The Raven Scholar
In the empire of Orrun, the death of Emperor Bersun the Brusque throws the succession into chaos. Seven contenders vie for the throne, but when one is murdered, the emperor's eccentric High Scholar, Neema Kraa, must hunt the killer. Neema believes she's alone in this dangerous game, but unseen forces are watching, ready to help her win the empire or face death.
A Fox-path contender from humble origins; Neema's estranged former lover and closest friend, a trickster figure with a complicated past between them.
The Bear-path contender, introduced as a child in the prologue as the son of an executed traitor.
The Raven Scholar was a finalist for the 2026 Hugo Award for Best Novel and the 2026 Compton Crook Award, and was also shortlisted for the Locus Award and the Goodreads Choice Award for Fantasy. It has not won a major award to date.