A 4 star that is actually a 3.75 if I'm being pedantic.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hodderscape for the early review copy.

I'm conflicted. So damn conflicted. On one hand, this was an absolutely enticing read, on the other hand, it did a lot of things I simply don't like.

This book has just over 700 pages, and it doesn't feel like that at all. The plot never dragged, and I found myself content just being on this ride that was the story. The concept is extremely interesting and broad. This world definitely has a lot of lore going for it, and you can tell. It's definitely unique.

The first three chapters are tonally very different from the rest, so please don't be discouraged by those when picking the book up. The writing gets a lot more snappy and quick-paced after chapter three. There were even some sarcastic remarks that made it really refreshing.

This is definitely a book for the seasoned fantasy reader among us. The story has depth, it has a few reveals, and you definitely have to keep your mind focused. To go along with that, there are a lot of characters to keep track of, there are at least 20 (but I think more) that you have to remember. I would not recommend reading this over a long period of time, because I'd worry about losing track of what I'd previously read.

Now comes my biggest dislike, and it’s something The Raven Scholar shares with Dark Water Daughter by H.M. Long, which I read very recently. These books have a lot in common, even though their stories are totally different. My dislikes for both are exactly the same. I'll remain vague because spoilers, but both books let characters interact with certain entities/beings (not gonna say more than that, but it builds to so much more), and I absolutely hate it when that happens. It's my least favourite trope in fantasy. Also, why did both villains have to have this dramatic monologue about their plans?

Don't get me wrong, I highly enjoyed my time reading this. Think of it as Wicked (for a protagonist who isn’t liked by anyone but is really eager and likes intellectual topics) meeting The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (for the trials, mysteries, and darker tones).

I won't continue the series because of my dislikes, but I can definitely see this becoming a favourite for certain people.

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.

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.

Long read, but worth it. Loved it and I'm hoping there will be more to come. Enjoyed how it was written.

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!

In a world with eight kingdoms ruled by a monarch who steps down after their term, a representative of each kingdom must compete in trials to determine the next ruler - yet there's magic and foul play at work, and our titular scholar may just have to get her hands dirty..
The plot of this was fast-paced and made it a great read overall. The characters were well-written and fit well together and within the world as a whole. If you enjoy epic fantasy with trials and magic and familiars, you might enjoy this.

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.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a e-arc of this book.
It was such a fun read! I didn't feel drawn to any of the characters, but I was very invested into its world's mythology and history. I'd say I really enjoyed 85% of the book. The end felt rushed so I don't think I'd pick the second one when it'll be released.

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!

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!

The Raven Scholar reminded me of what I love most about fantasy: there is nothing quite like getting completely lost in a fictional world. There’s so much comfort to be had in epic fantasy when the storyteller is as skilled as Antonia Hodgson. No matter how action-packed or twisty things get (and The Raven Scholar has plenty of action and twists), the overwhelming feeling I got from the novel was joy.

Like all fantasy, The Raven Scholar is dealing in a few recognizable tropes, and Hodgson avoid any of them feeling too tacked-on or paint-by-numbers. There’s a magical tournament (check) and a courtly murder mystery (check). A lot of novels have these things, and it’s not what makes it great, but it’s still nice to see these fan favorite storylines put in use as a pair.

What actually makes The Raven Scholar great is its characters. Specifically its protagonist Neema Kraa, who is just so much fun to spend a novel with. When the stakes are as high as they are in a novel like this, you want to be invested in the characters making it, and I was SO invested.

It's been a while since I read an ongoing fantasy series, so it feels very good to say: I can’t wait for the next one!

An interesting story and plot that kept me intrigued with a lovely romance and a smattering of spice. The changing narration confused me to start with but settled as the story developed. Looking forward to the next installment

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.