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

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

"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.

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!).

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 :)

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

I loved this.

The Raven Scholar is a political fantasy with lots of intrigue, a side of murder mystery, and a smattering of romance. The characters are interesting, even the side characters, and the main character is lovable but still flawed. The Raven is magnificent, naturally.

This isn't the author’s first book, and you can tell. The cast is large, and the plot is complex with lots of moving parts, but I was never confused. Every twist was well set up without being predictable, and every element was introduced ahead of time, so the story progresses naturally. Some people might find it slow as it takes a while to get to the premise outlined in the blurb, but I was never bored and, in fact, enjoyed every second.

The world-building is good, though I would have liked to see more of the world since we are mostly confined to a single island, except for a few flashbacks. I think this will be rectified in the sequel though. Speaking of which, I can’t wait for the next book!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

If I could give this book more stars, I would!

When I tell you that this book put me in a slump like Throne of Glass did, it’s no joke. I’m actually so amazed by how fast I flew through this book!

Neema (how beautiful is the name), is just a scholar who does research for the current ruler. Although she did some things in the past that she regrets, she’s pretty happy with her life.

King Bersun’s rule is coming to an end and the trials to find the next king or queen begins. These trials come with heartbreak and amazing character development!

This book will make you feel all the emotions. But I’m not mad about that. This is truly a book I can recommend you read if you enjoyed Throne of Glass.

Thank you NetGalley and Hodderscape for granting me access to this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

No sé qué me hizo empezar The Raven Scholar, el nombre de Antonia Hodgson me era desconocido y aunque la sinopsis era atractiva, hace ya tiempo que aprendí a desconfiar del marketing encapsulado en cuatro frases. Pero tendré que darle las gracias a ese instinto, porque me he encontrado un libro que merece las cinco estrellas con las que lo he valorado.


The Raven Scholar mezcla la investigación de un asesinato con un mundo de fantasía apasionante, como The Tainted Cup de Robert Jackson Bennett. Y he de decir que esta mezcla de géneros, que no sé si hay un término que describa adecuadamente, al menos a mí me tiene encandilada.

La construcción de mundo sobre la que se sustenta The Raven Scholar es excelsa. Tanto el sistema de elección del emperador basado en pruebas que enfrentan a los mejores representantes de las ocho casas de saber, como el hecho de que los dioses sean más temidos que venerados le da muchísimo juego a Hodgson. El torneo que se desarrolla durante las 700 páginas del libro recuerda un poco al de los tres magos en Hogwarts pero vitaminado y supermineralizado. Y aún con todas las bondades que muestra, no tiene por qué ser lo más destacado del volumen, porque el elenco de personajes, su profundidad, su historia pasada y sus relaciones también son un pilar en el que basar el éxito del libro. No me extrañaría verlo enmarcado como dark academy, aunque creo que el volumen ofrece mucho más. También he visto que lo llamaban fantasía épica y tampoco es desacertado, pero sigo pensando que hace falta una definición distinta para algunos libros.

Hodgson también aprovecha para meter ciertas dosis de humor que alivian la tensión in crescendo a lo largo de la lectura. El humor en la fantasía es un tema delicado, no es fácil que salga fluido pero la británica sale bastante airosa de este envite, de mí al menos ha conseguido alguna carcajada y, por lo general, la lectura ha sido con una sonrisa en los labios. Es un recurso muy bueno para contrarrestar los momentos más duros del libro, que también los tiene. Y es que, como la vida misma, The Raven Scholar puede provocar sonrisas y lágrimas al más pintado. La trama es aparentemente enrevesada y algo exigente con el lector, en parte por la gran cantidad de personajes que tienen un papel más o menos relevante en la historia y sobre todo por los vericuetos que los conspiradores y los investigadores deberán recorrer para revelar la verdad, pero, sinceramente, creo que el esfuerzo merece la pena.

Lo más frustrante para mí es ver que se trata solo de la primera entrega de una trilogía y que queda mucho por descubrir, a pesar de la gran longitud de la obra. Pero no me cabe duda de que en cuanto que esté disponible la siguiente entrega me haré con ella, para seguir disfrutando de lo que escribe Antonia Hodgson.

First of all thank you to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This, frankly huge book, really cracked along once it found its footing. A heady mixture of mystery, courtly intrigue and epic fantasy challenges made for an enchanting experience. Cannot wait to see more of our motley group of protagonists in such an expensive and complex world.

I loved this so much! It’s a brilliantly twisty story that mixes gods, politics, and magic as well as building a rich and diverse world that seems to breathe outside of the page. I was especially fond of Neema, and spending almost the whole book in her head was a delight. I was guessing until almost the very end and not since Saint Death’s Daughter have I been so excited to discover there’s going to be a sequel.

It took a while to get into this book, but once I did, I really enjoyed it, especially the twists. Thank you to the writer, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to review it.

This was one chunky book and I always dread starting one because sometimes spending too much time with one story makes me spiral into a reading slump and I hate that.

In the beginning, I was a bit confused by the time and location jumps, and it took some time to get used to the writing style (it kind of reminded me a bit of the style in A Series of Unfortunate Events - nothing wrong with that, I was just really not expecting that).
Even though I was a bit put off by the writing style at first I came to really enjoy it and it suited the story perfectly.

I got hooked to the story right from the start and I felt so comfortable there I didn’t even want to leave. The narration kept a steady and comfortable pace and there were so many twists and turns so it was impossible to get bored, despite the length of the book. Whenever I tried to predict something or thought that I knew where something was going, it turned out I was completely wrong? and I really loved that. Although the foreshadowing (or occasional lack thereof) didn’t always land perfectly, it never let the story stagnate.

The story weaves together a variety of familiar ideas into a fresh and enjoyable experience.
Although most of the story takes place on the same island we do get glimpses of other parts of the world and I found the world building to be well-developed. It wasn’t unnecessarily confusing or complex but rather very engaging and interesting.

Funny enough, I really hated some (or most?) of the characters in the beginning, especially Neema, though I came to appreciate her as the story progressed and I could identify with her thought processes. I loved Cain and enjoyed every scene with him in it, also I loved Fenn, Benna and PinkPink. Especially Benna earned a special place in my heart. Other than that, I didn’t really warm up to any of the other characters or should I say I outright wanted to punch them? - but that isn’t to say I didn’t appreciate their role in and understood their importance to the story. Their unpredictable motivations added a layer of realism to the story.
All in all the characters each were as different and diverse as they could be, some adorable and lovable, some morally grey and some outright heinous and unredeemable and I loved the mix. It does get a bit boring when everyone is a sweetheart and no-one makes your blood boil, right?
<spoiler> Also I’d like to add that I’ll probably forever be haunted by Yanara's fate - I kept hoping that maybe she somehow got away and survived but apparently not? I really wanted her to make a badass comeback and give everyone what they deserve and take the throne for herself. Like, I really REALLY wanted that. I wish she would have gotten a happy ending and tbh I will not be giving up hope, after all we still got a second installment in the series so I’ll keep wishing. Am I being delusional? Maybe. </spoiler>

This story and the characters now live rent free in my head and I literally can’t wait for part 2. I wish I at least knew the release date, but alas this first part isn’t even really published yet and I was just blessed with an e-ARC. So impatiently waiting it is.

Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars rounded up.

Review posted on:
Goodreads; https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7242440859
TheStoryGraph; https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/dd2eccbe-a598-461c-ba47-7f43764cf69f

Wow. I loved The Raven Scholar! This is a fantastic story full of politics, intrigue, and magic. Absolutely loved it and can't wait for more!

I was misled as to the length of this book, if I had known it was over 650 pages, I wouldn't have read it. As it is, I am so glad that I did. The world building was excellent and drew me in straight away. The plot was complex and very exciting. I really didn't see some of the twists coming. It is the characters that really make this book such a good read. Neema and Cain are wonderful and their up and down relationship was amusing. The minor characters were diverse and interesting. I particularly liked, Benna, Fenn and Sol. Whilst there is plenty of action and thrills in the story, there is also a light and humorous tone running through the book that gives the story a well rounded feel to it.
Despite its length, this was a relatively quick read and is highly recommended. Can't wait for the sequel.

I loved this one! I have heard so many good things so thought i would pick it up!!

I am obsessed with the cover!

I loved the theme of competing and the dark vibes the book gave off. The mystery was also really fun. Love the FMC!

Clearly I just loved all of it 😂

Be aware: this will be a raving review!

This book came highly recommended, and people kept teasing it was.... magnificent.
In the first three chapters though. I kept checking if I'm reading the right book. Not that they were bad at all, they just weren't what the blurb promised.
But then I hit chapter 4 and I was so in - and stayed. If ever a book deserves the word 'epic', then it's this one (while still maintaining a tight focus).

There's a narrative voice that is both unique and funny - also at times aiming to be scary while in fact just being dramatic.

The FMC is an incredibly interesting character. Not that you have to like her, necessarily, but you will still be entranced by her story.

In a fully developed queer-normative world, there are magical tournaments and political intrigue, murder mystery, dark academia and deep mythology.
All of that working without a romance story at heart.
On top of that my favorite trope: two entities merged into one - with one of them being a drama queen.

This book is so so good and I can't wait for the next in the trilogy.

I was so glad to have been granted both the eBook and audiobook.
The audiobook is a work of art with the narrator being a true artist. The voices she does are incredible.
Yet I had to go back time and again to the written word to absorb everything how it deserves. I also enjoyed just rereading a paragraph or more.

5/5 stars and absolute recommendation

Thank you @netgalley and @hodderbooks for the eARC and ALC.

#TheRavenScholar #Netgalley #Bookstagram

I absolutely loved The Raven Scholar!
Hooked from the very first page, I spent every free minute reading this amazing fantasy novel. Excellent world building and great characters. I cannot wait to read the next installment!

WOW. This book is AMAZING!! I loved everything about it but my favourite thing is the narration style. The way the story is told not simply from first or third person but through the eyes of another creature. We literally have a narrator who tells us a tale, occasionally addressing the readers and talking to us. And boy it's hilarious. Seriously, The Raven is the most self absorbed creature I've seen in a while. He can't go five minutes without telling us how magnificent they are, how brilliant they are, how beautiful they are. It's so funny. I also loved the romance. My heart was breaking for Neema and Cain. Their love story is not a traditional "falling-in-love-in-the-process" arc. It's kind of already established but broken relationship. It's messy and it's angsty. It's two people, who love each other so much but whose relationship was the victim of their own ambitions and moral dilemmas, who meet for the first time after eight years apart full of heartbreak and grudges while still being in love with each other and have to work side by side now, who try so hard to hate each other but are slowly getting their spark back. What's not to like?? Now let's talk about plot twists. Like, they were so good?? Hello?? My personal favourite was a plot twist inside a plot twist. Our main character figured out the truth and you think that's it and then BOOM, another plot twist. To say that my jaw dropped is an understatement. And I LOVED it. I do admit, there were some parts that were dense to get through but in general Antonia ate with this book.

The Raven Scholar,
the masterfully woven and breathtaking epic adult fantasy of cutthroat competition and imperial deceit.
by Antonia Hodgson

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: SciFi & Fantasy

I wasn't sure on this, I love fantasy but wasn't sure if this would be the type I enjoy. Fantasy as a genre spans such a disparate range.
It was a bit confusing to start, but the characters are so intriguing I soon found myself absorbed by the story.

I love the world building, the different magics, the animal inspirations, where we could see traits of each animal in the character. I found that really clever, Havoc and his monkey like traits, Cain and his fox cunning, the bears and their stubbornness, the strength of the ox.....

There's a trial starting for the next leader, a test of wits, strength and determination, with each group organising a section utilising their skills. Its time for Bersun, current leader, to retire. He's stayed for the maximum time allowed by law.
Just at the start of the games test one of the contenders is murdered. Neema gets drawn into the search for the murderer, bringing her into danger, from a number of sources.

Its a fabulous read, full of intrigue, mystery, danger and people who are not what they seem, have ulterior motives. The more I read the stronger I felt that this is a story I need the rest of ASAP. Its so hard to write a review without revealing too much, but this is a book I really adored and know I'll re-read once the full trilogy is released. Its got everything I look for in a good fantasy, engaging, engrossing story, mysteries, twists that are unexpected, interesting characters and world building, and of course drama in spades and a hint of romance brewing. Or that could be wishful thinking on my part, I guess book two will tell ;-)

Stars: Five, a fabulous story to get lost in another world, full of all the things I love in a good fantasy.

ARC supplied by netgalley and publishers

#TheRavenScholar #NetGalley

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Wow, The Raven Scholar is nothing short of brilliant. I devoured it.The storytelling is sharp, gripping, and full of twists that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The characters are complex, layered, and so real that they stay with you long after the final page. The world-building is rich and vivid, making every setting feel alive. With its perfect blend of mystery, suspense, and emotional depth, this book completely captivated me. It's a masterful work, and I’m still thinking about it days later.

Wow, ok this was really good. Before I start, I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the free ARC of this book! Rating- 5 stars

This was the perfect book after a couple of disappointing reads. The premise sounded engaging, but often I find books fall flat and fail to deliver the rich world-building promised in their descriptions- this was not the case here. Antonia Hodgson has created a super original and engaging world, with an intricate magical background that I absolutely adored. Even the POV perspectives felt creative and fresh, and made this book such a fascinating read. I've read quite a lot of fantasy novels by this point, so to find one that surprises me and feels novel is a rarity, yet the Raven Scholar did exactly that. Plenty of plot twists and deep characters are only some of the things I found so enticing about this book. For me, the only other book that felt similar in writing format and the feeling whilst reading it was Gideon the Ninth, which was also a book that subverted my expectations in a wonderful way.

I'm already eagerly awaiting the next book (I think there should be one!) and thanks again to the publisher and Netgalley (and Antonia Hodgson of course for having produced such a great novel)!

Wow! This is a book full of details and world building. I definitely will be reading it again. Even though I read it slowly over three weeks, I still couldn't take everything in. It's so packed of action and information.

It's like three different books in one. A murder mystery, a story of mythology and the last story involves me spoiling it so you need to read it yourself.

Such a captivating story from page one. It was hard going from the first few chapters and being emotionally involved to Neema's story.

There were so many characters and I hope the physical copy had a character glossary. I was getting confused at some points.

I loved this book and will be buying a copy.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊.

This was the wildest, most magnificent ride. WE ARE SO BACK! Forced proximity, murder mystery, a whole bunch of trials, a funky new magic system, political and courtly intrigue, and some of the most engaging main characters I've encountered in a good long while. Neema Kraa and Cain Ballari own my heart. Life is a joke and death is the punchline.

The world has evolved around a belief in The Eight - different animals (representing different moral, spiritual and cultural beliefs) that people can swear allegiance to when they come of age: Fox, Raven, Tiger, Ox, Bear, Monkey, Hound, and Dragon (though they have their own seat of power and generally take a back seat). They choose their next ruler by selecting contenders from each of these temples (including a Dragon proxy) and see them compete across a series of trials that test things like combat skills, creative thinking, political knowledge, stamina and charisma. What unravels is a locked-room murder mystery (they're all stuck on the island that forms the seat of the emperor's power) when one of the contenders is killed. There's an awful lot more to it than that (this is truly an EPIC FANTASY), but that's the general crux of it.

Once you power through the opening 10% (which is very info-dump / world-building heavy), it's one of the most fun reads you'll have this year. It was so refreshing to read something so clearly written by a Brit. The SARCASM! The WIT! The UNSERIOUSNESS! The TOMFOOLERY! The SASS! Every character has their chance to shine and it's very much an ensemble piece despite Neema & Cain taking centre stage by virtue of their iconicness.

Neema is a Raven Scholar (likes to ask questions, constant thirst for knowledge, must correct people when they are wrong, deep thinker and social pariah) and Cain is a Fox (ultimate sass king, will eat all your food, everything is funny if you look at it just so, let me do a flip because I can). Their dynamic is EVERYTHING, but don't go into this expecting romantasy levels of relationship development / page time because you won't find it. It's very much fade to black.

I could completely understand if people get unnerved by the tonal whiplash - it goes to some very dark places and then rebounds with a quip or three - but humour as a coping mechanism is so integral to its DNA that I didn't mind so much. The ending, especially, takes a lot of risks, but I can't wait to see them pay off in Book 2.

One thing I slightly struggled with was the POV. It may have been the manuscript I was reading, but I wasn't always sure when it switched. It's occasionally third-person omniscient, occasionally relayed through a (magnificent) narrator, and then bounds around to follow Neema, Cain or one of the other named characters. I guess the general idea was that you see it all from a kind of birds-eye view, but sometimes it threw me off when we dived into a new perspective that had been closed to us before.

All in all this was a fantastically written, distinctive new addition to the Adult Fantasy genre. I am beyond excited to see what the author has in store for us next. Can easily see this being one of my top reads of 2025.

“She might win the throne. She might destroy an empire. Either way, it begins with murder.”

4.5/5 ⭐️

Firstly, the way the story began had me fooled straight away. We start off thinking there is one protagonist which quickly flips on its head to tell the story from the ‘reverse’ point of view, we are left with the ever presence of a ghost which is quite haunting yet also the focal point to the story (And you thought you were confused).

Let me just preface this isn’t the easiest of reads, there is a multitude of plot lines and sub plots happening which at times was a bit tricky to be able to focus on what the main plot line was or where the story was going therefore a little confusing at times. It probably took me around the 70 page mark, bombarded with information to then get me fully hooked and I’m glad I carried on because what a wonderful ride it was. Do not let this deter you from reading this book!

The author clearly has a multitude of very intriguing and in depth ideas that have been explored there’s conspiracies, murder investigations, plotting and deceit, trials to compete for the throne, magic wielding and hidden magic, ancient history and legends and more believe it or not!

The interpersonal connections and dynamics are super interesting, our characters are quite complex with their deceit and traditions, the relationship between cain and neema makes you think outside the box a little of what is actually been interpreted, we know there’s history there but it makes me yearn for more! the unwritten angst in what they say and how they react towards one another throughout all their interactions. However do not go into this book thinking it is a romantasy, it has a little but is refreshing that it’s not constantly in the reader’s faces.

The ravens… they just cracked me up. At times they behaved like insolent children, their comments are so comedic and had me giggling so much, their presence was truly a delight to read.

The story is told almost like a historical account, with footnotes and more than one narrator. I absolutely adored the footnotes, at times they were also comedic and really added to the book, the ideology of the scholar and how they would scribe. It was rather refreshing and interesting trying to figure out who our narrator was, because it felt different throughout until the ‘revelation’ later in the book… maybe there was only one all this time? (if you know, you know but obviously they are the best narrators, some might say magnificent even).
The way our protagonist is bossed around by a fragment had me howling the entire time.

I like how the narrator almost talks to the reader, recounting what has happened but is slightly an unreliable narrator as bends it to their liking to portray the story. But again was so brilliant and refreshing to read.

I did feel at times the story didn’t flow as easily as hoped due to the amount of information and directions you were pulled into however this isn’t necessarily a bad thing as the story progressed I felt more comfortable understanding the characters complexities and storylines. That is super challenging and I feel the author did pretty well at deciphering that.

Thank you so much to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this spectacular whirlwind of a book, I can’t wait to see what’s around the corner for the characters next.

’But two very lonely, unloved children who find solace and kinship in each other? Oh, you should not underestimate that kind of magic. It can burn through the world like Dragonfire.’

Fascinating and immersive world building, vividly complex characters (some to root for, others to utterly despise), a complicated web of intriguing political scheming, a dynamic, danger ridden competition, an action packed plot and twists that will make your head spin; ’The Raven Scholar’ has it all. Whatever generally draws you into fantasy novels this is undeniably the book for you. I may only be in February at the time of writing this review but when it comes to yearly favourites this one is going to take one hell of a lot to beat. Simply put: I adored it.

One of my favourite things about the fantasy genre in general is the opportunity to explore mesmerising new worlds. And this one is downright addictive. Everything about it fascinated me from its current system to find the best new leader to its dark and blood soaked history. This is one of those glorious settings that leaves you longing to explore each and every corner of it; the lands around that are mentioned but not yet seen, the history that has led up to this particular point in time, the dynamic central region that you spend your time within; all of it is utterly enthralling and left me longing for more. It’s set within one of those wondrous worlds that feels so rich, vivid and compelling that you come away feeling as if you could read a thousand stories set within its borders.

Character wise I have to confess that I was utterly blown away. Each and every character that crosses this books pages, no matter how big or small their role, is brought vividly to life. Everyone is utterly fleshed out and complex in a wholly believable manner. Neema left me utterly besotted from her very first appearance; perhaps it was her scholarly nature and fairly isolated state. Perhaps it was the way that she couldn’t help but be factual – much to the chagrin of those around her. Or perhaps it was simply her love of books. Whatever it was I adored following in her footsteps and watching her navigate this complex world, uncovering schemes and secrets that literally turned everything on its head...on more than one occasion.

Other characters majorly stood out to me too. Cain, Benna, Ruko, Gaida, Bersun; they’re all so vividly complex. I won’t go into my personal feelings towards each – those are best uncovering for yourself – but it’s safe to say that some I loathed and others I adored; one made me smile on multiple occasions and another came with such a richly, complicated side of angst that I utterly adored. For some characters, despite having initially strong feelings in one direction or the other, my opinion of them changed throughout. And one...well one individual within ’The Raven Scholar’ has to be one of the most complicated, devious and insidious villains that I’ve ever came across.

When you read a lot of books within the same genre there becomes a point when you believe you can see certain twists coming. Not always and you don’t necessarily think you’ll pick up on everything but some turns of event where the groundwork is laid out early, it’s only natural to believe you’ve figured things out about, right? Not so here. There was one storyline I thought I’d figured out, once a revelation was shown, but the way that it was truly revealed blew my mind. There were numerous other twists and turns shared throughout and I honestly don’t think I caught a single one of them. Trust me when I say that this is rare. It’s definitely a book that I can see keeping many a reader on the edge of their seat, wandering exactly what new world shattering revelation will come next.

Similarly the trials within this book varied greatly with each different one focusing on the various traits that the related monastery believed to be most important. And the murder that’s thrown into the mix went down a rather unexpected route too. Plus to top everything off the divine beings within this book came with a couple of added twists. For one thing you get to see the world through one of their eyes and oh how ‘magnificent’ that is in itself (the tone is just divine, truly). And for another there’s a portent of doom surrounding the return of these impossibly powerful beings. Needless to say I was well and truly hooked.

So it truly does go without saying that I whole heartedly recommend ’The Raven Scholar’ and can see many a fantasy fan falling in love with it once its released. The stakes are exceptionally high, the world vivid, the characters dynamic and the twists will make your head spin. There’s godly antics and disturbing magic. Plus – as if all of that wasn’t enough – it’s beautifully penned and ends in such a vastly different place politically than it begins that the journey to get there can’t be described as anything other than epic. Needless to say I’m desperately awaiting more from this wondrous world and will definitely be treating myself to a copy of this one.

’Neema had never believed in magic until she encountered the book.’

A sumptuous epic fantasy combined with a murder mystery that is bursting with complex characters and tremendous plot twists. Copious political machinations and a unique religious system will keep you enthralled. The emperor has been on the throne for twenty-four years and must now retire, so eight contenders will compete to replace him. Trained at rival monasteries inspired by the sacred animals. Eight contenders who are the best of the best – then one of them is murdered. This roller coaster of a book will take you through a myriad of emotions, you will be laughing and crying with equal measure. A fantastic story that kept me up all night! I am extremely excited for the sequel.

I thank Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton, and Antonia Hudgson for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

I rated the book 5 stars.

In "The Raven Scholar" we follow Neema, an introverted scholar and outsider. One day, after fulfilling a task given to her by the emperor, her life changes completely.

Eight years later, everything becomes even more complicated. The Trials bring murder, betrayals, mysteries and secrets from the past.

This book is an interesting mix of genres, being a fantasy - murder mystery - romance novel that just makes sense. The reader explores an amazing world (with a matching world building!) with Gods, unusual customs and political intrigue, while solving a murder (and some other mysteries) and following various relationships (romantic, friendships, mentor - mentee).
Not to forget the presence of an unexpectedly cute and smart sidekick that makes you both smile and roll your eyes.

Every chapter is more interesting than the previous and the reader - trough Neema - is guided to unfold secrets and explore the kingdom. Nothing is what it seems and one little mistake can be last.

The characters are well rounded, diverse, with motives and motivations. It's interesting to watch them compete, since they have opposing strengths. They are all in their mid to late twenties (!!) which is truly refreshing.
The reader has the chance to explore many types of relationships and observe how natural the characters interact during the novel.

Even though it's a long novel the pacing was steady, which made it easy to follow. The writing style is straight forward, inspired and entrails you in the story (don't get me started on the plot twists, so satisfying!) There are some interesting foot notes that offer insights in the world.
Not to forget that the last 150 pages were simply chef's kiss! The plot twists, the drama!!
Can't wait to read the next book!

THIS BOOK!! This book is why I ready fantasy! It’s only February and I’ve already found my favourite book of the year.

Here’s what I loved so much about it:
Most of all, I just had so much fun reading this. It’s suspenseful and at times heartbreaking but the narration keeps it a really fast paced, exciting story. In fact, I think the omniscient style narration was one of my favourite parts. It’s sarcastic, breaks the fourth wall in the best way and has its own kind of mystery to it, especially in the first half of the book.

The characters were interesting and even though we have many side characters they’re all distinct. Our main character Neema is an intelligent introvert scholar and also 34 (love to see an older main character, nobody saves the world at 16!).
The story is not romance heavy which I liked. It nicely fits into the story but doesn’t overpower it.

The world and overall plot are high fantasy with a good sprinkling of murder mystery mixed in. A corrupt empire, mythical animal spirits, court politics and trials for the throne are all common enough. However, through all of it I was glued to the pages to see what plot twist or witty scene Hodgson would throw at me next.

I cannot wait for the rest of the series and will be telling anyone willing to listen to read this book! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the eARC for review.

For lack of a better word, this was 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕

I was slightly disappointed to find that the majority of this book would take place in one singular setting, yet when the author can find a way to make that world feel so rich and vivid and expansive, that is truly an art. I loved how many different components were woven into this:

trials
guardians
murder mystery
mythology

This was a fast-paced, thrilling and captivating start to what I’m sure is going to be a top notch epic fantasy series. I cannot wait to see where the story goes next. An endless thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy.

This was stunning. No notes.

If you are looking for an Epic Fantasy combined with a murder mystery, a high stakes competition, rich world building, and a whole cast of morally grey characters and we have ourselves a winner! For me, it was the perfect mix of themes, tropes and genres -


Our protagonist is interesting. It took me a while to warm up to her, which I think is entirely intentional, but worked wonderfully for her having a really satisfying character arc. Neema** is incredibly smart and her perspective was genuinely interesting to read. In fact, all of the characters were really engaging. Each one we met felt well fleshed out with their own flaws and motivations in abundance

Something about the prose here absolutely sucked me in. I love a bit of wry humour when it’s done well, and it was absolutely done well. I thought the lens through which the story was told was interesting and balanced out the high stakes of the wider plot.

I don’t even know where to start with the world building, other than to say I’m excited to read more. The world building felt rich and lived it, it’s utterly brimming in history and culture and nuance and urghh! World building like this feels rare and precious so I’m ridiculously excited. I loved that it felt as though the world had a substantial history behind it, from fashion trends, ancient cities, a complex web of political moves, and even small details like little superstitions and food trends.

I was a little apprehensive going in, as at around 700 pages this isn’t a small read and we’ve all been there when you get half way through a bigger read and it just feels like a chore. Despite it’s size I never felt that here, I was hooked throughout!

Overall, this was an easy 5 star review for me. I often hesitate giving them out, as I feel like they need to be something really special to warrant it. Well, The Raven Scholar warrants it. I already know I’m going to find myself thinking back on this book again in the future and rereading it again in a few years!

If you are looking for an epic fantasy with some engaging characters then this is definitely one to pick up.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC

First of all i want to thank Netgalley and publishers Hodder and Stoughton for giving me an arc of this book. This is my honest review.

I loved this book and rated it 5 stars, it is the 1st book in a series and if this is just book 1 then i have high hopes for book 2. We start with an important backstory and some immersive world building which gives the book a good starting foundation.
We then time jump 8 years and are given drama, action and political intrigue as tension starts builing for a competition to select a new emperor or empress.
I loved the FMC and enjoyed her interactions with other characters which i felt were well written and i liked that there were funny moments in there too.
There are a few twists along the way which i didnt see coming but they definatly add to the...dynamic of the book.
Highly recommend this book and im looking forward to the next one whenever that comes out.

What a delight to be back with Antonia Hodgson's writing. LOVED The Raven Scholar. Rich, original, enthralling, and often humorous. Both a fantasy novel and a mystery, with a wonderfully complex magical world. Can't wait for the second in the trilogy.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for approving me to read this early. I’m rating this book 4.5 stars.

I am a massive fan of this story, it had political intrigue and trials mixed with some religious aspects. I thoroughly enjoyed the level of dedication the characters had to their chosen paths, some felt self righteous, but some characters really grew along the way. The way the story grew so naturally from a simple murder mystery to something so much more, linking the past and the present with dire potential consequences for the future.

Also for the 1st time in ages in fantasy I was genuinely shocked by the twist, it was well thought out, so brilliantly strategic and slightly cruel. There’s also some light romance included which just added a nice deeper connection amongst the characters.

I cannot wait to see what happens next!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - arc & monthly book box pick reviewer

I have 2 words for this book: Phenomenal and magnificent!! (The Ravens will, of course, agree with me, and so should you!)

Truly, though, this book is so unbelievably clever, so grandiose, so out of this world amazing that I can only describe it as a timeless masterpiece that epic fantasy fans will fly to time after time. Brilliant in everything that makes a book a book.

The main POV we follow is Neema's who is the Raven scholar. She made a choice ten years ago that elevated her status at court, a choice that cost her her consience. Truth be told, she was right, if she hadn't done it, someone else would have done it, no question about it. But still, nothing about what had happened then was right, and it has plagued everyone involved and even those who witnessed it or heard about it. Neema is a brilliant scholar who only wants peace and calmness so she can research and write, but she is thrust into court politics and the struggle for the throne. I loved Neema! I loved how her mind works, how she can't help herself and corrects everyone, how she wants to do the right thing but is also smart to know when she needs to retreat so she can survive. Neema is a very clever woman who wants to survive and yet takes care of those around her in her own quirky way. She makes even her enemies stand and stare, so to speak.

Our love interest is Cain, whose Guardian is the Fox. He is scheming, knows much more than what he lets on, and he is so funny. Funny and clever is the ultimate combination for me, so I was a goner from the get go lmao. I won't say much, but I can say that you will love him.

The plot is the most clever plot I have read in a very long time. You can't predict what is going to happen or how. How the author has woven so many plot threads is beyond me. This book offers a plot buffé, and I loved every second of it. It's not just twists and turns, surprises and reveals, it's just that the path to those surprises and reveals is so clever. Is the author a plot wizzard?? This is a legitimate question....

This is not a romantasy, but there is a romance plot line! We also have some kiss+ scenes! I am sure that we will have even more romance in the next book. The world is also a queernormative one, and we have LGBTQIA+ rep.

I will never shut up about this book. This is literature at its finest, most clever point.

We are the Raven, and we are magnificent. 🙌

This is the April monthly pick for a monthly book box, and I can only pray to the Ravens that the editions is as glorious as this book because it deserves everything.

This book was incredible from start to finish. From the intricate world building, intriguing magic system and flawed but fascinating characters, I was completely absorbed in this world from page one. There were several twists throughout that had me completely floored, and the narrative style flowed excellently with some brilliant comedic moments spread throughout. I can't wait for the next book!

One of the best fantasies I have ever read!

Whatever you think you know about this book going in... forget it. I recommend going in knowing as little as possible. The emperor's reign is ending and there's a competition to become to new one - that's all you need to know!

I have never read a Fantasy that was so fantastic at twisting every expectation and prediction I had. Every time I thought I had figured "it" out, I was thrown for a loop and left in awe of Hodgson's ability to keep shocking me. Yet it never felt forced - the unveiling of new information was natural and logical, just impressively surprising!

One of the most unique things about this book is how it is written and, without spoiling anything, I think the narrative voice is what has you engaged at all times.

I can't say anything else without spoiling any of the many reveals, so just know this: you NEED to read this book. The Raven Scholar is a masterclass in world building, mysteries, trials, and magic - all the best parts of a great Fantasy!

Title: The Raven Scholar
Author:
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ / 5
Release Date:

Let me start by saying that the reason it took me so long to finish this book is entirely my fault. The author made me fall in love with Yana within the first few chapters—I was immediately invested, already picturing how her story would unfold, even eyeing her potential love interest. And then… I realized she wasn’t the main character. So, I got mad and stopped reading for a bit.

But once I got over myself and gave the book another go? I was hooked.

The Worldbuilding:

Absolutely impeccable. The world was immersive, well-developed, and introduced seamlessly. The political system and religious structures were intricate yet never overwhelming, striking the perfect balance between depth and accessibility. This is some of the best worldbuilding I’ve read in a long time—it’s detailed without ever feeling overcomplicated, and I was fully captivated by it.

The Writing:

For some reason, it took me a second to adjust to the writing style—not because it was difficult, but because of the sudden shifts in perspective. The narration is always in third person, but it occasionally jumps between characters within the same paragraph, which threw me off at times. (That said, I read this as an e-ARC, so it’s possible the formatting is smoother in the final version.)

I especially loved whenever we were following the raven and its perspective, it was really cleverly introduced in my opinion, and I loved how it added another layer to the narrative.

The Plot:

From page one, I was completely invested. The political intrigue and mystery were chef’s kiss—so well done. I’ll admit I’m still a bit sad that we didn’t get to follow Yana and her story line because I feel like that could have been a great alternativ story.
But the story we did get? Perfection.

There was fantastic foreshadowing throughout, and while there were moments where I thought I had predicted what would happen, I usually only got half of it right—there were always more layers to uncover. It kept me on edge in the best way, and now I’m desperate for more.

The Characters:

This is where the book truly shines. Every character—no matter how major or minor—felt incredibly well-developed, with layers of complexity and deeply rooted motivations. No one was one-dimensional, and no one was purely good or evil. Every single character had done terrible things at some point, whether in their past or over the course of the story, yet I still found myself rooting for them.

Even the supposed antagonist had such a compelling backstory that I understood him. The emotional depth this added to the story was phenomenal—it made every choice, every conflict, and every moment of tension feel so much more intense. I honestly can’t put into words just how well-crafted these characters were.

The Romance:

It’s a minor subplot and largely pre-existing, so if you need romance to be central to a story, this might not be for you. But for those who enjoy a strong focus on political intrigue and character dynamics, the relationships (romantic and otherwise) add an extra layer of depth without overshadowing the main plot.

Final Thoughts:

This was easily one of the best books I’ve read so far this year, and I will be recommending it to every single person I know. If you love immersive worldbuilding, complex characters, and a gripping plot filled with political intrigue, this is an absolute must-read.

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC.

Thank you netgalley for this arc I fear this is my favorite book of the year.

The Raven Scholar is an epic fantasy taking place in a city where citizens can enter into the service of one of the 8 guardians in their respective monestarys upon their 16th birthday. All of which value different characteristics and traits. it is from these monestarys that the candidates for the rulers are chosen every 24 years. The book opens up with a brief pov from Yanara, a girl with an important lineage that continues to haunt the narrative. We then meet our main character, Neema Kraa, a raven then working as a low level official. We follow her rise and then involvment in the next competition for the throne, and the murder among the contenders.

I loved this book. It has clever writing and manages to be humourous while weaving an incredible mystery. The characters are all distinct and manages to suprise you in their depth. The early pov shift is utilized perfectly and managed to make me feel betrayed in the worst way. The book constantly makes you think that the mystery is solved, only to hit you with another mystery to solve. My only critisism which in hindsight was not a huge issue was that no other nation is mentioned. No external political rivals, trade partners, or allies in other leaders anywhere. and the map only shows the nation this book takes place in.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. This is honestly the best fantasy book I have read in a very long time. The world building was perfect, with a lot of detail given to the mythology of the world. The characters were rich, diverse and complex, and although the cast is reasonably large everyone felt distinctive. The plot was developed masterfully with multiple twists and turns, but handled so well that it never became confusing at all. What I loved most of all was the writing style, it worked SO well and the moments of humour shone out perfectly. To sum up, one of my favourite reads of all time, so go read it.

This is making my favourites list of 2025 and it’s February.

I don’t know how to even describe this book. I went in blind and was pleasantly surprised and in for a wild ride full of chameleon and talking raven friends. Political intrigue, a murder mystery and cover-up, and action-packed trials. Incredible characterisations and funny wit.

I have to mention the narrative style. I cannot pin it down. It changes focalisation, style, form. This was third person internal focalisation most of the time, fairytale adjacent at times, other times told in the first person plural. It shouldn’t have worked as well as it did. INCREDIBLE.

You start by thinking too much is going on. Too many characters, too many threads, too much. However, the page count fleshes out the story and continues to throw surprises and twists at you.

The characters are smart, all hiding their own agendas and motivations, most pushed and pulled by love.
There is romance, but it is sound background that it is barely worth mentioning - expect I ate every crumb.

I cannot gush about this enough and I haven’t even touched on the easy representation - LGBTQ+, Black representation, neurodivergence.

Arc gifted by Hodderscape.

This was an incredibly satisfying read. After reading and enjoying Antonia Hodgson previous historical mysteries I was expecting The Raven Scholar to be good but I was amazed by just how much I loved it.
It’s quite a long book at over 600 pages but it didn’t feel that long and it includes everything necessary for a brilliant fantasy story. There are fantastic memorable characters, an fascinating world and political system, magic, gods, dragons and above all, a brilliant plot. I expected it to be a murder mystery in a fantasy setting but The Ravan Scholar is so much more than that.
The book begins with a brutal exile that takes place eight years before the actual story starts but those initial events are integral to every thing that happens next. The dual plot of the trials to choose the next emperor and the murder mystery is intricate and full of surprises but it all fits together perfectly.
The world building is excellent but the best part of The Raven Scholar has to be the characters. Neema is our protagonist and is an unwilling contender for the throne, thrust into the spotlight when her fellow Raven is murdered. She is socially awkward and unpopular and many people believe that she committed the murder and even Neema herself wonders if she could have done it. She is determined that she will find out the truth of what happened though as well as perform creditably in the trials as she is determined not to disgrace the Ravan temple.
All of the other characters are just as well written even if we don’t get to know them as well as Neema. There are the usual mix of courtiers, politicians and fighters but they are all vividly portrayed and memorable. Even though there is quite a large cast of people, they all stayed distinct in my mind.
And then we have the Ravens. The Ravens have taken it upon themselves to look after Neema even though she doesn’t believe in them. I just loved the chapters told from their POV and the humour that they added to the story as well as the extra insights into what was happening.
This was easily the best fantasy book that I have read so far this year and I’m really grateful to Net Galley and the publishers Hodder and Stoughton for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

If I could give this more stars I would as 5 doesn't seem sufficient! This was a LONG read but it never felt like a struggle and I was hooked the whole way through. I lost multiple hours of sleep to this book!

As soon as Neema was introduced I was all in. Never have I related so much to a protagonist in a book like I have with Neema. It was refreshing to have an FMC that was in her 30s and not an impulsive stabby hothead. I genuinely enjoyed Neema's love of precision and her methodical nature.

The plot was well paced, and the world building was really well done. The trials were good (I can't resist a book with trials), but the underlying murder mystery was brilliant.

It was also refreshing for the love interest to not be a brooding, smirking ball of repressed rage. Also, on a small side note, I would go to war for Sol.

The only issue I had with this book is... I didn't realise it was a trilogy, and now I have to wait for the next part. Everyone should be talking about this book.

Antonia Hodgson’s The Raven Scholar is a richly layered fantasy novel that blends political intrigue, a murder mystery, and a fierce competition for the throne—all within a world steeped in mythology and history. While the story begins with an information-dense setup, it quickly gains momentum, delivering high-stakes action, complex character dynamics, and unexpected twists.

At the heart of the novel is Neema Kraa, a sharp and ambitious protagonist whose loneliness and inner struggles make her deeply compelling. One of the book’s standout elements is her bond with the Raven guardian, a sarcastic, opinionated entity that literally resides in her chest—offering both unsolicited advice and much-needed comic relief. The interplay between them is one of the book’s greatest strengths, adding levity to the tension-filled plot. The novel also introduces a memorable supporting cast, including the enigmatic Cain, the determined Benna, and the ever-intriguing Ruko, whose arc promises even more in future installments.

Hodgson’s world-building is intricate, drawing on the mythology of eight mythical creatures that form the basis of the realm’s factions. While this depth can feel overwhelming at first, it ultimately enriches the story, making the world feel grand yet intimate. The novel’s shifting narrative style—moving between third-person internal focalization, fairytale-like storytelling, and even first-person plural—shouldn’t work as seamlessly as it does, yet Hodgson pulls it off brilliantly, adding to the novel’s distinctive voice.

The romance remains subtle, woven naturally into the background rather than overtaking the main storyline. Yet, for those who enjoy slow-burn, well-developed relationships, the crumbs Hodgson offers are more than satisfying.

Another highlight is the book’s humor—witty, sharp, and perfectly balanced against the darker themes of ambition, betrayal, and power struggles. The courtly pettiness, the wry observations of the Raven, and Neema’s own cutting wit make for an engaging, often amusing read.

While some elements may feel familiar to seasoned fantasy readers, Hodgson’s execution and fresh perspective elevate the novel beyond standard YA tropes. The book also excels in its natural and effortless representation of diverse characters, including LGBTQ+, Black, and neurodivergent figures, making the world feel inclusive and lived-in.

If you enjoy intelligent fantasy with a strong mystery element, a protagonist who must navigate a web of deception and ambition, and a narrative that isn’t afraid to experiment with form and perspective, The Raven Scholar is a must-read. It’s an impressive start to what promises to be an unforgettable series.

Wow. This book was everything that I wanted from an epic fantasy, and more.

Antonia Hodgson has successfully weaved a tale full to the brim of betrayal, bravery and love, set in a cruel and unforgiving world.

The Raven Scholar opens with the story of Yana, and the tragedy that became of her. Yana becomes a beacon throughout the story, every twist and characters having a connection to her or being driven by her in some way.

Following this, our protagonist Neema becomes the focal point of the story. Neema is driven, relentless and almost ruthless in her position as the high scholar. With her character being set in a world of tragedy and betrayal, Neema own ties to Yana’s story become a driver that set her on a path she would have never anticipated.

There is so much to say about The Raven Scholar and the intricacies of the world Antonia Hodgson has crafted. It is a beautiful, clever book and a very promising start to what should be an incredible series. I had to take my time reading this book, appreciating the world and the depth of the characters.

Emperor Bersun’s reign is approaching its end, and as per tradition, there will be seven contenders competing with each other to see who will be next in line for the throne. But when one of the contenders is found dead in their room, Neema, an outcast scholar from a humble bloodline, is tasked to find the murderer and also fill in as the seventh contender.

THE RAVEN SCHOLAR blends the legends and court politics of high fantasy, its questions of the ethics of (mis)rule of an empire, with the intrigue of a murder mystery. The stakes get ever higher as Neema finds herself possibly having a fighting chance at ascending to a position she never wanted, while finally learning to open up to people over the course of the competition. This book sows seeds at the beginning that sprout into groundbreaking revelations towards its end, it brings in plot twists that made me genuinely worry for the contenders, and it weaves in the folklore and governing rules of the Guardian deities of the realm, how they are given their strength through collective belief and imagination, and how the human mind may be able to defy them. The first book in a trilogy, this is Antonia Hodgson’s first foray into fantasy, and she does an outstanding job. This story had me hooked from the beginning, and as I continue to worry for the characters after where we last left them, I am waiting impatiently for the remaining instalments.

Ruthlessly beautiful, delightfully chaotic. This book satisfied a craving deep within.
There's political intrigue, interesting and lovable characters (many of whom are in their late 20s, early 30s and beyond, because yes!!), a fierce competition, an intricate world and FUN. This was heaps of fun.
I am so glad to have had the chance to sample this story before publication, and will be eagerly waiting for the next book in the series (already pre-ordered this one because how could I not after loving it so much?). Thank you so much! I hope the series is a huge success, it deserves it

This was fantastic!
Honestly, it just threw me straight back to the fantasy books I loved and the ones that got me into reading in the first place.
I love the premise of the different houses that represent different aspects that are considered to be the best, depending on which animal deity is followed.
The murder mystery in the story fully threw me. I genuinely couldn't decide what had happened. There were so many interlacing stories in this book that came together to bring a bigger picture story. Honestly, this was just so well done, and I need to know what happens next. I also need more books like this.

This is going to be one of my favorite reads of 2025—and I wasn’t even sure I wanted to pick it up! Thankfully the incredible reviews convinced me to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did because there was literally nothing I didn’t like about this book.

To be honest, this novel is difficult to describe, even though the premise seems simple at first glance. It blends epic fantasy with political intrigue, murder mystery, and a dash of romance. Usually, when a book mixes so many elements, you can pinpoint which ones work best and which fall short. But not here. This book is so well-crafted that it’s impossible to single out one element over another. Everything is perfectly executed.

The narrative is one of the book's standout features. While most of it is told from a third-person perspective of a single character, there are moments when the viewpoint shifts to other characters, and even a second-person plural narrative is employed. There are also footnotes. It may sound unconventional, but it really works and brings a refreshing twist to the genre.

As far as I know, this is Antonia Hodgson's debut fantasy novel, and I’m genuinely amazed by the scale of the world she has created and the scope of the story she has begun in this first volume. We get a rich mix of mythology, history, and a detailed political system. Every 24 years in the country of Orrun, a tournament takes place in which seven representatives compete for the emperor’s throne. Each represents one of the Animal Guardian Houses—Raven, Fox, Ox, Bear, Monkey, Tiger, and Hund. (There is also a Dragon House, but they are slightly different, as they don’t compete for the crown). The main plot centers on the upcoming tournament and its implications for the throne. The protagonist, Neema, represents Raven, and she enters the tournament after one of the participants is murdered.
One of the most unique aspects of the book is the way the divisions between the houses reflect social stratification. Those who join a particular house adopt traits associated with the animal they represent. It might sound strange, but it’s done so well that the traits feel natural and authentic as they manifest in the characters. The author takes her time introducing us to the world and its intricacies before the action ramps up, and yet she avoids clunky exposition. The murder mystery that drives the plot doesn’t even begin until about a quarter of the way through, but the time spent immersing us in the world pays off immensely, helping us understand the stakes later on.

I won’t delve into the plot too much, as I agree with those who say it’s best to go into this book blind. However, I will say that the story is packed with twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat. Despite being 650 pages long, it never feels too drawn out or slow. The ending is nothing short of epic, and I’m honestly frustrated that I can’t dive straight into the sequel.

The characters are another highlight. Both the main character and the various tournament participants, as well as the secondary characters, are morally gray, making them complex and multidimensional. Even with seven main participants and a host of secondary characters, each one stands out. Their personalities and motivations are shaped by their house affiliations and personal ambitions, which often come with hidden agendas. The author does an excellent job of making you care about each character’s journey. I was thoroughly invested, even though I typically don’t enjoy linear plots where one quest follows another.

There’s also a romantic subplot, and it’s wonderfully done. Neema and Cain, the Fox contender, seem like absolute opposites, yet they complement each other perfectly. I’m eager to see where their relationship goes in future installments.

Honestly, I have nothing negative to say about this book. I loved everything about it, and it surprised me in the best possible way. I’m confident that The Raven Scholar will be one of the fantasy hits of 2025, and there's a reason for that—the hype is absolutely justified.

the raven scholar is an epic fantasy set in a Orrun, where every 24 years, a new emperor is chosen through trials. seven contenders are due to begin their trials when one of them is murdered. now Neema, a raven scholar, is forced to investigate a murder and participate in the trials and she’s completely unprepared. she will need to untangle a web of deadly secrets and uncover dangerous truths.

THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING I NEEDED AND MORE OHMYGOD!!!!!!!!!! there is no way for me to describe just how much i adored this.
the writing style was so intriguing. it changed from third to first person and in other ways, but it wasn’t really confusing, it just make the story THAT much more interesting.

the political intrigue had me on the FLOOR!! like this is how you write good political intrigue with crazy plot twists. there was nothing i could predict and my mind was constantly reeling from all the information😩

i loved following Neema as the main character. she is smart, determined, resilient, and honestly so amazing and it breaks my heart that she doesn’t realise how amazing she is😭
every single contender was so interesting as well!! special shoutout to my man Ruko (who i pictured as Toji from JJK, so i could not not love him)

the relationships formed and developed in this book, both romantic and platonic, were absolutely perfect and i cannot wait to see more of them!!

honestly this is forever one of my favourite books!!

What a magnificent read this was! (See what I did there?)

I have to admit that it took me a little bit to completely absorb this new world and learn all of its mechanics, but it is so worth it, as Antonia Hodgson's writing is beautiful, immersive, with a variety of flawed characters you can't help but cheer for.

The story begins with a glimpse into the past, which was a heartbreaking catalyst for many things to come. Then we follow Neema, the curious and bright High Scholar that ended up tied to the same opening events, who later on found herself from being in charge of solving a crime to competing for the throne at the same time.

One thing that gave me chills was the revelation of a POV I did not see coming nearly half into the book that felt like breaking the fourth wall to me, and it progressed into a quite comedic one. I really loved the humour throughout this book. It wasn't funny in a ha-ha-laugh-out-loud way, but more in a way that I found myself snorting at the most unexpected times by some very relatable things.

I wish we'd gotten more of the second chance romance between Neema and Cain, but hopefully they'll get the time to explore more of that in the next book! (Though, with the way this book ended, they'll probably have other things to worry about.)

Also, can we talk about Ruko? I sure like my men as morally grey as they choose to be, but Ruko was truly set out to be that one character you're supposed to hate, and yet I couldn't bring myself to hate him. There's just something he keeps walled up within himself that drew me to him and made me wish for a redemption arc more and more with each page I read (while my own Sol perched on one of my ribs kept screeching, "But remember that horrible thing he's done, Deb! Not a good guy! Not a lovable guy! Kraa! Kraa!"). I don't know about you, but Ruko with Pink-Pink on his shoulder, world domination? Sounds good to me.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC! While I read this in the first quarter of the year, I feel like it'll remain a top read till the end of 2025.

The Raven Scholar is very very excellent. I loved it very much indeed. I am a fan of Antonia Hodgson and was interested to see how she tackle a new genre and I wasn’t disappointed. It starts quite slowly with the story of a family who were involved in a failed coup and there’s a time jump where we pick up our main plot which is seemingly unconnected but wait… The current king has served his twenty five years and is retiring so to find his replacement the seven houses send a representative to compete in series of trials. So far so hunger games. But then one of the contenders is murdered and our heroine Neema Kraa is tasked with proving she didn’t do it, finding out who did, becoming the murdered scholars replacement in the trials, trying not to be murdered all whilst not being found out for treason. Not much too then.
I enjoyed this so much, there’s a sort of YA tropeyness in the trials situation but everyone is grown up and cynical. It’s funny and wry and clever which is everything I expect from Hodgson. The characters are well rounded and believable Neema’s genuine hatred of the murdered scholar is a delight, the pettiness is so sweet. The foxes are also divine. I can’t wait for the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I read all 704 pages of this in roughly 3 sittings and my ADD brain never complained once. That's pretty unusual for me and it is absolutely representative of the quality of Hodgson's storytelling.

The world of The Raven Scholar was a delight to be in from beginning to end. The writing was lush and playful. I loveddd the humour. There's only a touch of it at the beginning but it really grows into its own thing as the story progresses. The POV changes are creative and easy to follow. Hodgson also does something quite fun with the formatting which works so well for the narration. I loved it. I think I will happily read anything this author puts out into the world.

The characters were great. Neema is one of my favourite protagonists in a long time! I love her. Sol is everything, I could just dedicate this entire review to Sol (and Pink-Pink, the grouchy chameleon). The supporting cast were diverse and interesting with believable motives and and complex loyalties. There were so many that I liked and hope to see more of in future instalments. I have to also give a quick praise for the combat sequences - I loved how every characters style and emotional state was reflected so vividly in those scenes.

The worldbuilding was also a dream. Hodgson really transports you to her island setting. You can feel the humidity in the air, the summer heat, can imagine the gardens and the waterways. It's beautiful and well brought to life. The history and the lore were a little sparse for the scope of the story she is trying to tell in book one, but what we did get was engaging enough.

If I had one complaint it would be that the plot was lacking something in the second half for me. Once the mystery of the mysterious death has concluded, the story falls a harder on political fantasy stereotypes than I would like and I lost a bit of interest in where things were going. But I was happy to be along for the ride. I cannot wait to see where Neema's journey will take her next!

Happy to welcome my first 5 star read of 2025! Please don't let the page count put you off, this story is worth every bit of space it takes up.

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My rating system:
✧✧✧✧✧ - loved it, no complaints
✧✧✧✧ - loved it, some technical flaws
✧✧✧ - liked it
✧✧ - disappointing
✧ - unenjoyable

Murder Mystery
Politics & Secrets
Reluctant Hero
Found Family
Second Chance
Closed Door Spice
Fantasy

This book had me so intrigued from the blurb and I couldn't wait to dive in.

At first it feels like there's a little bit too much going on, too many characters and different plot lines, but the further you go the more it starts making sense!

The book is also filled with twists and turns that had my jaw dropping!

The downside for me is the length of it. Over 600 pages/24 hour audiobook felt a little bit daunting to me. That being said, I absolutely love the narrator and I feel like she did a fantastic job! I enjoyed doing parallel audio and ebook for this one

4.5 ⭐️

The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson. What a book. An incredible new fantasy novel. It feels unique and original. So well written with a brilliant cast of characters.

A bit of a remove from what Antonia Hodgson has written before, but the writing was just as brilliant as before, and this unique fantasy world takes it to a whole new level.

I loved the setting and the feel of this book. The plot feels original, and the twist at the end really took me by surprise. Brilliant. Cant wait for book 2.

Epic Fantasy at it's best. This was so engaging, every time I thought I knew what was going to happen next, I was proven wrong, in the best possible way.

Dare I say Magnificent

This book was incredible.
Wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but it wasn't that I'd enjoy it this much!
So well written, loved every minute of reading this!

The most perfectly written, entertaining, witty, absorbing and breathtakingly book I have read in a long time! Neema a is from a poor, faraway background and when she gets the chance to study, she grabs it, hard. But not coming from the same social circles as her peer scholars means that she is outcast, with just her books and translations for company. Resulting in her becoming a friendless, absolutely brilliant scholar, her beautiful penmanship noted by the emperor. Her rise within the court is resented and she remains friendless, recalling her childhood days with her one friend Cain who she has not seen or heard from for years. One order from the Emperor changes everything: she must write an order to exile a young girl, not yet a woman - a punishment that will bring the girl a certain, lingering and terrible death. A pivotal moment in Neema's life, and the start of all that is to come. Riveting.

Wow. This book was amazing and I don’t care that we are only in March; I just know it will be one of my favorite read of 2025.

There is so much to love about this book:

The writing style: it was like nothing I’ve ever read before. I loved how, even it’s written in third person, you get many different POV’s. The dry and peculiar humor was just perfection and even if the stakes were very high, I couldn’t stop myself for laughing out loud at some dialogues or inner thoughts of the different characters.

Talking about the characters, they are all so complex and interesting. I just loved getting to know them, their motivations, the relationships between them, their back stories, etc. it was wonderfully done. The fact that after a few chapters we jump 8 years in the future made a lot for character development and I really enjoyed it. It was also so, so, so refreshing to have main characters in their thirties.

I really loved the relationship between Neema and Cain. I loved the fact that Neema is a POC. We still too rarely see main characters being POC and she had such an interesting past. Cain was also a fascinating character and he was so, so, so fun.

The world building was great and very well written. I never felt overwhelmed with information. I just continuously wanted to know more. The whole mythology is so well made and interesting.

The trials part was done right. I do enjoy trials, but often feel a bit disappointed. That wasn’t the case in this book; I was always trying to figure out what the contenders needed to do to win the contests/fights/games and what was the main goal of each trial.

I litteraly couldn’t put my kindle done and the plot twists were plot twisting! I do read a lot of fantasy but this one got me: 😱😱😱😱 so many times! I really cannot wait for book 2.

Don’t be scared about the number of pages! I swear they fly by! :)

And to quote The Raven: Yes, you and this book are magnificent 🐦‍⬛🖤

Thank you so so much to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton&Antonia Hodgson for an advance earc of this book ♥️

Such a great book. Probably my favorite book I've read this year.
I can say that the story has kept me gripped from the start to finish. There were no slow moments. And I really liked the writing style and how skillfully the humor was integrated into the story.
The plot was very interesting and well executed, with a lot of twists and turns that kept me entertained until the end.
The characters were well rounded. I enjoyed all the different perspectives. I loved following their relationships.
Can't wait to read the next book!

I don't know how to put into words how perfect this book was for <i>me specifically</i>.

Don't get me wrong - it's excellent all around, in particular if you love epic fantasy. It has the length and plot unravelling of the Mistborn trilogy mixed with the humour of the Discworld universe; an odd pairing if I ever saw one but it WORKS.

I cried, I laughed, I said <i>WHAT?!</i> at several points in the story. I can't believe I've read it so early that I now have to wait more than a year for the sequel.

I read this whilst on holiday and kept wanting to pick it up instead of socialise with friends I hadn't seen in over a year. THAT is how good this is. I don't even really want to go into much more detail to be honest, the synopsis gave me enough to know I would enjoy it (trials/competition for the throne, 8 different clans that send a contender? Sign me up), so I would recommend going in with just the synopsis having been read because once the story starts going it opens up a whole new world.

5 million stars. I've preordered an extra special edition just because I loved it that much. (Goldsboro, if you were wondering).

Epic fantasy meets murder mystery in the best possible way. I had the best time and also no idea how to review this, so a rambling review it is :)

Emperor Bersun is near the end of his term, and the competition to find his successor is about to start. Each of eight houses dedicated to a different animal/god sends a representative to compete in the trials. When one of these contenders is murdered, Neema, the Raven Scholar becomes her replacement, the lead investigator, and the prime suspect in one fell (and unexpected) sweep. The stakes: life, death, and the fate of the empire. No biggie.

At 656 pages, this book is a chonker with lots of plotlines and characters. There are 80 chapters divided over 8 parts, and I can honestly say that every single one of those chapters carries its weight in the end (even if that is far from obvious while you read some of them). The characters all have depth and a clear individual identity. I was engaged and invested from beginning to end, and after finishing it and seeing where all the bits fit into the larger story I'm just kind of in awe of the author's craft. I don't normally read historical mysteries, but I might need to give the author's other books a go anyway...

If you're a reader of epic fantasy normally, read this. If you're not but you'd like to try the genre, I think this one is a good place to start. Fair warning though: it's the first book in a trilogy, and if the sequel is anything like this, I imagine we might be in for a little wait. (I'm realising ARCs are great in theory, but also mean an extra long wait for the next one).

Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for giving me an eARC of this title to review. All opinions are of course my own.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

Okay, so this book is incredibly hyped and normally that means I dread reading my it, because it rarely lives up to the hype.

Thankfully, The Raven Scholar really really lives up to the hype. It will go down as a classic of the fantasy genre.
It has such strong main characters; all of them having their own very unique voice, which kept me thoroughly engaged throughout.
I love a competition based story; the trials meant that the story was constantly moving.

I can’t wait for the sequel!

This was a whirlwind of a story where to start. There’s a murder mystery, political intrigue, trials and competition. I loved the ravens and their POV. I loved Caine and Neema and was rooting for them to find their way back to each other. The magic system and world building was unique and complex.

I need the next book in this series I am still thinking about the ending and may dive back in to reread.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hoddler Books and Antonia Hodgson for the opportunity to read The Raven Scholar.
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First of all, this is quite a long read I didn’t expect to have 650 pages to read.
Sometimes I think some descriptions could’ve been skipped and weren’t necessary but overall it was such an amazing read.
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I like to have one main event but everything is set in the same place. I also really enjoyed to have "one" POV. I’m always confused when we switch narrators in other fantasy books.
The setting was VERY confusing at first with the palaces, the guardians and all the history but it was explained little by little and we could discover people’s real motives with the book.
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In the very beginning I kinda struggle to relate to Neema and most of the other characters but after a few hundred pages it got better.
I had no expectations for this book and was very pleasantly surprised with how much I liked it.
Some mystery is left unclear so there’s space to write more books. However I don’t know if I’d like another 700 pages.
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One of my favorite tropes is when a character is haunting the narrative and everyone else around. Especially with the whole "name editing" it’s really well done.
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Overall this was a 4.75/5 read, I think I would’ve liked it better if it was a standalone with 200 pages more.

Loved this. Fully on board with Neema and her life as a high scholar for the emperor. I savoured the story and actually read it twice, i found it that good. Have pre-ordered the hardback to have in my collection.

Bersun the emperor is retiring from the throne, he has served his maximum of 24 years and a festival to establish his replacement is held. One contender from each house of the Eight must compete in a series of games and challenges to win enough points to succeed the emperor. However, one contender gets killed and Neema not only becomes the prime suspect, but is instructed to replace the murdered contender. Everyone suddenly hates her and believes she killed Gaida, Neema herself also believes she did after someone spikes her with an hallucionagenic and tries to kill her, but did she? Or does Neema hold a higher purpose and may end up being the saviour of them all.

There are some fantastic side characters in this book, Cain who i may be a little in love with - I hated you before it became fashionable. Reku, after Neema kicked another contenders butt " I didnt expect you to interest me but you do, we have a lot to talk about". Littered with funny one liners throughout this is a challenging but engaging read and i really loved it.

Every once in a while a book comes along that's so unique and different it really wins a place in your heart. I was drawn to The Raven Scholar by the premise, devoured it for the humour and action.
Neema serves the outgoing Emperor as the Raven Scholar, dreaming of writing her books in peace when she accompanies him on his retirement. Only, during the trials to choose the new emperor, Neema finds herself a contender, battling to not only survive the trials, but perhaps, maybe even win?
This book had everything good fantasy needs and more. The worldbuilding and lore was so unique and different. I was hooked from the start and riveted throughout. There's betrayal, twists where you audibly gasp, humour, love, magic, dragons and a solitary raven.
I can't put into words how much I loved this book. A stunning cast of characters in a wonderfully exotic setting. This is one of my favourite reads of the year. A stunning piece of fantasy and I'm so excited and keen to see where it goes.
A must for any fantasy fan and a very easy five stars from me!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an arc in return for an honest review.

The Raven Scholar is a glorious, hard to put down read. I laughed, I cried, I gasped and I smiled. Everything I like in story was packed into this well paced and uniquely written book. It has trials, mystery, political intrigue, some romance, a unique magic system and magical creatures, and a badass (and not teenage!) FMC. Neema is intelligent, brave and vulnerable, and makes choices that didn’t leave me despairing. The story told from a third person narration, but you don’t discover who the narrator is until later in the story which was such an interesting read. It’s also really funny, despite moments of high stakes, action packed tension. I loved it, and can’t wait for the next book. Magnificent.

For a fantasy novel, The Raven Scholar starts out relatively low key. There is no epic battle, the land has been at peace for centuries, the only recent rebellion quickly put down before it even got started. There is a minor hangover from that rebellion still to be mopped up, but while even that seems relatively insignificant, you know how it goes with fantasy novels. This is just the beginning of a trilogy, so you can be sure there will be ramifications down the line, and sure enough these events already come back to bite before the end of book one.
So what kind of a fantasy world does Antonia Hodgson delve into in her Eternal Path Trilogy? It's close enough to a Game of Thrones style fantasy, where there are powerful rival families in Orrun and there are religious and militaristic powers. The difference here is that you can choose which 'family' or anat of the Eight Guardians you wish to follow. There is the Way of the Bear, the Ox, the Raven, the Monkey, the Hound, the Fox, the Tiger and the Dragon. Their followers take on the attributes of their chosen guardian - somewhat aligned with the animal characteristics - but few actually worship their guardian or believe that they are 'real'. There is rivalry between all of the clans certainly, but they are all in agreement that peace serves their best interests. The empire is currently run by Bersun of the Bear contingent, but according to the constitution there is a contest between the leading contenders from each group every 24 years to choose a new ruler, and that time is now approaching.

In terms of drama to draw you into the world and its history there are two episodes - seemingly minor, as I said, but likely to become significant. The Raven Scholar opens with the exile of a young woman, Yana, the daughter of Andren Vallit, the Great Traitor who rebelled against the emperor. Condemned by her own twin brother Ruko, exile means certain death, but may we suspect that might not be the end of her story?

The other event is the situation facing the main character we follow in the book, Neema Kraa, a scholar from the Raven monastery whose calligraphy and knowledge of obscure historical customs and lore that she produces papers on are highly valued - so much so that she was tasked with writing the certificate of Exile for Yana. Although the 'anats' are open to all, not everyone is treated equally and since she is not from one of the High Families but a Commoner, Neema hasn't risen to the heights she might have otherwise. She now faces a dilemma over documents that have resurfaced and fallen into the hands of her rival Gaida. These documents reveal that she would have been expelled but for the sudden arrest and death of her instructor. The forthcoming ceremony and contest for the new emperor, largely organised by Neema, is going to be an excruciating experience for the Raven scholar.

That doesn't sound like it is much to go on, but there is certainly enough to keep you locked in and it is certainly never dull as the characters are given as much attention as the history of Orrun. Fantasy has certain conventions and styles, but it also has the capacity for great creativity and imagination and Antonia Hodgson has plenty of that. The warring kingdoms are sort of there (potentially), there's plenty of prophesy, a tournament, and there is a 'chosen one ' in an unlikely commoner, a bookish loner who no-one wants to be associated with, who (you could reasonably presume) comes to achieve her potential. All fine, but what Antonia Hodgson does with those conventions and how she reveals the character of the world is terrific. By the time you are a third of the way in, The Raven Scholar is totally unputdownable, taking on a thrilling momentum.

Needless to say, the contest is the centre of the turmoil that is about to be unleashed,. After 24 years of rule time for change of emperor, and each anat has put forward a contender. Ruko - who had his own sister banished at the introduction to the book - is now the Tiger contender, and as such a formidable candidate. Thankfully though the author spares us the dullness of fighting descriptions, keeping them mercifully brief or passed over entirely in favour of the intrigue they inspire in the imperial court, where clearly other strange events - not least the murder of the Raven contender Gaida - suggest that some other intrigue is beginning to play out. Not to be discounted either is the fact that there is magic in this world, practised by the Dragons who by tradition do not enter the contest for the new ruler. Neema also secretly possesses a magic book that tells her of an ancient curse that is about to be unleashed, a curse that heralds the return of the Eight from the Hidden Realm.

“May they remain hidden”, is the response given to anyone bestowing the blessing of the Eight. There is a reason the Guardians are feared as well as respected. There are however other family and clan secrets that have remained hidden, long histories that are revealed in original ways by Antonia Hodgson partly as a murder mystery investigation, but one where there are mysterious forces at work that suggest that the ascension of a new emperor how heralds an immediate danger to peace. And unfortunately, since the Raven contender is now dead, it is Neema, the bookish Raven scholar who is caught in the middle of a grand intrigue. Indeed a grand conspiracy wouldn't be too big a word for what is going on, and we are only at the beginning of it.

Like any good opening to a trilogy, The Raven Scholar is an impressive start that leaves you wanting more. Like any other good trilogy it also has a satisfying conclusion but opens up a lot of new directions. Some of those are potentially disruptive considering where we are left, but with some wonderful characters supporting Neema along the way including Cain, Benna and Sol and a few others who will remain nameless for fear of spoilers, you have a whole range of other possibilities, interest and humour aside from the sword and sorcery wars and intrigue carrying over to the next book. Can't come soon enough for this reader.

Well. This is my first five star read of 2025. I was immediately blown away from the get go. It pulled me straight in and I didn’t want to leave. Like seriously, the world building?? The lore??? The pure brilliance of the writing??? I’m actually in awe. This is a truly fleshed out fantasy novel and Antonia Hodgson should be PROUD OF HERSELF. This is a masterpiece. I can’t wait for the next one. This is everything I want in a high fantasy novel.

Thank you to netgalley and H&S for a free review e-arc!

Antonia Hodgson’s The Raven Scholar marks her debut in fantasy, and as an avid fantasy reader, I sincerely hope she continues writing in this genre—because this book was simply amazing.

No matter what you’re looking for in your next read, The Raven Scholar has something to offer. Want a richly developed fantasy world with intricate court politics? It delivers. Craving a murder mystery to unravel? You’ll find one here. Yearning for a high-stakes competition that keeps you on the edge of your seat? Look no further—this book has it all.

While reading it, I was impressed at how tight and thoughtful writing is. Every detail feels purposeful, and the various plot threads intertwine seamlessly as the story unfolds. Whether this is due to Hodgson’s careful planning, her editor being terrific at her job, or both; the result is a deeply satisfying narrative that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

The worldbuilding is equally remarkable. Vivid descriptions bring the island setting to life, and the rich history and mythology add layers of depth to the world the characters inhabit. Which, speaking of characters: they are fantastic (no pun intended). Neema is very refreshing as the main character, being introduced as someone who will hesitate (but consider) to do morally questionable acts and will take the rational approach when it comes to weighing the pros and the cons of her decisions. She is also a bit of a grumpy couch potato who gets excited at the prospect of doing mountains of paperwork instead of having to do something like interacting with other people or physical labour. The side characters are just as compelling, each colorful and nuanced in their own way. Special mention goes to Sol, who has effortlessly become my favorite animal companion in any fantasy novel.

As for the audiobook, I cannot praise Daphne Kouma enough. She did an incredible job narrating this book, despite its difficulties with the different PoV narrators and its fairly large cast of characters. Each character has a distinct voice, and she perfectly balances solemnity and playfulness, especially with the more whimsical characters.

Overall I LOVED The Raven Scholar. From its captivating story full of twists and turns to its beautifully crafted prose and charming characters. I can’t wait for the sequel!

Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for providing audio-ARC and eARC copies in exchange for an honest review.

A super entertaining novel. Three books in one. First, the detective mystery part of it. Second, the pure worldbuilding with such a great treatment of gods and avatars. Third, the competition. A mix of Dragon Ball/Cobra Kai competition where the competitors fight to became the new emperor, which has to take down the role after 23 years. One of the most entertaining read of the year and with such an ending I could not believe it.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!

Oh my god. Y'all, I was blindsided.

This book is looong, and I have to admit that my attention span is very, very short these days. I did not think that I would fly through this massive book, glued to the page. It was just, simply, gloriously good.

Okay, let's admit it: The beginning is weird. The first three chapters are basically an extended prologue, and I was confused why I was reading a book about a girl named Yana when the plot summary had promised me a woman called Neema. Well, Neema takes over the main character part in chapter 4, and that is when the pieces well together and it clicked, and I was absolutely and irrevocably hooked.

The writing is amazing. The characters are all stand-outs. But it's the worldbuilding where this book truly shines. I wanted to curl up and build a nest in this world. There's just so much incredible detail, and it felt good and refreshing, and fleshed-out and lived-in and comfortable and dangerous and exciting. I haven't read about a world as alive and vibrant as this one in a long, long time.

Trials of any kind are always a good plot, at least in my humble opinion. And so are locked-room mysteries. This isn't really one of those, but sometimes, it feels like it, because we have this cast of characters, and we KNOW one of them is guilty. And it's exhilarating, and it's tantalizing. The plot is break-neck in the best of ways, and nothing feels rushed or drawn-out at all. Just perfect pacing all around, which is not easy in a book this long.

I'm trying not to spoil anything in most reviews; in this one too, but I just have to admit that during the last quarter of the book, I couldn't put it down. The plot twists were so good. I did not see a single thing coming. The plot - it was just so clever. Or at least it seemed to me to be incredibly clever (I do not have the best track record with guessing plot twists.) And everything came together so beautifully.

There are glistening bites of sparkling humor strewn all through those pages. The multi-aspected flock of sentient ravens. Pink-Pink the chameleon somehow being one of the most important characters (and, might I add: an absolute ICON). A fox god manifesting into physical being and complaining about his altar not featuring chickens. It's perfect. It provides just enough bite-sized levity to carry you through the chapters towards that blistering conclusion.

And now that I've arrived at it, and there's nothing more to read, I have to resign myself to waiting for the other two books in this series, which will seem like an eternity of being stuck in a magical fresco, with nothing to do all day except to chant my own binding spell that will keep me stuck to the walls. Great.