A disgraced general must reclaim his honor and save the empire from a devastating alien threat. General Kel Cheris, stripped of rank and exiled, is recalled to command the Hex military against the predatory Shrike. The empire's rigid, math-based society and its reliance on arcane calendrical calculations are pitted against an enemy that operates outside these known laws, threatening to unravel civilization itself.

The Machineries of Empire series, including Raven Stratagem, is recognized for its intricate world-building and unique blend of military science fiction with mathematical concepts. Readers often praise the complex political landscape and the innovative use of mathematics as a core element of the society and its conflicts. The series is noted for its challenging concepts and dense plotting, appealing to those who enjoy intellectually stimulating science fiction. The narrative structure and character arcs are frequently highlighted as strengths, contributing to a compelling and distinct reading experience.