The raven scholar

After twenty-four years on the throne, it is time for Bersun the Brusque, emperor of Orrun, to bring his reign to an end. Seven contenders will compete to replace him. Trained at rival monasteries, each contender is inspired by a sacred animal - fox, raven, tiger, ox, bear, monkey, and hound. An eighth - the dragon proxy - will be revealed only once the trials have begun. Eight exceptional warriors, thinkers, strategists. Then one of them is murdered.