Huge thank you to NetGalley and Hodderscape for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Neema holds the prestigious post of High Scholar in Orran. On the surface she’s got everything she’s worked so hard for, but beneath the veneer she is haunted by her past actions and her part in the tragic execution of a young girl eight years ago. When the Festival comes around, a competition held every 24 years to select the next Emperor, Neema has a leading role in planning the Festival Eve festivities. As the evening unfolds, betrayal, magic, curses, and a brutal murder, triggers the start of a series of events which will ultimately determine the fate of not just Neema’s life, but the future of the whole Empire...

Is this an easy read? No, probably not. Is it a worthwhile read? Absolutely! It was one of my most enjoyable reads of the year.

It was challenging to get into at the start as the timeline jumps around a bit. There’s a lot of tangents, background information and anecdotes, which is really helpful in terms of world-building, but I found it broke my reading flow and I struggled to follow the main plot. But I would say stick with it because by chapter 4 it gets damn good!

Antonia Hodgson’s writing style is captivating from the start, it completely sweeps you along and felt different to anything else I’ve read recently. I particularly enjoyed the dry humour, it honestly had me chuckling throughout! The characters are all so brilliant and vividly brought to life, many of them immediately felt like old friends (or in many cases, old enemies) which I think is what makes the book so enjoyable to read.

I really like Neema, she admittedly makes one terrible decision after another, but I thought her character has real depth and I like her all the more for her flaws. I also like that she is a bit older than you often see FMCs.

The Raven Scholar is not a romantasy, more a fantasy with a romantic undercurrent running through it. That being said, I’m so invested in Neema and Cain’s relationship, I *need* them to have a happy ending!

There are so many mysteries, and twists and turns it keeps you guessing right until the end. The plot and pacing felt a bit chaotic in places, but I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to see where the trilogy goes from here. I’ll be counting down until book two!

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

'The Raven Scholar' by Antonia Hodgson.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book. It had me gripped from the very beginning. I really felt for Yana. I found Neema hard to like to begin with but throughout the book she really grew as a character.
The book had magic, treason, rivalries, ravens, dragons and feuds.
I can't wait for the next installment. If you love fantasy books then give this book a read.

She might win the throne. She might destroy an empire. Either way, it begins with murder.
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.
If Neema succeeds, she could win the throne - whether she wants it or not. But if she fails, she will sentence herself to death - and set in motion a sequence of events that could doom the empire . . .

Thanks to NetGallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read a copy in return for an honest review.

Thank you, Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton, for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is my definition of perfect fantasy: good world-building, a magic system, interesting characters and a page-turning story. Antonia has outdone herself here; hats off. The book has mystery after mystery, with the right amount of revelations to keep you completely and utterly hooked on the story. She also employs the right amount of humour between the drama and fighting. The book is written sort of as a historical recollection with footnotes detailing references to the history of the world, which gives the story a very real feeling.

The Raven Scholar follows Neema Kraa, a brilliant raven scholar (title creds) who has worked in court for as long as she left the monastery. After twenty-four years on the throne, it is time for Bersun the Brusque, emperor of Orrun, to bring his reign to an end. 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. Then one of them is murdered. Neema Kraa is tasked to investigate, setting her on a path she might not want. She might win the throne. She might destroy an empire. Either way, it begins with murder.

This book is one of my favourite reads this year. With this already so good, I cannot wait to see what the rest of the trilogy brings. I want to scream my recommendation for this book to everyone. Now, to sit patiently and wait for the sequel...

A great beginning book of the trilogy. Can’t wait for the next two. Liked Neema and Cain and their trials in this excellently created fantasy world

I'm a fan of Hodgson's Georgian crime novels and the complex and Dickensian world she depicts . I don't usually read fantasy but this really impressed me. It's a similar vibe, even though this is a made up world.
The sense of darkness and the underlying humour were excellent and the storyline was compelling. She does an amazing job at showing this complex world with its value system. There are some great characters in this book. It's a huge, immersive read and I'm looking forward to the next installment already. What a stormer of a book.
I wish I could give extra points for the beautiful cover.

I really enjoyed this epic fantasy. I was embroiled by the world of Orrun, the characters particularly of the contenders to the throne and the secrets undermining it all.

A fantastic plot and a cliffhanger of an ending - I will await last two with great expectation.

When one of the contenders is murdered, Neema, the high scholar, is tasked with finding out who did the deed and is also made a contender in her place. But as she investigates she finds that the contest is being manipulated and that the current emperor is not all he seems.

It was a long read with much scene setting but well worth the effort!

The Raven Scholar is a near perfect fantasy, Original and beautifuly realised world building yet mercifully light on the exposition, a very real protagonist who is no chosen one despite being catapulted into a competition she doesn't want to be in but flawed and human. The book starts with a shocking twist and continues to surprise - just when I thought I had worked out what's going I was blindsided. Heartbreaking at times, breathlessly exciting at times, really really tense throughout and with just enough romance (the lightest of touches) this is a masterclass in how to write original, political fantasy. The sequel will be on preorder the second it's announced. Highly recommended.

Fantasy book, not big on romance, which is refreshing. It's a long book with plenty descriptions to build the world. I feel it moves a bit too slowly.

I really enjoyed The Raven Scholar. It took me a while to get into the flow of the book, which felt like it was slow starting. I also thought it was intriguing, as the beginning hook (a murder!) felt like it was going to be solved fairly quickly… so why was the book so long?! As it developed, we as the reader discovered more and more about the world, and the intrigue that was going on in the background.

The writing was excellent, and I gasped out loud in places. The reveals were well done, with hints that were easy to see once the reveal had happened but not beforehand.

I highly recommend it to those who enjoy reading fantasy.

I could not believe I was given the opportunity to read this long awaited book from this author courtesy of NetGalley as an ARC as Having read all her previous Thomas Hawkins series I already had this on pre order.
At first it took me a while to get into as honestly this wasn’t my usual kind of read and felt far away from the Thomas Hawkins style and period of writing. I genuinely did think at the start of what is a thick book that I wouldn’t be able to get with it but I am so glad I did!
The characters the storyline and the depth to the book floored me. I absolutely loved it and so glad I didn’t dnf!
If you have read Antonia Hodgson previous work this is different in terms of the fantasy but the intrigue and the mystery still win through in the end. Absolutely amazing read.

What a fabulous book! Think of any superlative and it’ll apply to this story, it’s full of wonder, a mystery murder, a love story, a thriller, a fantasy story of enormous depth, so many twists and turns that become stories within a story. What an imagination this author has! I can’t wait for the next part of the series, this is definitely one to gift to friends when it’s published!

Thank you to Netgalley , the author and publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review

I absolutely love fantasy books and this did not disappoint. I loved the story, the world building was amazing and the characters fantastic. I would highly recommend this book to anyone

Magnificent. This book was fabulous. It was really long but it did not feel like it was. It didn't drag at all, the pacing was perfect. I love the different characters. I really liked Neema and Cain, and Sol the raven and even the fox. I liked the world building and the magic system. I did not see the emperor switch coming. I knew something was going on but I couldn't have even guessed at what it actually was. I would love to read more.

I adored this book from the very beginning.

In the first three chapters, there is already treason and a well-executed setup for the plot.

Its opening is not overly complex, avoiding complicated names or narratives, which helps readers ease into and fully immerse themselves in the story.
Antonia's prose and writing style are easy to follow and beautifully crafted.
The world-building and politics are introduced early, and as you read, the author includes footnotes to explain unfamiliar terms, which enhance your understanding of the story and its terminology (from events, caractheres, expressions...)

I loved the plot! It has everything: politics, murder, treason, drama, friendship, banter, humor, and most importantly, it keeps you on edge with the constant revelations and plot twists. This is one of those books where you never know what to expect next, making it nearly impossible to put down and completely captivating.
If you’re expecting detailed depictions of trials, this is not that type of book. There is so much happening in this story that the politics surrounding the trials take precedence over the action you might anticipate. As someone who loves reading books about trials, I loved it!

The characters are well-rounded, each flawed, that bring realism to the story. For me, it was refreshing to read about main characters over 30, as their maturity and experience made them more relatable to my age group. The FMC is particularly relatable. As a scholar, she lacks aptitude in certain areas relevant to trials but compensates with her intelligence and knowledge.
Although I loved the characters, their actions are often dubious and questionable, which left me uncertain about whether to root for them or not. The non-human characters, the “gods,” are incredibly enjoyable, and it’s hard not to love them.

This book maintains a constant momentum, as something is always happening. Even events that seem like fillers eventually lead to unexpected twists.

The ending sets the stage perfectly for a sequel, and I cannot wait for the next book!

To put it in Raven’s terms, this book is simply “Magnificent.” I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys epic fantasy, drama, politics, treason, folklore, flawed characters, conspiracy, and unexpected plot twists.

Thankyou to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for access to an ARC, and to Antonia Hodgson for such magnificence of a fantasy read.

This book started out strong with its first chapter; we are thrown into a world with deep history and folklore and magic and as soon as we find our footing, realise that we know very little of the truth.

The plot is political machinations, subterfuge, betrayal and painstakingly planned revenge - from multiple sides. For our Raven scholar, Neema Kraa, she finds herself flung into the midst of a competition to win the throne, while needing to solve the mystery of her predecessor’s murder.

The magic/fantasy is wonderfully managed, and characters within that are written so fully, at first (before fully understanding, or being open to what is happening on the page, it is very discombobulating… which is exactly as it should be!)

The human characters are written with depth, are diverse and fully realised with their own history and voice and motivations. It’s easy to form connections with them and see the multifaceted layers and viewpoints they hold (and know that not everyone is going to get the outcome they wish for, this on top of the high risk/stakes plot, means tension is kept tight right through the story).

I adored the different writing style, and pacing, genuinely couldn’t put it down for long and was trying to guess the plot twists throughout (a few I managed, most I did not).

Cain had me laughing aloud from the first chapter he appeared in (I hope this would make him grin) Neema, I liked her, she’d make a loyal friend in me (I love that she’s written - as any truly splendid Raven scholar of her calibre ought to be, in my opinion - as neurodiverse coded, and had struggles with being understood/connecting easily in line with that). Many other ‘side characters became beloved, and despite the large cast it was easy to get to know each of them and understand the part they played, and care for them (or have strong feelings for them if not!)

Looking forward to continuing with this trilogy, KRAA.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC!

You find very few books with a perfect, even pacing. There are no slow moments, no dragging descriptions, no fillers. Every sentence is there for a reason, every description is important, colorful, and absorbs you into the world. Very rich world, full of details, lore, and scenery. So gently woven into the story. Full of character backgrounds, inner thoughts, machinations, and simply moving in between actions. Perfect balance of description, action, first-person opinions, flashbacks, and tension. One of the most talented writers. Couldn’t stop reading, and didn’t put the book down until I finished. First time ever finished a book in one sitting.

It starts with an exile order and then continues with the story of Neema. A Raven High Scholar who wrote that order and now becomes responsible for the investigation into a murder case. Seven god-blessed contenders are about to fight for the position of the Emperor. When the Raven representative gets murdered, suddenly Neema is forced to replace her. Her own contingent doesn’t support her, and some even suspect her of being the murderer.

No one is truly good. A just emperor lets a teenager sentence his sister to death and then orders a murder. A heartless mother never showing affection to her children, grieves and suffers after the loss. A brother always falling behind his sibling, fighting for his parents’ affection, betrays his sister in a desperate bid for power. A mother sacrifices one child to bear the other. And the husband jumps off the tower heartbroken from the cruelty of the woman he loved.

Yasila’s parent’s story lands the perfect hit. The origin of all the disasters. A perfect miscommunication trope! Not only does the unspoken reason, the painful explanation that never gets uttered, break a man, a child, a family. But it also leads to decades of consequences, of heartless destruction, suffering, misguided vengeance driven by fear, and a need to protect one’s children.

The reveal of the murderer only halfway through is a very cleverly designed device. We get the answer to what we think is the main question, only to realize there is another question we haven’t come up with yet.

In the end, we get the character development, the reveal of the true motivations behind their all actions. Their reason for desiring the throne. Their true intent behind their murderous pursuits, their remorse, and their heartbreak when it’s too late. Their devotion and love, and where their loyalty lies.

Finally a fantasy with adult characters. 22, 24, 30, 34 year olds. Mature and sensible, but still idealistic, emotional, passion-driven.

The narrator’s choice was a cool twist. The first paragraph threw me off a bit, but afterward became a very smart artistic choice. Allowing for smooth transitions between different POVs and places of action.

If you like the Between Earth and Sky trilogy: Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse, you will love Raven Scholar. Feels like a similar premise but a much better execution.

Neema Kraa is the High Scholar of Orrun, she is happy with her life although some despise her for not being high born.
The Emperor is about to abdicate and seven contestants will compete to be crowned the new Emperor.

Neema has designed the festival in which they will compete. When one of the contestants is killed,the Emperor tasks Neema to solve the crime.

This is a well written tale with strong characters and I enjoyed it. I am looking forward to the next installment.

One criticism would be the unnecessary (in my opinion) bad language as it didn't add to the tale.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Hidder & Stoughton Publishing for the chance to read and review this book

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.

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.

-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