Member Reviews

Quite a challenging read, but engrossing and entertaining, we have part magic realism, part romance, part mystery and a whole lot of suspense. This is a terrific fantasy power struggle with shape shifting and animal magic. We follow the raven scholar, who is caught up in the struggle against her wishes, as she is more dedicated to books and calligraphy than a taste for competition. She has had a romance go wrong, and has had to do things she would not wish to. There is a large cast of characters and this can be very confusing, but despite this there is a lot of humour and humanity. I really enjoyed reading this, although it’s quite long, but kept me gripped.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 ✨️

A huge thank you to the publisher for access to this ARC.

I really enjoyed this. There were so many layers to the plot - I found I never knew which direction it was going to go in and some of the scenes were nothing short of brutal!

Sol was a fantastic character. When they were first introduced, I wasn't sure at all. But, who knew you could laugh so much at the dialogue from a Raven fragment? Such a unique concept.

The ending is perfectly set up for another book so roll on book 2!

Was this review helpful?

I couldn't bring myself to read all of this book. How Yana was treated was too cruel and the family betrayal? Not for me.

Yes it's well written and others with more appetite for an emotionally challenging fantasy read with twists may love it. I didn't. Sorry.

Was this review helpful?

How many ways can I say how much I loved this book? The story grips you right from the start and doesn't let go until the very end. It has a real flavour of a Game of Thrones but with an other-wordly fantasy element to it. There is a sense of danger right from the start when the young twins Yanara and Ruko come before the emperor who years ago defeated their father in a rebellion. Their fates are determined at the foot of the throne with a shocking betrayal from Ruko who condemns his sister to death to secure his place as heir. Yanara, though, holds sway over the story and continues to influence the characters even though she is dead. We skip forward in time another 8 years to meet Neema and Cain, and to see what has become of Ruko who all enter a series of trials to determine who will be the next Emperor. Each one is allied to one of the 8 mythic animal guardians - Neema to the Raven, Cain to the Fox and Ruko to the Tiger. What lifts this story up the most is the quality of the characterisations - you care about each and every one of them and each one has hidden depths that you uncover. You want them all to succeed and for Ruko to redeem himself. Unfortunately you have to wait impatiently for part 2 to be written to find out what happens next! This was an excellent start to a really original and exciting series and I cannot wait to read the next installment!

Was this review helpful?

Let me start bt saying this book is fantastic. It is a long book but the story really immersed me in the world. The world building is great, the characters are varied, the story has lots of twists and turns. I really loved this book.

It has been a while since I read a high fantasy book/series that is focused on political intrigue, treason, murder, trials for succession to the throne and drama. There is a slight element of romance but it fits in well without being the main of the book. I found that really refreshing.

While it took me a little while to warm to Neema because she was almost arrogant at first, but she really developed and as I learned more about her I really like her character arc. In fact, all the character arcs were well written with depth, flaws and relatability.

The twists in the story were excellent. Some of them I guessed but others really had me at the reveals! I will be thinking about this book for a long time.

I loved the writing style, it was easy to read and the perfect balance of action, mystery and humour.

There is so much more I want to say but don't want to give spoilers!

Overall a 5 star read with a lot of potential to be a fantastic high fantasy series. I highly recommend this book!

Was this review helpful?

This has all the makings of a great new fantasy world, but there are some kink- there were a lot of words, the plot chaotic and the pacing was off in places. I didn’t feel drawn to any of the characters. Nevertheless, there are many quality elements and I’m interested to see how the story continues. Many thanks to NetGalley for an arc of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Wow what a book! It's complicated but worth sticking with. The world-building is sophisticated and sometimes a little confusing. But the characters are great - funny and interesting. Will DEFINTELY be buying the sequel.

Was this review helpful?

A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Antonia Hodgson for providing me with an ARC of The Raven Scholar in exchange for my honest review.

The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson is a magnificent epic fantasy brimming with political intrigue, battles, magic, friendship, and love. It is truly one of the best epic fantasy books I’ve read in a long time, with writing that is nothing short of exquisite.

While the story predominantly follows the perspective of High Scholar Neema Kraa, the inclusion of multiple other points of view enriches the narrative and adds depth to the world. Hodgson’s characters are so well-crafted that calling them “side characters” feels reductive; every individual has a clear purpose in the grand scheme of the story. For example, Cain, the Fox Contender, is a standout—a hilarious, charming, and lovable rogue who brings levity and charisma to the tale.

This book is a hefty tome, but there is remarkably little filler. Each chapter serves a purpose, propelling the narrative toward its gripping conclusion. It’s rare to find a book with so many twists and turns that genuinely surprise me, but this story delivered them in abundance. I found myself constantly guessing and being delighted by the unexpected.

In short, The Raven Scholar is a masterclass in epic fantasy storytelling, and I am eagerly anticipating the sequel!

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book once I got into it, but did find it hard going at the start to become immersed in the fantasy world Antionia Hodgson has created. I'mlooking forward ot the next two books in the series.

Was this review helpful?

For a 700 page book, I wish this had went on longer - it was such an enjoyable read, every moment of it.

There's so many little twists and turns, and the main plot from the synopsis doesn't even start until a quarter in and there was so much to get there, the less I say, the better. But I will say:
If you like political twists!
If you like ridiculously good, complex characters!
If you like great, nuanced writing, with some well-placed touches of humour!
If you like incredible worldbuilding, especially for mythology!
If you like talking kind-of-animals!
Did I mention the characters?
And if you like having your heart torn out nearly immediately!

Then this book is for you.

Thank you to the publisher, Hodderscape, and to NetGalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

The Raven Scholar is an intensely gripping fantasy full of twists, political intrigue and a murder mystery. The world building is incredible and the writing style was distinct, drawing me in from the first page.

At first I was put off by the length of the book - far too often recently I've found stories that are painfully long with lots of unnecessary and boring content. However, that wasn't the case here - every word was important and actually when I was done, I wished it were longer.

Everything about this book is exceptional, and I intend to persuade everybody around me to pick it up!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Was this review helpful?

"The Raven Scholar" is a masterclass in epic fantasy, weaving a gripping tale of political intrigue, cutthroat competition, and imperial deceit. Set in the sweltering summer heat of Orrun, the story pits eight exceptional contenders—each representing a sacred animal—in a deadly trial to claim the emperor’s throne. But when one contender is murdered, the competition spirals into chaos, and the brilliant yet eccentric Neema Kraa is thrust into a high-stakes investigation that could determine the fate of the empire.

Hodgson’s storytelling is as sharp as the trials the characters endure. The lush worldbuilding breathes life into the empire of Orrun, from its rival monasteries to the complex hierarchy of power. The contenders are richly drawn, with their skills, personalities, and rivalries making for a cast as dynamic as they are dangerous. Neema Kraa is a standout protagonist—quick-witted, flawed, and utterly compelling as she navigates a maze of secrets, betrayal, and ambition.

What makes "The Raven Scholar" truly refreshing is its unflinching focus on the political and philosophical stakes, eschewing romantic subplots for a narrative bursting with tension, humor, and heartbreak. The twists are unpredictable, the stakes immense, and the story’s emotional core—centered on ambition, loyalty, and the price of power—resonates deeply.

At 700 pages, this sweeping epic flies by, each chapter leaving readers hungry for more. For fans of intricate worldbuilding, razor-sharp intrigue, and brutal competition, "The Raven Scholar" is an absolute triumph that redefines the adult fantasy genre.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 4 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I could put this book down – absolutely loved it.

Was this review helpful?

This book was hands down the best I read in YEARS.
I was captivated from start to finish, and it's 700 pages long. The world and atmosphere slightly reminded me of "The Poppy War", but the fight for the throne with trials was absolutely thrilling.
The writing is wonderful and I absolutely adored the descriptions, and the characters were all amazing, incredibly realistic. Cain as the Fox contender might be my favorite, but it is so hard to choose... All of them had flaws and showed vulnerability at one point or another.
And then. The action (unhinged trials are my soft spot). The surprises. The manigances. The plot twists. WOW.
Some character development I never saw coming (and I usually guess the ending with most books!)

I 200%, wholeheartedly recommend this book, and I can't wait to see it released (as well as the sequel!).

Was this review helpful?

I got 10% of the was through this before I had to DNF, I think the story definitely has potentially but I could not get into it as the story kept switching POV midway through paragraphs and sentences and I did not know who’s POV I was reading from. Writing style is just not for me sadly

Was this review helpful?

I'm so sorry
I couldn't get into this book but I wish I could
Maybe it will be someone else cup of tea

Was this review helpful?

The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson is such a good book. I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic and the story is immaculate.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you for this netgally!

Review of The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson

Antonia Hodgson’s The Raven Scholar is a breathtaking fantasy that combines intrigue, magic, and a sharp wit to deliver one of the most captivating reads of the year. With its intricate world-building, morally complex characters, and high-stakes drama, this book is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.

The story centers around Neema Kraa, a High Scholar haunted by past mistakes and thrust into the chaos of a murder investigation during the Festival—a competition to determine the next emperor of Orrun. Hodgson masterfully balances political intrigue, mystery, and personal growth as Neema uncovers dark secrets that could either save or destroy the empire.

The characters are richly layered and utterly engaging. Neema, flawed yet determined, grows beautifully throughout the story, while the supporting cast—ranging from the enigmatic Cain to the fierce Gaida—adds depth and humor. The Raven itself is a chaotic delight, offering levity in a narrative brimming with tension.

Hodgson’s writing is sophisticated and immersive, blending sharp dialogue with vivid descriptions. The historical touches, including footnotes and references to the empire’s lore, lend the story a unique authenticity. The pacing can feel chaotic at times, but the twists and revelations more than compensate, keeping readers hooked until the very end.

With its themes of power, loyalty, and redemption, The Raven Scholar is a compelling exploration of the lengths people will go to for survival and justice. It’s a tale of betrayal, resilience, and the complexities of the human spirit.

If you love gripping political intrigue, morally grey characters, and a touch of humor amidst the drama, The Raven Scholar deserves a place on your bookshelf. I’m already counting down the days until the next installment in this promising trilogy.

Was this review helpful?

-Rating-
5/5
Read this book if you like dragons, ravens, magic, betrayals, rivalries and feuds.
This book had me gripped from the first few chapters I couldn’t read quick enough and I’m so excited to read the next book in the series.

-Quick description-
A trail must take place after 24 years on the throne there will be a new emperor or empress of Orrun, but who will it be, could it be the contender from Raven, Fox, Tiger, Bear, Ox, Hound or Monkey? Each warrior has honed their unique skills at the eight different monasteries, hoping to take the crown for themselves.
But then a murder happens and it falls on Neema Kraa to investigate with dark forces at play we just don’t know what will happen, could she be crowned herself even if it’s not what she wants, could she doom the entire empire with what she uncovers?

-Thoughts-
This was a perfect example of fantasy at its best the world building was "chef’s kiss" I really enjoyed the magic system and the characters were very interesting it definitely made for a page turner.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC and a huge thank you to Antonia Hodgson.
Also reviewed on Goodreads, StoryGraph,Fable and Instagram (post coming soon) @read.with.rue

Was this review helpful?

Original, enthralling, astonishing, Magnificent.
I was hooked from the first page.
The Emperor must stand down, the best from each sect of the eight will compete for the throne. Neema is lifted from obscurity to the position of High Scholar and after a murder she is thrown into the mix, unwillingly competing for the crown.

Unravelling a conspiracy that spans decades, we follow Neema as she claws for the truth and her own survival.
The world building is elaborate and immersive. The culture and history of the world is rich and diverse.

Hodgson’s writing is sophisticated; engaging, moving and hilarious.
The characters are complicated, authentic and many of them are morally grey. Much like the Eight, we are all a collection of fragments. Not every fragment is inherently good! Family, loyalty, faith, dedication, love - all can be corrupted.

With Neema we unravel years of lies and corruption whilst our characters face unpredictable trials. There were some twists that had me floored. You can climb a long way by standing on the backs of those you cut down. The results can be devastating but redemption isn’t out reach for everyone.
The passive acceptance or collaboration of things that don’t align with our moral compass and the lasting impact this can have feels particularly poignant in today’s world.

Further notes:
- Cain is hilarious
- Gaida is admirable but insufferable. A pivotal, unrelenting catalyst
- Yana🥺❤️
- The Raven is magnificent, hysterical and chaotic. I particularly enjoyed anxious Raven and of course Sol.
- Gripping high stakes, political intrigue, conspiracy and drama.
- I have NEVER rooted a romance more

Was this review helpful?