The Raven Scholar

Author: Antonia Hodgson

Series: Eternal Path Trilogy (Book 1)

Release Date: April 17, 2025

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5)

Synopsis

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. . .

Book Review

If you’re a fan of intricate fantasy worlds, compelling characters, and a dash of murder mystery, The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson deserves a spot on your reading list. As the first book in what promises to be an epic fantasy trilogy, this novel skillfully weaves together political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and a unique magic system that will keep you turning the pages. In this review, I’ll share my impressions, my thoughts on the worldbuilding and the characters, and explain why this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy with depth.

First Impressions

I first discovered The Raven Scholar through a TikTok video where an ARC reader raved about the story’s brilliance. Intrigued by the buzz, I quickly checked out the synopsis on Amazon: eight contenders vying for the throne, a gripping murder mystery, and a brilliant scholar as the female lead. The premise alone convinced me to dive right in.

The story opens with yet another tragedy that would devastate the once-great Valit family, then fast-forwards eight years to the Festival - the moment when the Emperor prepares to relinquish power after twenty-four years on the throne. Seven contenders, each representing one of Orrun’s Guardians, and a secret eighth contender affiliated with the Dragon, compete through a series of trials for the throne. Just before the trials commence, one contender is murdered. Enter Neema Kraa, the High Scholar, who is tasked with both investigating the murder and stepping into the vacant spot as a competitor. From there, the novel unfolds into a sweeping epic full of twists and complexities.

Worldbuilding

Though The Raven Scholar was marketed as a novel for fans of Game of Thrones, I found it far more accessible and less heavy. Antonia Hodgson masterfully balances intricate worldbuilding with clear, engaging prose. The setting - the vast empire of Orrun - comes alive through its diverse regions and cultures, all converging on the Imperial Island for the Festival Trials.

While the empire appears to be enjoying a fragile peace after a failed rebellion sixteen years earlier, subtle cracks hint at deeper tensions and hidden forces quietly plotting in the background. Hodgson’s immersive map and layered history make Orrun feel vast with places still yet to be introduced as the first book was set mainly within the Imperial Island. This leaves me eager to see how the world will evolve in future books.

Characters That Stay With You

Hodgson’s character work is exceptional, giving us a cast that’s complex, flawed, and deeply human:

• Neema Kraa - The protagonist. A brilliant scholar from humble beginnings, Neema is driven by a desire to prove herself in a society that undervalues her due to her social class, lack of connections and her inability to play the political game. Her loneliness and resilience make her easy to root for, and her moral struggles add depth to her character arc.
• Ruko Valit - A fascinating, morally ambiguous character. Painted as ruthless and ambitious, Ruko keeps his motives hidden. I think all he ever wanted was approval and validation from his parents but he has always lived under the shadow of his twin sister who is the favorite. Like Neema, he has also lived a lonely life. I think he didn't deserve that ending but I'm hoping for a redemption arc in the next books.
• Cain Ballari - Neema’s childhood friend turned lover. His heartbreak propels him into becoming a formidable contender for the throne. Embodying the traits of the Fox Guardian - cunning, unpredictable, yet fundamentally good - Cain’s second-chance romance with Neema is one of the story’s highlights.
• Shal Worthy - A noble figure blessed with Houndsight (the ability to read minds). Shal gives you the impression of a good person. Torn between duty and personal values, Shal struggles with the consequences of his past actions (or inaction) on that tragic day.
• Benna Edge - A minor character who shines with her optimism and zest for life. Her refreshing attitude adds balance to the otherwise tense narrative.
• Fenn Fedala - The kind-hearted High Engineer. His quiet support for the underdogs made him a standout minor character for me.
• Nisthala Valit - A Chosen child with untold power. Her mysterious potential and her mother’s protective defiance hint at intriguing developments in future books.

Magic System & Mythology

The novel introduces a rich and original magic system centered around Orrun’s Eight Guardians - mythical animal protectors. Citizens affiliate themselves with one of the Guardians, each with distinct traits: Bears are thoughtful, Foxes adventurous, Oxen steadfast, Hounds loyal, Monkeys creative, Ravens critical thinkers and Dragons wield immense power. Some individuals are gifted with special abilities like Houndsight or Dragon spellcasting.

The Guardians are both revered and feared, with a prophecy, known as The Awakening Dragon of the Last Return, foretelling their return as a harbinger of the world’s end. Magic is introduced subtly, from special abilities and spells to prophetic visions and mystical companions, culminating in a spectacular climax that feels both surreal and inevitable. This layered system enriches the plot and deepens the stakes.

Themes Beneath the Quest

Beyond its fantasy trappings, The Raven Scholar explores thought-provoking themes. Social inequality is a recurring motif, reflected in how status shapes the characters’ lives. The novel also delves into complicity and culpability, examining how responsibility and guilt ripple through individual actions and inactions. These moral complexities give the story emotional resonance and make character motivations more compelling.

Plot Twists & Pacing

At around 700 pages, The Raven Scholar is undeniably hefty, yet it never feels overlong. The pacing is tight, with political intrigue, sharp dialogue, and well-timed humor offering welcome relief from the tension. It was full of twists and turns, keeping me guessing throughout - including a murder mystery I didn’t solve before the reveal.

Favorite Quotes

“A task didn’t have to be gruelling, or joyless, if you found the right person to do it.”

“If you don’t value your strengths, you won’t use them. If you don’t recognise your flaws, you won’t defeat them.”

Favorite Moments

• The tender reconciliation between Cain and Neema was beautifully written, balancing romance without overshadowing the main plot.
• Benna’s support for Ruko was a quiet but powerful scene, offering a rare moment of kindness in his otherwise lonely arc.
• The climax, the fulfillment of The Awakening Dragon of the Last Return, was thrilling and nerve-wracking. Once I reached this part, I had to finish the book til the end.

Comparisons & Recommendations

While comparisons to Game of Thrones are inevitable due to its epic scope and ensemble cast, The Raven Scholar stands apart with its more optimistic tone and accessible storytelling. Fans of politically charged fantasies like The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang will likely find this book equally engaging.

Emotional Impact

This book hooked me from the start. It made me laugh, gripped me with intrigue, and made me deeply care for its characters - both the virtuous and the morally grey. The murder mystery was well-plotted, and despite my efforts, I guessed wrong. That unpredictability kept me invested throughout.

Series Potential

As the first installment of a planned trilogy, The Raven Scholar expertly sets the stage for what’s to come. Subtle foreshadowing, particularly through Neema’s prophetic visions during her Dragon Trial, hints at even grander conflicts and revelations ahead. I’ll definitely be continuing the series.

Final Thoughts

The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson is an impressive debut into the world of epic fantasy. With its intricate worldbuilding, memorable characters, thought-provoking themes, and a unique magic system, it offers everything a fantasy lover could want - and more. If you’re looking for your next epic fantasy obsession, I highly recommend picking up this book.

If you enjoyed The Raven Scholar, you might also like my review of Blood Over Bright Haven.