Hugo Award nominee 2026.
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, the reign of Bersun the Brusque has come to an end. In the dizzying heat of midsummer, seven exceptional warriors, thinkers, strategists compete to replace him.
When one of them is murdered, it falls to Neema Kraa, the emperor’s brilliant, idiosyncratic High Scholar, to find the killer and fight for the throne. Neema believes she is alone. But we are here to help; all she has to do is let us in.
If she succeeds, we will win an empire. If she fails, death awaits her. But we won’t let that happen.
We are the Raven, and we are magnificent.
The series
In the Eternal Path Trilogy, the race for power becomes a deadly game in a world where politics, ambition, and dark forces intertwine. Set in the vast empire of Orrun, this epic fantasy series plunges readers into a world where the balance of power is at stake, and where personal loyalties are tested against a backdrop of ancient secrets and fierce rivalries.
Read full series description
At the heart of the trilogy is The Raven Scholar, a tale of intrigue and survival. With the Emperor's reign coming to an end, seven formidable contenders emerge to vie for the throne, each representing one of Orrun’s noble houses. But when one contender is found murdered, the stakes skyrocket. Neema Kraa, the High Scholar of the Empire, finds herself tangled in a web of deception, murder, and treachery. As she unravels the mystery, she must confront not only political machinations but also her own fears and vulnerabilities.
The world-building in Eternal Path is rich and immersive, weaving together complex political structures, ancient myths, and the struggle for power in a dying empire. Each house, based on animal symbolism, carries its own history and secrets, creating a world where no one is truly innocent. This dark, atmospheric backdrop serves as the perfect setting for the intense character arcs that define the trilogy.
Neema's journey is at the heart of the series. Her intelligence and determination make her an unforgettable protagonist, but her personal challenges—particularly her struggle with her own identity—add depth and relatability to her character. As the competition for the throne escalates, Neema's alliances become as fragile as the empire itself. Each decision she makes could be her last, but her courage is her most powerful weapon.
What makes Eternal Path stand out is its seamless blend of high fantasy with psychological depth. The world feels alive, complex, and rich with mystery. The stakes are not just political—they are personal. The lives of the characters are inextricably tied to the fate of the empire, and every choice ripples out with consequences that could change everything.
With its compelling plot, complex characters, and an atmosphere thick with tension, the Eternal Path Trilogy is a gripping journey into a world of intrigue, betrayal, and the quest for power. As Neema and her fellow contenders fight for control, readers are taken on an unforgettable ride through a world where nothing is as it seems—and the path to the throne is fraught with danger at every turn.
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