. She is unexpectedly appointed as a contender herself, taking the place of the deceased. As Neema digs deeper into the mystery, she discovers that the Empire itself is far from what it appears to be.

The writing is distinctive and sophisticated, yet remarkably easy to follow. The world-building is intricately detailed, drawing you into a richly imagined universe. The plot masterfully blends politics, treason, mystery, banter, a touch of romance... and plot twists. So many twists, in fact, that I found myself formulating endless theories, only for the story to constantly defy my expectations.

The characters are superbly crafted, each morally grey with dubious moments that are essential to the plot’s progression. I was on edge throughout, unsure whether to trust the characters or brace for betrayal. The non-human characters added much-needed humour, breaking the tension that builds relentlessly as the story unfolds.

The ending provides the perfect opening for a sequel, and I am eagerly anticipating the next instalment!

There are few thrills as a reader like picking up a book and knowing from the very first page that you’re going to love a book. I requested The Raven Scholar on a whim and oh my god it was the best decision I made in 2024. This book was incredible, it’s easily going to be one of the best fantasy books of 2025. I cannot stress enough just how much you want to have your eye on this one.

It is quite hard to talk about this one in a spoiler free way, so I’ll forgive you if you choose to skip the rest of this review and go in blind. But to give you a very quick plot rundown: the story opens with an exile (this will, of course, come back to haunt us). We then cut to years later, when it’s time for the emperor to step down. Seven factions put forth a candidate to take the throne and these candidates must go up against each other in duels, and challenges. Our main character, Neema, is not originally one of those candidates but, the day before the contest is meant to start, the Raven candidate is murdered, leaving her no choice but to take on the role herself. Oh, and investigate the murder.

This is a 650+ page book and not for one moment did it feel too long. In fact, if anything, it felt way too short. I wanted it to go on forever and I cannot fathom how I’m going to survive until the sequel is released. I couldn’t put this one down (not even at work, but don’t tell my boss). There are many reasons for it, but I think it’s mostly about how compelling the narrative was. The balancing act of murder investigation and contest to win the throne was perfectly done, and the truths as they were revealed drip-fed you right up to the end (I’m still not convinced a certain character is dead, though). And, oh my god, the ending. This is a book which felt like multiple books in a series in one.

And then we have to talk about the character who haunts the narrative. This character is barely in the book, all things considering, but so much of what happens later comes back to them. So much of what’s yet to happen also comes back to them. They are unavoidably, inextricably entwined with the narrative. Even when you might not immediately see the significance of elements, it all comes back to them. Maybe once this book is out I can speak in less vague terms but, oh, oh, it’s so good. So, so, good.

I don’t know how much more I can say about this one. The summary might sound a bit generic, but the book is anything but. This is a book that puts you in a chokehold and just does not let up. I was hooked from the first chapter, but definitively from the end of the first part. I defy you not to see the same happen to you.

If, then, there is any 2025 fantasy release you put on your radar, it should be this one. It’s one of the freshest, most compelling reads of the year, and one not to be missed.

Antonia Hodgson’s The Raven Scholar is an intricately plotted historical mystery steeped in gothic charm and intellectual intrigue. Set in 18th-century England, the novel follows an unlikely scholar-turned-detective as they unravel a series of cryptic murders tied to ancient texts and secret societies.

Hodgson’s attention to historical detail is impeccable, and her sharp, evocative prose brings both the gritty streets of London and the shadowy halls of academia vividly to life. The protagonist’s wit and intellect are matched by a gripping, twist-filled plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

Fans of historical mysteries with a literary edge will find The Raven Scholar an utterly captivating read, full of suspense, dark secrets, and richly drawn characters.

Wow. Talk about hooked. Talk about being completely immersed and absorbed into the story that 600 odd pages felt like 50! I’d give this book 10 stars if it would allow.

Sometimes new fantasy worlds like these (especially those on the chonkier side) can take a while to get to grips with and I normally start to enjoy about 100 pages in - but not with this one, it was immediate page one hook! It was instant complete immersion.

I loved the whole premise of the plot and the world it was set in. Stellar world building, great characters and easy investment into the characters and the story. Couldn’t have asked for more. The writing, the twists and turns were absolutely astounding and found myself eager to see what would happen next.

I can’t remember the last time I was so wholly consumed by a book. This is one of the first books I’ve read this year and I’m already thinking that I honestly don’t think anything else I read this year can top this. The wait for book two will be a killer!

This is an excellent fantasy novel. It begins with a prologue about Yana, a young girl exiled by her brother and the emperor. This event is pivotal to the rest of the book although you do not know why or how for some time. Moving forwards in time, it is 24 years since the current Emperor took the throne and it is time for him to step down, 8 contenders, representing the 8 ‘guardians’ will compete for the throne, Amongst this, Neema, the High Scholar and a lonely girl, must make her way. Things start to go wrong when one of the contenders is found dead with a legendary knife in her back.

The story is full of twists and revelations which are clever and unexpected. There is strong character development, magical interventions and a low key romance. The book feels complete but is set up ready for the second of three instalments which I can’t wait to read (although I must). This is the best fantasy novel I’ve read in a while and I highly recommend it. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Truly magnificent read!

The story follows an intelligent young woman, Neema. A commoner who was best in class, and fought hard for her position in court. Faithless, among the faithful, Neema finds herself caught up in a murder, in a competition to be a ruler, in a fight against her own perception. Neema could rule, Neema could doom the people of world, but I won’t spoil - you simply must read it. A woman who never fits in, a woman without friends, a woman who just wants to be accepted.. Such a marvellous journey through a beautiful world!

Strong female character ✅
Politics ✅
Fantasy ✅
Plot twists ✅
Amazing characters ✅
Laugh out loud moments ✅
Tears ✅

I have a feeling I will still be thinking about this book next year. Truly wonderful read.

This book had me hooked from the start! The pace of the book is a bit slower than I personally like but I think that’s due to the volume of YA I have read of late. The depth of the plot, the twists, the world building - more than compensated for this which is why I read this in two sittings.

The religious system reminded me of the Chinese zodiac in a way though it’s not necessarily what you are born under that defines you. I absolutely adored how this was done but don’t want to write too much here for fear of spoiling. I will say, I want my own solitary raven as a companion - there would never be a dull moment!

The characters were superbly written. I could resonate with elements of them all and there’s a couple that simply stole my heart: Cain, Sha, Tala, Fenn, Benna. Even those you weren’t meant to love had elements of endearment to them with their growth (Ruko especially quickly).

The world building was beautiful, I could easily paint the scenes in my mind. The plot itself was brilliantly done and I cannot wait for the second book.

Finally - Bran - I wish to know more in the acknowledgements of book 2 or your socials :)

When I started to read this book it seemed like a hunger games copy. After a few chapters when the scene was set it took off. Neema against the world and would Cain be her sole mate once again or a disappointment. Fast paced after the beginning though the ending has left it open for a sequel…..

The Raven Scholar is a strong build with its lore and mood.
If you enjoy longer books where spend enough time to grasp the world, this one is perfect for you.
It was almost a 5 star read in my experience, and I can see why it is so widely-acclaimed and liked. It deserves the hype.
As for the story, which I should have first mentioned, we have a Raven Scholar called Neema in the fictional Orrun (perhaps this is why I haven’t started with the story - I appreciated a fresh fictional world, and its being novel can be exciting for the next reader). Something happens. and Neem has to take the matters to her own hand, while fighting inner and external demons. Most of the characters are flawed (+), moreover, the diverse representation won my heart. Not all characters were likeable or made full sense. As for the prose, it was 4.5 stars, mostly a hit, and the plot, sometimes a little slow, but with mostly interesting and well done twists, was 4 stars.
Overall, an engaging read.