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

The j you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this earc!

I sadly had to DNF because I felt the jumps in time weren’t for me. I couldn’t stay focused on it and I didn’t love the writing sadly!

The story was really interesting and the characters were very multi-layered and the writing is very good. The twists and turns were very clever and something I did not anticipate. However, I do think this book was overwritten in a lot of places and could have easily been 200 pages shorter, probably needed some stronger editing.

The Raven Scholar is snarky and funny. This wry sense of humor compliments the severity and haunting consequences of the plot by keeping the story lively and engaging without detracting from the plot. It's an impressive first fantasy and I look forward to reading more from this author

In the empire of Orrun, the emperor is stepping down after twenty-four years, and seven contenders compete to replace him. They are the best of the best, each representing one of the eight guardians of Orrun. Then the Raven contender is murdered, and the emperor’s High Scholar, Neema Kraa, finds herself taking the contender’s place while simultaneously trying to find the killer before the trials reach their conclusion.

I did really enjoy this book, but the story is a bit long and slow, especially in the first half. There’s a lot going on, so I certainly wouldn’t call it boring, it’s just there are elements that I could have done without. In particular, the moments where the story is told from the point-of-view of the raven. Those parts were jarring and dragged me out of the story, improved only with the introduction of the Solitary Raven.

For the most part, I liked the characters. Neema is pedantic which, while not a particularly likeable trait, I respect, while Cain, Ruko, Shal and the other contenders filled out the rest of the cast really effectively with a variety of personalities and I felt they all bought something individual to the story.

It is well written and unpredictable. I had no idea who killed Gaida, and the second major plot twist was excellent and totally unexpected after the first.

First of all, thank you Hodderscape & NetGalley for an ARC of this fascinant first installment of a probably mindblowing trilogy, in exchange for an honest review!

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I got into this not knowing specifically what to expect; I just had some encouragements from friends who'd listened to the audio book or read an advance copy, and the voices were reassuring. After all, since I translated Peter V. Brett, I hardly believe I read another book so heavily paged. Perhaps the Blackwater saga, if you put the volumes back to back, but that went on differently.
Because I want to keep this spoiler free, so that I can persuade as many people as possible to read it, I will just mention a couple of excellent traits that have kept me awake late at night, to advance in my reading.
*** the POVs *** are something else in this book, and first they took me by surprise and confused me, but then I played along, and the narration felt more intimate and more inclusive with them
*** the characters *** well built, carefully researched, not likely to go OOC; one of the villains is slightly too much when compared to the rest, but then again it feels alright to have their villainy exacerbated, and their powers too much
*** the plot *** this is one of those books that you have to keep reading to understand what goes on and what people are on to; I particularly like the way we get to discover bits of the history and geopolitics of the world as we continue reading
*** the non-focus on relationships *** there are hints of romance, and dramance, and bromance even, there is something in this for us all! But it's not the main focus, and I was so grateful for this, because I really enjoy books who are not revolving around love/ love-hate/ combinations thereof.

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I am looking forward to reading the next volume!

I had been looking forward to reading this book for a long time, so perhaps my expectations were too high. Then again, perhaps I wasn't in the right frame of mind to enjoy it.
The book starts strongly with the prologue, but then we jump ahead several years and meet the main character. From there, I found it a bit difficult. On the one hand, I found Neema interesting, but on the other, her lack of friends and the fact that everyone hated her felt very plot-convenient. I didn't see much growth in her or any of the other characters; they all felt a bit flat to me most of the time.
Every decision in this book seemed over the top. The plot involved a lot of back and forth during the first 30%, and revelations sometimes came out of nowhere, so I had a hard time following it.
Then there's the omniscient perspective of the Raven Collective. We go from an all-seeing 'we' perspective that speaks directly to us as readers to Neema's point of view mid-paragraph. At other times, the POVs were separated by paragraph breaks, which was confusing.
Adding to the confusion, there were lots of names from different time periods that I was supposed to remember, but I couldn't because of everything else going on. In addition, I felt that the pacing was a bit off. There were instances where multiple pages dragged on, such as the folktales and side character backstories, which sometimes spanned 12 pages and definitely did not need to be that long.
The big plot twist came around the middle of the book, ruining the murder mystery and 'whodunit' plot for me, as the main secret was revealed and this part of the story became boring afterwards. I think you could have built more suspense around this secret, which had been hidden for years and could change the whole empire. By around the 65% mark, I realised that I was becoming increasingly frustrated with the story and the characters. Although I still think the underlying basis of the story could be very interesting, I sadly decided not to finish it.

Sadly this wasn’t for me, I guess.
I tried it several times and couldn’t get into it. I really wanted to, but somehow it didn’t happen.
Maybe it was the writing style or the time jumps, but every time I couldn’t pass the 20% mark.
It wasn’t written badly, but really hard to get into for me.

Really enjoyable start to a new fantasy series. I have high hopes for what is to come next. Magic, world building and characters to adore.

I feel like I have mixed feelings about this book. For full clarity, I did not finish it. The beginning is absolutely wonderful, and all the parts I read (up to about 40%) were well written and intriguing. I’m not going to spoil it but if you’ve read the book you will likely know what I’m talking about; for some reason something changed a few chapters in and it really threw me and made me sad, but as a result I struggled to connect with the other characters. I do think people will love this book (as I’m sure they’re already doing) I just don’t think it is a book for me at this moment in time. Also, massive apologies for this being late, I hard a very rough family bereavement and am also on my final placement as a student nurse so am very tired. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book, and I do hope to have another go at reading it soonish:)

Thank you NetGalley and Hodderscape for an advanced readers copy in exchange of an honest review!
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Antonia Hodgson’s The Raven Scholar is an immersive and intelligent fantasy debut that weaves together political intrigue, mystery, and emotional depth. Set in the richly imagined world of Orrun, the story follows High Scholar Neema Kraa, a brilliant yet socially isolated protagonist thrust into a deadly competition to determine the empire’s next ruler. 

The novel excels in its intricate world-building, drawing readers into a society divided by sacred animal factions and steeped in history and lore. Hodgson’s attention to detail creates a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama, from the grandeur of imperial politics to the subtle nuances of personal relationships. 

Neema’s character is a standout—her methodical nature and dry wit make her both relatable and compelling. The supporting cast, including the enigmatic Cain and the charming Sol, add depth and diversity to the narrative, each with their own complex motivations and backstories.  

While the novel’s length and the sheer number of characters can be overwhelming at times, the payoff is a story that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually satisfying. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for a gradual buildup of tension and a deeper exploration of themes such as grief, power, and identity. 

Overall, The Raven Scholar is a compelling start to what promises to be an exceptional series. Fans of epic fantasy with a penchant for political intrigue and richly drawn characters will find much to enjoy in Hodgson’s latest offering.

Antonia Hodgson’s The Raven Scholar is a dazzling, intricately plotted fantasy debut that blends political intrigue, murder mystery, and a touch of the supernatural into a richly imagined world. With its sharp-witted protagonist, high-stakes imperial succession, and a narrative voice that crackles with personality, this is a novel that will captivate fans of The Lies of Locke Lamora and The Goblin Emperor.

The story unfolds in the empire of Orrun, where seven elite contenders vie to replace the retiring Emperor Bersun—until one is murdered. Enter Neema Kraa, the emperor’s brilliant but eccentric High Scholar, who must unravel the conspiracy behind the killing before the trials conclude. Neema is a standout heroine: razor-smart, resourceful, and refreshingly flawed, with a dry humour that makes her narration a joy. The mystery itself is tightly woven, with each contender harbouring secrets that could make them victim or villain.

Hodgson’s world-building is immersive, painting Orrun as a realm where scholarship and swordplay carry equal weight, and where the enigmatic Raven—a cryptic, almost omniscient narrative presence—whispers hints to both Neema and the reader. The prose is lively and inventive, balancing courtly machinations with playful asides (“We are the Raven, and we are magnificent”).

While the large cast can occasionally feel overwhelming, Hodgson ensures each contender is distinct, their ambitions and vulnerabilities adding layers to the central whodunit. The pacing is brisk, with twists that feel earned rather than contrived, and the climax delivers both intellectual and emotional satisfaction.

The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson was a truly astonishing read! This novel has it all: a competition for the throne, a murder mystery, betrayal and deceipt, rich world-building, jaw-dropping plot-twists, and crisp prose.

I was gripped from the start, and still haven't recovered from the brutal betrayal that lies at the heart of the story, and which shaped so many characters' paths.

I thought I knew which character I despised most, but the final plot twist upended that ranking. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the Eternal Path trilogy!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. I'm rating it 4.5 stars.

The Raven Scholar was not what I expected, but I still very much enjoyed the book.

You can expect: a murder-mystery with high stakes but surprisingly low tension most of the time, lots of comic relief and humour, satisfying plot twists, an autistic protagonist with sidekicks that you will find either funny or annoying, a queer-normative and diverse world, some absolutely charming characters, and a sweet closed-door romance that doesn't take centre-stage. I found this book more fun than poignant, athough it does have its moments.

Tonally, the book can be almost flippant at times. For me personally, it's a bit odd having levity shortly after finding the the murdered corpse of someone you know. But, I'm sure a lot of people will adore the sarcasm and humour.

A heads-up for all the epic fantasy lovers: although The Raven Scholar is billed as epic fantasy, the scope felt to me to be quite small for much of the book. This is because it was focused on the murder mystery and competition, but not their wider implications. However, this changes in the last 100-150 pages when it definitely becomes epic fantasy.

Speaking of the last 100-150 pages, the ending was satisfying while still making it clear that the adventure/quest has only just started.

I also adored most of the characters. The protagonist Neema was by far my favourite; her experiences and thoughts made me both laugh and cry. But I can't forget Benna, Fenn, Tala and her family, and all the other delightful and well-written characters.

FYI the book's written in third-person omniscient and some characters also have very modern language — not slang or memes, but things like "awesome!" I'm mentioning these not because they're "bad" but because I know they're pet peeves for some readers.

I was really curious about this book, but at the same time, I kept procrastinating it because I wasn’t in the right headspace for a chunky book, and this one fit that description. Sure, it’s not the longest book ever, but it is not short. But all the raving reviews were so hard to resist that I finally found the motivation to start it, and I devoured it! It is long, and it is full of things (mainly twists and turns), but it doesn’t feel like a long book at all!

The premises are pretty straightforward: the actual Emperor of this world is ready to abdicate after 24 years, as it’s custom here, and to choose his successor, there are trials. Simple as that. But hey! That would have been a tad too straightforward, so… cue a murder, a dooming prophecy, and some godly beings, mix energetically and voilà! A masterpiece is served. With a side of twists and turns, that twist and turn so much that you won’t know what’s happening anymore! It’s like being in a set of Russian dolls.
And there are so many good things in there!!!
Since I mentioned the trials, let’s start here. Lately, we have trials at every turn. There are so many books with trials on them, and finding something that feels fresh or different from the rest can be difficult at times, but here I loved these trials!
In this world, there are the Eights. They are like divinity, guardians and protectors of this world, with a small caveat: the stories say that seven times they intervened to save the world, the eighth time they would destroy it. Each one of them is a “magical” animal, and each of them has some peculiar traits that are reflected in their human followers.
And each faction of the Eights has to be responsible for one of the trials. And I loved to see the different trials, because they were pretty nice to follow, and quite original. I loved them and, to be honest, I wanted more of them (well, not more trials, but more scenes while the contestants were doing the trials).

Since I have talked about the Eights and the trials, I can go on with the world-building. I don’t really have a lot to say, but it is a fascinating world, a harsh one, but it masks it pretty well in some moments. Anyway, the author creates a rich world, and we get to be immersed in it for the whole book. And it seems like in the next books we will get the opportunity to explore more of it. I can’t wait!!

And now it’s the characters’ turn! Every character in this story is well developed. Every single one of them feels alive and real. Not all of them are nice or pleasant (we get really few pleasant characters, to be honest), but all of them have a personality, not one of them is bidimensional or plain. And, to be honest, we have a lot of characters around, so this was a feat that the author pulled out magnificently.
Neema is our MC, and I really enjoyed her. She is a resourceful and strong-willed young woman who is trying her best and who is set on her path. To be completely honest, she is not 100% my kind of characters, she is too good, I prefer my characters with a touch of shadows in them, a drop of attitude, and mind me, she is strong and she is resolved, she is knowledgeable in a lot of different areas and she is resourceful and adaptable, and I liked her, but for me there was something missing, she was just too good. (But this is a minor complaint, I enjoyed her and spending time with her).
Then we have all the other contestants, and I have to say that every one of them was notable, in a way or another. But I am sorry, I won’t say anymore about them because you need to meet them for yourselves, and you need to make your own impressions. The twists and turns aren’t only about the plot in this case, and the less you know going in, the better you will enjoy the complexity. The point is that every single character here is not simply a character. They are all real people; they are complex and well-developed. And I don’t want to spoiler something or make you biased in any way.
I can talk a bit about Pinky-Pinky, who is an adorable chameleon. I wanted to see more scenes with him, because he is just soooo cute!
And Sol, too. But I vastly prefer Pinky-Pinky. And I am not sorry!
Also, I can say that some of my favorite characters are Benna and Fenn, with Fox One and Fox Two. And mind me, Benna and Fenn are secondary characters, Fox One and Fox Two are tertiary at best. And yet, all of them have a small piece of my heart.

And now it’s finally the moment for the plot. But, sorry, I won’t say a lot here. Because this book is complex and it is so full of twists and turns, you really are breathing them while reading this book. Twists are everywhere! And some you will see coming. Some will take you completely by surprise, and some moments are almost nightmarish. I know I am not giving you much to go on here, but trust me, if you feel in the mood for something that will blew you away, that will keep you constantly on the tip of your toes, while being surrounded by amazing characters and immersed in a fascinating world, well… you have to give this one a try!

And a last small thing: from time to time this book reminded me a lot of Voyage of the Damnedby Frances White. So if you have enjoyed that one, you’ll probably love this one!!

This was one of the best new fantasies that I have read in a while. It combined all my favourite tropes into one while still having a fresh and unique take.

From the fascinating humour and engaging characters to great writing and a competition that kept me on the edge of my seat, I flew through this.

I loved following Neema as the main character and watching her come up with ways to get through the competition when there were no other options. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-Arc of the book.

This was an ok read for me. I liked the story and the characters were great but I did struggle with the writing style but thats proably more of a me issue, so would I recommend.

This was phenomenal! Beautiful writing and it keeps you fully engaged.
Great fantasy book even for seasoned fantasy readers.

The Emperor of Orrun is to step aside after 24 years on the throne. Candidates from the monasteries of Raven, Tiger, Bear, Fox, Oz, Monkey and Hound gather to compete for the throne. But when one of the contenders is murdered, it’s up to Raven scholar Neema to investigate.

An epic fantasy filled with Imperial intrigue and a competition to die for.