[How it Works](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/how-it-works/) [Bookshop](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/books/bindery/) [Publishing](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/publishing/) [Team](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/team/) [Contact](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/contact/) Log in or Sign up The Raven Scholar (Eternal Path Trilogy, 1) Antonia Hodgson Save to Your Books [Bookshop](https://bookshop.org/a/118613/9780316577229) [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316577227?tag=docofthedarka-20) 100% of affiliate revenue supports DocoftheDarkArts From an electrifying new voice in epic fantasy comes _The Raven Scholar_, a masterfully woven and playfully inventive tale of imperial intrigue, cutthroat competition, and one scholar’s quest to uncover the truth. Let us fly now to the empire of Orrun, where after twenty-four years of peace, Bersun the Brusque must end his reign. In the dizzying heat of mid-summer, seven contenders compete to replace him. They are exceptional warriors, thinkers, strategists—the best of the best. Then one of them is murdered. It falls to Neema Kraa, the emperor’s brilliant, idiosyncratic High Scholar, to find the killer before the trials end. To do so, she must untangle a web of deadly secrets that stretches back generations, all while competing against six warriors with their own dark histories and fierce ambitions. Neema believes she is alone. But we are here to help; all she has to do is let us in. If she succeeds, she will win the throne. If she fails, death awaits her. But we won’t let that happen. We are the Raven, and we are magnificent. Show more Get the Bindery app * * * Posts about this title from DocoftheDarkArts [DocoftheDarkArts\\ \\ Bob Stuntz\\ \\ • Feb 14](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/) [Poll:\\ \\ April - June 2026 Book Club Picks\\ \\ Hi everyone, very excited to do our poll for the next quarter of our book club! While I'm sure most of you are aware, I thought I'd run through what we did differently this time:\\ \\ - Proposals in a forum format where you provided the synopsis and rational with content warnings\\ \\ - Reactions/comments were provided\\ \\ - I went with less books for the poll this time so the vote would be less diluted (had 13 books last time, picked 9 this time. We can decrease next round if needed).\\ \\ \\ You all had some amazing selections. Here's how I picked them out (for full transparency):\\ \\ - I looked at all the reactions, comments, and the tally of each. I then went through the comments to see what were "substantial" comments. For example, people saying it was really good, sounded great, versus comments about how to post in the forum. I also looked at how many people said they had read versus had not.\\ \\ - From this, there were three standouts\\ - I then look at the next tier of aggregated reactions/comments (books in the teens). I did all of the above again, I tried to make sure we had a variety of authors (don't want two of the same author), book sizes (I'm ok with one really big book per cycle, but also want them to be reasonable and not have all chokers), and a variety of people who made suggestions.\\ \\ - There were three that made it in here.\\ - Everything else was pretty close in terms of objective stuff, so for the last three selections I looked at all of the above and then I picked out books that I was really interested in -(sorry, there should be some perks here) as well as positive comments.\\ \\ \\ So, see below. Vote for your top three choices. Voting will close on February 28, selections announced March 1!](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/item/ZggjvUiU7bgEZfrELz1f/) [April - June Book Club Poll!](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/item/ZggjvUiU7bgEZfrELz1f/) * * * 9 books 2 [4](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/item/ZggjvUiU7bgEZfrELz1f/#comments) Posts about this book from across Bindery [Skies Press\\ \\ Emma\\ \\ • Mar 10](https://skiesreads.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [WINNERS of our 2025 Best of Books](https://skiesreads.binderybooks.com/item/qnBTFAQyCc4f7UwpBO9L/) * * * 12 books 25 [The Bibliothecary\\ \\ Samantha\\ \\ • Mar 10](https://bibliothecarybooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [5 star tbr predictions \| EARLY ACCESS](https://bibliothecarybooks.binderybooks.com/item/xYh1SFKweShbQRsE4BYn/) In which I wrap up my last round of 5 star tbr predictions and give my next set of predictions... ♡ Join THE BIBLIOTHECARY: patreon.com/thoughtsontomes or https://bibliothecarybooks.binderybooks.com/ ►► Bibliothecary members get perks such as early access to videos, written posts, podcast-like ramblings, witchcraft book reviews and sharing about my personal craft, a year long interactive reading challenge, seasonal readalongs, and more! ★ Reading spreadsheet I use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twhrdlRfnRs&t=626s ► End screen song: Magic Forest - Kevin MacLeod ★ FREELANCE EDITING SERVICES: https://tinyurl.com/editing-services \-\- I'm currently accepting clients for developmental editing and manuscript evaluation (I'm full for first half of 2026 - booking now for late summer 2026). I am still accepting book coaching clients for all of 2026. I'm interested in working with adult fantasy and scifi, especially Hades and Persephone retellings, stories involving polyamory, and mental health rep. I offer free editing samples of your first 1,000 words to make sure we are a good fit. ➝ DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. WHERE TO FIND ME ► BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thoughtsontomes.bsky.social ► Storygraph (alternative to goodreads): https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/thoughtsontomes ► Instagram: @thoughtsontomes ► Tiktok: @thoughtsontomes\_ MORE THAN BOOKS? ★ Check out The Bibliothecary! I used to discuss witchcraft and other topics on my other channel but that content has all moved to The Bibliothecary: https://bibliothecarybooks.binderybooks.com/ REVIEW/BUSINESS INQUIRES ➝ Email: thoughtsontomes@gmail.com ➝ Review Policy: https://thoughtsontomes.tumblr.com/reviewpolicy \-\- due to the volume of email requests I get, I do not accept review requests from indie or self-published authors at this time * * * 5 books 2 [DocoftheDarkArts\\ \\ Bob Stuntz\\ \\ • Feb 14](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/) [April - June Book Club Poll!](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/item/ZggjvUiU7bgEZfrELz1f/) * * * 9 books 2 [4](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/item/ZggjvUiU7bgEZfrELz1f/#comments) [Fantasy & Frens\\ \\ Zoranne\\ \\ • Jan 28](https://fantasyandfrens.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [February Fantasy & Frens Read-A-Long!](https://fantasyandfrens.binderybooks.com/item/IM6cNlhS61Qizjya9aiJ/) Join us in the read-a-long! * * * 1 book 3 [Alysha Fortune Reads\\ \\ Alysha\\ \\ • Jan 14](https://alyshafortunereads.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Women Fantasy Authors that arent romantasy](https://alyshafortunereads.binderybooks.com/item/1fiXh2irOJwX0ULvcZ7Y/) Here is my completed list of fantasy and scifi books written by women that aren’t Romantasy! #books #booktok #bookstagram #booksta #bookworm #fantasybooks #fantasy #scifi #Romantasy #womenauthors * * * 30 books 3 [Written Reveries\\ \\ Krystal\\ \\ • Jan 1](https://writtenreveries.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Top 10 Reads of 2025 Part I](https://writtenreveries.binderybooks.com/item/628WMv9KN4R910KeZWCy/) Top 10 Reads of 2025 Part One * * * 6 books 1 [Alysha Fortune Reads\\ \\ Alysha\\ \\ • Dec 13 2025](https://alyshafortunereads.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [My top 10 reads of 2025 and looking ahead to 2026](https://alyshafortunereads.binderybooks.com/item/iUR7yYthvQJsQBNxGUmD/) I’ve read 75 books this year (so far) and here are my top 10! This has been such a good reading year I even read my favorite book of all time this year! What was your favorite read this year? #books #booktok #bookstagram #booksta #bookworm #fantasybooks #fantasy #scifi #fantasybookrecs #favoritebooks #mustreads * * * 10 books 3 [Nathan’s Booktok!\\ \\ Nathan\\ \\ • Dec 12 2025](https://nathansbooktok.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Upgrade for $5 or login](https://nathansbooktok.binderybooks.com/item/26dy0El9Fb7hhxGYnK1n/) [Ten before the end yes, no, maybe!](https://nathansbooktok.binderybooks.com/item/26dy0El9Fb7hhxGYnK1n/) Here’s the 10 books I read before the end of the year and whether or not I would recommend them to you! Books mentioned: Malice by John Gwynne City of Brass by SA Chakraborty Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristof Before they are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie Cellos Gate by Maurice Africh Babel by RF Kuang Jade City by Fonda Lee Strength of the Few by James Islington Ironbound by Andrew Givler #booktok #booktube #fantasybooks * * * 10 books [Alysha Fortune Reads\\ \\ Alysha\\ \\ • Nov 4 2025](https://alyshafortunereads.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [What makes a fantasy series \*God Tier\* to me](https://alyshafortunereads.binderybooks.com/item/kc8qHSlMU5PowyuAWltK/) I’ve found the ingredient that makes me love a fantasy series so much that I bully you guys into reading it too!!! Do you agree? What should I add to this list?? What makes a series god tier for you? #Books #booktok #booksta #bookstagram #bookworm #fantasybooks #fantasybookrecs #redrising #gameofthrones #wayofkings #throneofglass * * * 7 books 1 [Alysha Fortune Reads\\ \\ Alysha\\ \\ • Nov 4 2025](https://alyshafortunereads.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Women Fantasy Authors](https://alyshafortunereads.binderybooks.com/item/wGMmqcmqpM2L34Me7zWK/) I sometimes get comments about why does it matter if it’s written by a woman or not or why do I make the distinction between Romantasy and non Romantasy and I wanted to address this! My favorite fantasy is often written by women and anytime I can get you guys to read them I’m gunna! #books #booktok #bookstagram #booksta #bookworm #fantasy #fantasybooks #womenauthors #fantasybookrecs * * * 12 books [Ladybug Books\\ \\ Samantha\\ \\ • Oct 19 2025](https://ladybug-books.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Hello friends, and welcome back to my weekly Bindery newsletter! This week has been about rediscovering my 2025 priority TBR and trying to decide what books I want to put at the top of my list for the rest of the year. I also finished my first 2026 release this week.\\ \\ * * *\\ \\ ****Reading Updates:**** ****Paperback (ARC) \| Finished**: _Agnes Aubert's Mysterical Cat Shelter_** \\ \\ **Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐\\ \\ **Release Date:** February 17, 2026\\ \\ **Thoughts:** This was such a lovely, cozy read! I would have liked a bit more from the plot but the characters and the cats were enough to keep me entertained. I really love how the cats are their own distinct characters in the story. The romance was a lot less prevalent than I expected but I still found their relationship cute. I also really enjoyed learning about the system of magic and magical artifacts. More thoughts to come closer to release date!\\ \\ ****Hardcover \| Currently Reading:** _Moonbound_** \\ \\ **Progress:** 41%\\ \\ **Thoughts:** Pros of being a moodreader: not feeling bound to a TBR. Cons of being a reader: actually have to figure out what you're in the mood for. _Moonbound_ caught my interest after I saw it in a few yearly wrapups at the end of 2024. So much so that I put it in my list of 25 books to read in 2025. I randomly picked it up this week because I had no idea what I wanted to read. I love a story with a unusual narrator, so this story immediately captured my attention. The unique blend of far future SciFi and fairytale-esque elements is so intriguing. I am so interested to see how the story continues.\\ \\ ****Audiobook \| Currently Reading:** _Goddess of the River_** \\ \\ **Progress:** 63%\\ \\ **Thoughts:** I was so excited for the release of _Goddes of the River_ and even more excited when it was an Illumicrate montly pick. So I have no idea why it has sat on my TBR for so long. Another victim of my 25 books to read in 2025 list, I was finally motivated to pick up the audiobook on Libby. The story is beautiful and Ganga's perspective is incredibly compelling. I am struggling more with the son's chapters. I find the destructive nature of his commitment to duty and "justice" intriguing, but I am really struggling to follow all of the different storylines and characters in his chapters. I have been studying the family tree at the front of the physical copy, but I might just have to accept that I am going to miss things.\\ \\ * * *\\ \\ **Future Reading Plans:** \\ \\ I am determined to spend the rest of the year focusing on my priority and physical TBRs. There are still a few upcoming releases I have my eye on, but it should be easier to focus on the books I already own.\\ \\ Instead of highlighting specific books I'm thinking of reading soon, I wanted to share my current progress on my "25 books to read in 2025" priority TBR. I'm not delusional enough to think that I can finish this list before the end of the year. So help me choose which books to prioritize! Or even which books you think I'm less likely to enjoy.\\ \\ \\ \\ * * *\\ \\ **2025 New Releases To Add to the Top of Your TBR** \\ \\ I have read a lot of new releases this year. Some have been big wins and others have been major flops. It can be hard to keep track of all of the books that come out in a year so I wanted to highlight three of my standout favorites (so far).\\ \\ \\ \\ **_Saltcrop_ by Yume Kitasei:** I have been a huge Yume Kitasei fan since her debut _The Deep Sky._ I was highly anticipating the release of _Saltcrop_ and it did not disappoint. _Saltcrop_ is so many things. A heartfelt story of three sisters, a gripping adventure across dangerous waters, and an eerie dystopian with rich world-building. As a family centered climate adventure, this latest release is distinct from Kitasei's other books. I loved the sense of atmosphere that she created and the way the story moved between tender moments and tense action scenes.\\ \\ \\ \\ **_The Raven Scholar_ by Antonia Hodgson:** _The Raven Scholar_ is one of the strongest new fantasy releases I have read in a really long time. Filled with fascinating characters, engaging writing, a deadly competition, and a complicated mystery, this book is a shining example of everything that I love about the fantasy genre. I am obsessed with this book and it has not left my mind since I read it. I love everything: the uniquely magnificent narrator, the humor, the tension, the mystery, the comptetion, the characters, everything. This charmingly clever story has something that will appeal to almost any kind of fantasy reader. I cannot recommend it enough.\\ \\ \\ \\ **_Voidwalker_ by SA Maclean:** I have been betrayed by fantasy romance new releases with interesting premises many times this year. (I need someone to monitor my Libby holds and stop me from "just trying" another mediocre romantasy). So I have to include a fantasy romance that turned out to be a very pleasant surprise in my recommendations! Feisty, flirty, and fun, _Voidwalker_ was an unexpected surprise! I was not a fan of the author’s debut, _The Phoenix Keeper_. However, I was cautiously optimistic for her sophomore novel as the premise sounded much more up my alley. _Voidwalker_ immediately captured my attention. The humor and banter in this book are spot on. Maclean had me laughing from the dedication. The phenomenal flirting and tension had me itching to pick the book back up.\\ \\ * * *\\ \\ I would love to hear about your current reads! See you next week with more reading updates and book recommendations.\\ \\ Happy reading!\\ \\ Samantha (ladybug.books)\\ \\ Join for free or login](https://ladybug-books.binderybooks.com/item/RBsvXCsAi6M9Ko92Uobl/) [Ladybug.books Newsletter (10/12/25 - 10/18/25)](https://ladybug-books.binderybooks.com/item/RBsvXCsAi6M9Ko92Uobl/) * * * 6 books 1 [The Biblio(files)\\ \\ Brooke \\ \\ • Sep 26 2025](https://onthebrookeshelves.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Upgrade for $5 or login](https://onthebrookeshelves.binderybooks.com/item/xrS99jHZZBIvWHCAOtXW/) [The raven scholar wrap up](https://onthebrookeshelves.binderybooks.com/item/xrS99jHZZBIvWHCAOtXW/) Let me know if you would prefer a weekly update per section or you like what we did this month better with a wrap up at the end of the book! * * * 1 book [Ladybug Books\\ \\ Samantha\\ \\ • Sep 23 2025](https://ladybug-books.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Upgrade for $5 or login](https://ladybug-books.binderybooks.com/item/9B7fagsGBxKBCdEulaoN/) [Bindery Intro and What I Would Choose if I Could Only Recommend 10 Books](https://ladybug-books.binderybooks.com/item/9B7fagsGBxKBCdEulaoN/) * * * 9 books [1](https://ladybug-books.binderybooks.com/item/9B7fagsGBxKBCdEulaoN/#comments) [Bad Girls' (Book) Club\\ \\ Mya\\ \\ • Sep 20 2025](https://kissandswoon.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [This might be the BEST book I’ve read all year ‼️](https://kissandswoon.binderybooks.com/item/h7FJYffm70dUuGl4RfAA/) This might be the BEST book I’ve read all year ‼️ I was completely immersed from start to finish and I literally cannot wait for the next book. If you listen to any of my book recommendations, let it be this one. This book has everything you could ever want in an epic fantasy. Vivid characters, a fascinating plot, a touching romantic subplot, an ANIMAL SIDEKICK!! And Antonia Hodgson is so funny. I need everyone to read this. I am reminded time and time again why @Orbit Books US is my favorite imprint. 🙏 #fantasybooktok #epicfantasy #bookrecs #theravenscholar * * * 1 book [The Biblio(files)\\ \\ Brooke \\ \\ • Sep 5 2025](https://onthebrookeshelves.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [I promise I have not abandoned you guys! I came down some type of virus that my kids so generously brought home from school on Friday(sharing was not caring in this particular instance) of last week and I'm just starting to feel human again. That being said, we are reading ther raven scholar! \\ \\ Those of you who are choosing an audio platform are in for a real treat because the narration is incredible! All formats will be available by clicking on the tagged book below. We will be keeping the same format of doing weekly updates towards the end of the week (this week being the exception; if you haven't finished that weeks section yet, no worries just feel free to watch when you finish to avoid any spoilers).\\ \\ The reading schedule will proceed as follows:\\ \\ September 1-7 ch. 1-20\\ \\ September 8-14 ch. 21-40\\ \\ September 15-21 ch. 41-60\\ \\ September 22-30 ch. 61-80\\ \\ Upgrade for $5 or login](https://onthebrookeshelves.binderybooks.com/item/KS8djcvRGhKp28o6JpgD/) [weekly update!](https://onthebrookeshelves.binderybooks.com/item/KS8djcvRGhKp28o6JpgD/) * * * 1 book [The Biblio(files)\\ \\ Brooke \\ \\ • Aug 26 2025](https://onthebrookeshelves.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Inner circle tier sneak peak](https://onthebrookeshelves.binderybooks.com/item/AN00qgKjMGQHQoXsqsXq/) It’s voting time for the book club! 🔗 in b-I-0 #booktok #darkacademia #spookyseason * * * 3 books 1 [The Biblio(files)\\ \\ Brooke \\ \\ • Aug 25 2025](https://onthebrookeshelves.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Poll:\\ \\ What are we reading??\\ \\ The time has come to vote for next months book! It’s back to school season so all the books for next month are dark academia themed. Which one are you rooting for? What are some of your other favorites in this genre?\\ \\ \\ \\ Upgrade for $5 or login](https://onthebrookeshelves.binderybooks.com/item/9z4RVJgHYTyOTUfGbbGV/) [September book picks](https://onthebrookeshelves.binderybooks.com/item/9z4RVJgHYTyOTUfGbbGV/) * * * 3 books [Skies Press\\ \\ Emma\\ \\ • Aug 7 2025](https://skiesreads.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [The books I left out to read while I was moving. (Did I read any of these while I was moving? Don't ask...)](https://skiesreads.binderybooks.com/item/MXWO7pJJYLnWpDyRgXPS/) Idk if this is a TBR or just a pile of books I now have to drive over separately, but here’s what I left out of the packing frenzy 📚 * * * 12 books [The Coterie\\ \\ Mikah Mia Reads\\ \\ • Aug 3 2025](https://thecoterie.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ The majority of the book club voted to read _The Raven Scholar_ by Antonia Hodgson and I couldn’t be more excited! I’ve wanted to read this book for a few months and have heard nothing but good things. \\ \\ A couple of housekeeping items:\\ \\ 1. Join the book club Discord if you want to discuss the book in real time with the group 📱 Let me know if you have any issues accessing the channels and I’ll help you! You can find instructions for this at the top of my Bindery page. \\ \\ 2. This book is _definitely_ a doorstop, so don’t feel down if you don’t finish it by the end of the month 📖 There will be separate threads in the channel for different sections of the book so we can read at our own pace and discuss without spoiling it for others!\\ \\ \\ So excited to read with all of you ☺️\\ \\ Join for free or login](https://thecoterie.binderybooks.com/item/hPev4arMuXyQgoVwNr0D/) [August Pick: The Raven Scholar 🐦‍⬛](https://thecoterie.binderybooks.com/item/hPev4arMuXyQgoVwNr0D/) * * * 1 book 1 [The Coterie\\ \\ Mikah Mia Reads\\ \\ • Jul 31 2025](https://thecoterie.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Poll:\\ \\ August Pick\\ \\ \\ \\ Hi friends 👋🏻 It’s time for us to vote on our FIRST EVER book club read!! We have three great choices lined up and you can read a blurb about each of them below. Feel free to cast your vote in the poll on this post or in the Discord. Whatever is easiest for you!\\ \\ _The Raven Scholar_ by Antonia Hodgson\\ \\ Genre: Epic Fantasy\\ \\ Blurb: **From an electrifying new voice in epic fantasy comes _The Raven Scholar_, a masterfully woven and playfully inventive tale of imperial intrigue, cutthroat competition, and one scholar’s quest to uncover the truth.**\\ \\ _Velocity Weapon_ by Megan E. O’Keefe\\ \\ Genre: Science Fiction\\ \\ Blurb : **The last thing Sanda remembers is her gunship breaking up around her as her preserving pod expanded, sealing herself away for salvage-medics to pick up. She expected to awaken in friendly hands, patched up and patched back into a new gunship. Instead, she awakens 230 years later upon an empty enemy smartship, The Light of Berossus or, as he prefers to be called, “Bero”. The war is lost. The star system is dead. However, Bero may not exactly be telling the whole truth.**\\ \\ _The Jasad Heir_ by Sara Hashem\\ \\ Genre: Fantasy Romance\\ \\ **In this Egyptian-inspired debut fantasy, a fugitive queen strikes a deadly bargain with her greatest enemy and finds herself embroiled in a complex game that could resurrect her scorched kingdom or leave it in ashes forever.**\\ \\ Join for free or login](https://thecoterie.binderybooks.com/item/PixUxcMDT8v89aOXHPdH/) [book club—let’s vote on our august read!!](https://thecoterie.binderybooks.com/item/PixUxcMDT8v89aOXHPdH/) * * * 3 books 2 [Arcane Nights Press\\ \\ Cassidy\\ \\ • Dec 15 2024](https://arcanenightspress.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [My Most Anticipated Fantasy Books of 2025](https://arcanenightspress.binderybooks.com/item/Vu3J4X0t1nPQxv9Y9bz0/) Here are my most anticipated fantasy releases for the first half of 2025! Let me know what books you’re excited for in the comments. * * * 22 books 5