The Raven Scholar (Eternal Path Trilogy Book 1)

Step into the empire of Orrun, where twenty-four years of uneasy peace shatter with the death of Emperor Bersun the Brusque. As the sweltering midsummer heat intensifies, seven extraordinary contenders vie for the throne in a high-stakes contest of wit, strength, and cunning. But when one of them is brutally murdered, the empire teeters on the edge of chaos, and the fragile calm threatens to erupt into open war.

Neema Kraa, the emperor’s brilliant yet unconventional High Scholar, is thrust into the heart of the conspiracy. Tasked with uncovering the killer while navigating the deadly political currents of the imperial court, she must rely on her sharp intellect and unorthodox methods. Yet Neema is not alone—she’s haunted by a mysterious presence known only as the Raven, a voice that offers cryptic guidance and unwavering loyalty, promising to help her claim the throne or perish trying.

The novel masterfully weaves imperial intrigue with a gripping murder mystery, set against a backdrop of richly layered mythology and cultural traditions. Each house of Orrun embodies the spirit of a sacred animal guardian—Fox, Raven, Tiger, Ox, Bear, Monkey, and Hound—shaping the identities and conflicts of its people. As Neema delves deeper, she uncovers decades-old secrets, shifting alliances, and the blurred lines between devotion and betrayal, all while the Raven’s enigmatic influence grows.

Hodgson crafts a world where every character pulses with complexity, from the fiercely loyal to the deceptively treacherous. The narrative dances between Neema’s determined perspective and the Raven’s haunting second-person interjections, creating a rhythm that’s both intimate and unsettling. With prose that’s equally poetic and razor-sharp, the story balances heart-pounding suspense with moments of wry humor and poignant humanity, refusing to let readers settle into predictable tropes.

Prepare for a tale where nothing is as it seems—a labyrinth of fiendish twists, morally gray choices, and the relentless pursuit of truth in a realm where power demands sacrifice. As one reviewer aptly declares, it’s “thrilling, romantic, often tragic, and always funny,” a testament to Hodgson’s ability to infuse epic fantasy with raw emotional depth. This is a story that lingers long after the final page, leaving you breathless for the next chapter in the Eternal Path.