This was the kind of fantasy story that I love - PLOT TWISTS, GENUINELY INTERESTING CHARACTERS, GREAT WORLD, RISK and DANGER! And books!

The events of the prologue keep you guessing for the rest of the story - and that's immediately some good storytelling right there. Not only that, the events have a genuine affect on the characters as they grow up into the story proper. And that's important - traumatic events should haunt and motivate and change characters (for better or for worse).

I liked that the Imperial competition element was fun, a little dangerous, but didn't really detract from the bigger mystery of who killed the Raven contender and what that might mean. In fact, becoming the next Emperor didn't seem that arduous compared with staying alive outside of the competition...

The magic system of gifts granted by Guardians, and nuanced traits (ie not just being "the fighters" but also traits of loyalty, or empathy etc) ensured that the world felt fresh, but the characters remained interesting, rather than just archetypes.

Most of all - the twist! You think you know and then ... WHAM! This changes everything! And it is GREAT.

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this eARC.

*Chef’s kiss* This was absolutely fantastic! Executed beautifully, the world building had such depth and detail, every character was well developed, each possessing such nuance and the plot was paced perfectly. The balance of all three elements was perfect, and I enjoyed the humour effortlessly laced throughout and the romance, which felt natural for the characters and added a lovely touch to the plot. The mystery element was also brilliant and the twists were truly shocking but absolutely brilliant.
A must read fantasy for those who also enjoy a sprinkle of mystery.

The Raven Scholar follows the Empire of Orrun where there is a trial to choose a new ruler every 24 years. This is the year the current emperor will step down and a new emperor is chosen. There are seven contenders, all there to try and win the title of emperor. But then one of them is murdered. Neema is chosen to investigate this murder and with it she falls into a web of lies and has to untangle every piece of evidence she finds in order to unreavel the truth.

I had a hard time getting sucked into the story. The Prologue was intersesting, but when we enter the main story, we are thrown into another time with another character. I had a bit of trouble adjusting to that. Around the 25% mark I found it harder and harder to put the book down and it kept me on the edge of my seat. There were a few curveballs I never saw coming, I have been screaming in disbelief and I am overal flabbergasted.

This book has the right amount of world building, we are slowly learning more and more while the plot goes on. It did not feel like an info dump and snippets of information was released regularly, but not all at once. The overall balance here for me is perfect. The perfect amount of show and tell, the perfect amount of worldbuilding, the right amount of characters, the plot with a pretty much perfect pacing.

I was also lead on wrongfull paths and did not see a lot of twists and turns coming. And the ending, my goodness. There is a lot more coming and I simply cannot wait for this story to continue and I am already stoked to be able to reread this gem when book 2 comes around.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this arc. All opinions are my own.

Great book!

I really enjoyed it and huge plus is that it had plot that surprised me. It's not easy for books to do that after reading many, and I always love when they do.

I really look forward to the next book!

If you love fantasy, murder mystery, and political games, THE RAVEN SCHOLAR is for you.

Set in an empire on the brink of civil war, this book follows Neema Kraa—a lowborn scholar who’s suddenly framed for murder and thrown into a deadly succession trial between the heirs of seven sacred Houses.

Neema is an incredible lead—socially awkward, academically brilliant, morally grounded. You’re right in her head as she uncovers a conspiracy bigger than anyone expects, while trying to survive the politics, violence, and gods who may or may not be real.

It’s third-person, with an omniscient narrator that adds some humor to the tension. The pacing is steady (it’s 600+ pages), but the payoffs are worth it. The murder mystery is layered and satisfying, and the world-building—based on guardian animals and Houses—is super original.

That said, be ready: it’s dense—world-building, shifting POVs, secret societies galore—and it carries some weight. You’ll want focus and dedication. If you’re okay with layered intrigue and moral grayness over flashy battles, you’re in for a treat.

Epic. Original. Page-turning.

Those would be the three words I would use to describe this book if anyone asked. The Raven Scholar is the first book in a new epic fantasy series following Neema, a high scholar investigating a murder in the midst of a high-stakes competition to compete for the Emperor's throne.
This book had everything I could have asked for: magic, high-stakes, intrigue, murder, plot twist after plot twist and so much more. This book will hands down be one of my top books of the year and I cannot wait for the next instalment.

With grown adult characters, epic world building and a feeling of elements being based in mythology, The Raven Scholar is the best fantasy I’ve read in a long time!
I’m often intimidated by books over 500 pages but I flew through this because I was so invested. I didn’t realise it was actually 650+ pages until I was nearly finished! Please don’t let the size of the book put you off - it’s full of twists and turns, hilarious side characters, thrilling adventure and splashes of sarcasm.
Antonia Hodgson has absolutely become an auto-buy author for me and I really hope I get to meet her at an event one day!

A gripping blend of political intrigue, deadly competition, and a scholar caught in the storm, The Raven Scholar is a fantasy that keeps you hooked with its sharp twists and layered mysteries—especially when experienced in both print and audio.

✨ A scholar forced into a ruthless contest 🖤 A mysterious entity offering dangerous bargains 🔥 A world where knowledge is power—and power is perilous

Hodgson crafts a richly detailed realm where every choice carries weight, and the tension builds with each revelation. Neema’s journey is compelling, her intellect razor-sharp, and the stakes feel impossibly high. The pacing leans into slow-burn intrigue, unravelling secrets with deliberate precision—but at times, I wanted it to push harder, to let the urgency hit faster.

Listening alongside reading heightened the experience, making the world feel even more immersive. The narration brings an extra layer of depth, sharpening the tension and making the Raven’s presence feel even more enigmatic. The voice work adds weight to the political manoeuvring and emotional stakes, making every twist land with impact.

If you love intricate worldbuilding, high-stakes competition, and protagonists who fight with their minds as much as their actions, this is absolutely worth picking up. Just be ready for the slow unravel.

I tried really hard, but ended up DNF this book at 40%, so will not be reviewing it socially, or on GoodReads.

The things I enjoyed were the world-building and the general premise, but the plot development seemed to shift focus. Unfortunately, I could not engage with the characters either, who annoyed the heck out of me. Neema's supposed intelligence was absent too often, and I expected someone more pro-active and able to handle herself, considering her background,

In all, I was expecting something a little more sophisticated, along the of Margaret Rogerson's Vespertine, rather than a rehash of 'Mean Girls', and I accept that my expectations exacerbated my disillusionment in the characters.

The cover design is lovely.

Unfortunately I regret to say that I don't believe this book was the right fit for me. I was looking forward to reading it and found it to be quite intriguing.

However the writing style was quite difficult to follow along with and I found the story not gripping my attention.

Again I am really upset as I was looking forward to enjoying this book, but just didn't do it for me.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book in advance. I appreciate it.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher Hodderscape for the digital ARC, it has not affected my honest review.

TW: child death, violence, war, injury, murder, blood

After twenty four years of peace following a series of brutal wars and rebellions, the Emperor of Orssun Bersun the Brusque must step down. His replacement, one of seven from each of the tribes- Fox, Monkey, Bear, Raven, Ox, Hound, Tiger- will be chosen after a series of trials, all aimed to challenge the contenders in everything needed to successfully rule. The responsibility for organising the entire Festival has fallen onto Neema Kraa, Bersun’s High Scholar and a black sheep member of the Raven faction, as her final act before the two of them go into retirement- something Neema is looking forward to. When a contender is murdered, Neema becomes everyone’s favourite suspect. Forced by Bersun to find the murderer before a new Emperor is chosen, Neema is made to take part in the trials that everyone else has spent their lives preparing for. Reuniting with her former lover, the sneaky Fox, Cain, and meeting the reviled Tiger contender Ruko, Neema has to untangle a conspiracy stretching back generations while fighting for her life- and sanity- against six legendary warriors all with their own history and motivations to win. Neema thinks she is alone but little does she know, the gods- particularly the Raven- are watching and interfering.

This is an absolutely incredible book, combining everything I love about epic fantasy into a thrilling journey that mixes multiple perspectives, responsibility, magic, a massive amount of politics, squabbling animal gods and a unique sense of humour. I was obsessed with it from the first page, it really didn’t feel as if I’d been reading 600+ pages when I finished. Neema is a brilliant main character, she’s so intelligent and resilient even when she thinks she’s not capable- her unique position in the court, and everyone’s dislike of her for one huge past mistake, really impact her confidence and lead her to forget just how good she is. I adored the character of Cain, Neema’s ex, and his inconsistent behaviour perfectly in line with the Fox he follows. Their relationship ended on a sour note and I really liked how they gradually came back to each other throughout the book, even if they’re on opposite sides in something much bigger than them. There’s a twist midway I wasn’t expecting and I’m obsessed with it. I have to talk about Ruko, the stoic and hated Tiger candidate, because this whole story is in part triggered by an action he made as a child. His scenes are powerful and deeply significant, I enjoyed how he slowly seemed to realise that his whole purpose can’t be defined by one thing and am deeply curious to where he might go in the sequel. I also adored the character of Sol, the piece of the Raven haunting Neema, because he’s an absolute delight, injecting humour and companionship into the darkest of moments. The second book can’t come soon enough!

The Raven Scholar was exactly the type of fantasy novel I was looking for: addictive, with a wonderful world-building, fantastic characters, and beautifully-written.

The story is witty and funny, told by a narrator who tells the story with humor and boldness, and there is political intrigue, murder mystery, and a deadly competition to become the next emperor that kept me on the edge of my seat.

At the center of the story there is Neema Kraa, a Raven Scholar who spends more time among books than people and then suddenly finds herself thrown into the competition. She is not prepared for the tournament and no one wants to see her win. Also, the current emperor tasks her in solving the murder of another contestant, everyone is keeping secrets, and there is a sentient raven who won’t leave her alone. I really liked the character of Neema: socially awkward, often lonely, and too smart for her own good, I found her relatable and compelling. The secondary characters are also very interesting: Cain is charming and entertaining, Benna is quite overenthusiastic, Bersun is not what I expected, and even Ruko is still a mystery, so I am looking forward to seeing more of him in the sequel!

The story is very well-plotted and the writing kept me glued to the pages: there are intrigue, twists and mystery, there are malevolent gods and interfering ravens, and there is also some romance that it’s not central to the story, but still kept me intrigued. The ending was explosive and unexpected and left me looking forward to reading the sequel!

It may have taken a little settling into, but by the time I was in, I was well and truly in. The Raven Scholar is a delightfully original and engaging bit of fantasy, but it meets mystery right in the middle, a healthy swathe of political machinations dressing the whole affair. Neema was a delightfully flawed, funny and enjoyable protagonist, but not the only storyteller as you’ll find. Hodgson’s writing drew me into her world and held me hostage through every twist and turn until I was left at the last page, tottering on the hopeful precipice of knowing there’s another book coming!

(I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review - it’s been a pleasure to give one!)

This book is a brilliant blend of murder mystery and epic fantasy that had me hooked from the very first page. The magical contest at the heart of the story is so riveting, featuring representatives from eight unique and sacred magical animals. It’s cutthroat, with plenty of political intrigue and imperial deceit to keep things interesting!

The characters are incredibly complex and flawed, which made me feel for them even more as they navigate their tangled family dramas. Speaking of which, this family is seriously messed up in the best way possible. You can't help but get drawn into their secrets and struggles. The magical system is creatively crafted, adding depth to the already rich world that the author has built.

The twists and turns kept me on my toes. High stakes made every moment feel intense—my heart was racing during those competitions! The vibrant, immersive world is filled with details that make it feel alive and real.

The Raven Scholar is a thrilling journey full of surprises and memorable moments. I loved the found family aspect, too, which added a lot of warmth amidst the chaos. If you enjoy clever plots with engaging characters in a beautifully crafted setting, it's definitely worth checking out!

An intriguing concept that did so well with conveying the different personalities and purposes of the animal-themed groups.

This is an amazing start to an epic fantasy series.
This story has everything I love in a fantasy story - dark academia vibes, trials, a murder mystery and plenty of political intrigue.
The twists and turns were wonderful and I can't get over the ending - I need book 2 asap!!
I enjoyed the changes in POVs and I adored Neema.

🌑 𝓣𝓻𝓲𝓪𝓵𝓼, 𝓢𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓼, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓡𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓼 🦅

A murder mystery wrapped in imperial politics, layered trials, and cryptic birds, The Raven Scholar is a sharp and twisty fantasy debut that challenges your brain and rewards your patience.

In the empire of Orrun, seven contenders compete to replace the emperor. They're the strongest minds and fiercest warriors the land has to offer. Until one of them ends up dead. The task of uncovering the killer falls to Neema Kraa, the emperor’s eccentric and brilliant High Scholar, who must solve the mystery while still competing herself. Her only allies? A chorus of watchful, razor-tongued ravens who might be more than they seem.

“We are the Raven, and we are magnificent.”

Let me start by saying: the ravens were magnificent. Sassy, sharp, and occasionally cryptic, they were easily my favorite part of the book. Their presence added a layer of myth and mystery that made the whole world feel alive. I loved their commentary, equal parts eerie and hilarious.

The story is ambitious and rich with world-building. The political intrigue and interwoven secrets kept me invested, and Neema is a wonderfully relatable main character, witty, stubborn, and constantly questioning everything around her. There’s a really clever narrative voice at play here too. At times, it felt like the story was talking directly to me, not just unfolding for me to observe.

That said, the book is definitely dense. Between the political maneuverings, many named characters, and layered backstories, I sometimes had to pause and retrace my steps to keep things straight. And while I found it to be fairly fast-paced, there were moments when the complexity combined with the length made it a bit overwhelming. This isn’t a light read, it’s one you sink into, slowly but fully.

Still, the payoff was worth it. The twists in the last third had me stunned, and I’m incredibly excited to see where the story goes next. If you’re a fan of clever heroines, high-stakes trials, and morally murky power plays, this one’s for you.

📅 The Raven Scholar was released on April 15, 2025.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Antonia Hodgson, and Hodder & Stoughton | Hodderscape for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

I requested this after receiving a sample chapter at an event in Waterstones Liverpool and BOY was I not disappointed

This is beautifully written fantasy, the plot is rich and the twists and turns are effective. The time jumps took a little bit of adjustment but once I got my head around it I flew through the book

Definitely recommend for the more adventurous fantasy reader

This is genuinely one of the best fantasy books I've read in a long, long time.
I went into this completely blind, no expectations, no clue, just loving the cover and the title and the blurb. I didn't know that I would become completely obsessed within like, ten pages.

<i>The Raven Scholar</i> tells the story of Neema, the titular Raven Scholar who wants nothing more than to do scholarly things in peace. Unfortunately for her, the Emperor has to retire and in order to find his successor, a competition is held with seven contenders fighting for the throne. When the Raven contender is murdered, Neema is named to take her place, even though it's the last thing she would ever want to do.
There is so much going on in this novel and I loved every second of it. It's spectacularly told with a unique narrative voice and perspective that provides an equally unique tone. There a lot of humour in here and it's exactly the kind of humour I adore, and I don't think I've laughed out loudly as much in a long time. But as much as the humour is an integral part of the writing style, there are narrative gut punches and deeply emotionally evocative moments that truly haunt the characters in the story.
And the characters! Chef's kiss, let me tell you. Every character is complex, with their own morals and convictions. Neema is genuinely one of the best protagonists I've ever had the pleasure of reading about, and I very much enjoyed her romance with Cain, the flippant Fox contender that could have easily turned into a complete stereotype (and there are instances of it - he <i>is</i> yet another witty bisexual character revelling in promiscuity and enjoying orgies) but is given enough depth and complexity to steer him away from that. The side characters are enjoyable, even the ones I learned to loathe with every fiver of my being. Just fantastic character work (and development) all around.
The story is exciting, with twists and turns and revelations while never straying to far from its main threads. The very first chapter of the book informs so much of the following narrative and the characters and relationships, and it's just masterfully done. There is one twist that a lot of people might finds a little predictable, but it didn't take away from the enjoyment.

There is genuinely nothing I don't like in this book. Amazing characters, great story, exciting moments, clever twists and just so many unique ideas - add to that the simply fantastic writing style, humour and unique narrative voice and <i>The Raven Scholar</i> turns out to be an absolute gem of the fantasy genre. A masterfully crafted beginning to a new trilogy. I'm already seated for the sequel and cannot wait.

Wow! this was a long read, but I loved it.
Every twist and turn felt right and kept the story progressing. The characters are fantastic! I need more