The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson — book slip

In the empire of Orrun, the reign of Bersun the Brusque has ended after twenty-four years of peace. Now, in the sweltering heat of midsummer, seven exceptional warriors, thinkers, and strategists vie for the throne.

But when one contender is murdered, the task of uncovering the truth falls to Neema Kraa, the emperor’s brilliant and idiosyncratic High Scholar.

As Neema navigates a web of imperial intrigue and cutthroat competition, she must rely on her wits and the enigmatic Raven to guide her. Success means winning an empire; failure could mean death.

For fans of "The Jasmine Throne" by Tasha Suri and "The Unbroken" by C. L. Clark.