The Raven Scholar is one of my new favorite books of 2025! It’s an epic fantasy that is lush and well-paced. Neema Kraa is the emperor’s servant, yet it is almost time for the emperor to step down. A glorious Festival is called to find contenders for the throne. Neema is tasked to organize the Festival while facing a man from her past once again. When a contender is found brutally murdered, Neema must find the killer and uncover the truth of what happened. 

I could not put The Raven Scholar down! The storytelling is compelling and beautifully written. The dialogue is hilarious and the characters are very witty. Neema is such a relatable character, yet she also contains flaws and is often misjudged by the people around her. I loved Neema and Cain’s dynamic so much!! They were once lovers who made a choice that separated them and sent them on very different paths. Cain brings out the joy in Neema and Neema grounds Cain. The other contenders were vivid characters who readers will also find themselves cheering for during the festival. The magic system of the Eight was creative and mysterious! I loved Sol and found him absolutely magnificent. 

Readers who love complex politics, lovable characters, creative magic, and epic fantasy must check out The Raven Scholar. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next! 

Thank you so much to Antonia Hodgson, Orbit Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.