King of Peru by Author Mark E. Scott -Destiny and Delusion
King of Peru Probes the Pressures of College Life Through a Dark Psychological Lens
Acclimating to college life is difficult under the best circumstances — even more so when you’re hearing the commanding voice of a ruthless conquistador in your head. In his darkly witty, psychologically layered new book, King of Peru, author Mark E. Scott blends campus drama, mental-health themes and historical intrigue in a way that feels especially timely given current conversations about student well-being, identity and pressure.
Note from Becky
I just started reading this book the other night and didn’t want to put it down. I am already invested in Matt and Thomas and look forward to continue reading King of Peru. In one short sitting I was able to make it to Chapter 13. The author, Mark Scott, brings you in from the very first paragraph and keeps you locked in with his descriptive writing technique. I am so excited to finish this book. At that point I will come back and give my full review.
King of Peru Probes the Pressures of College Life Through a Dark Psychological Lens
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CINCINNATI, Ohio, Dec. 2, 2025 — Lope de Aguirre, a ruthless 16th-century conquistador who once tried and failed to seize power in Peru, returns in an unexpected form: as the commanding voice inside a college student’s mind in Mark E. Scott’s haunting and darkly humorous new book, King of Peru.
Matt Obrodnick, an older freshman and former Marine living with schizophrenia, enrolls at Miami University in Ohio, determined to rebuild his life. But his efforts take a troubling turn when he begins hearing the insistent voice of Aguirre, who persuades Matt that he is destined for something far greater — and far more dangerous — than ordinary college life.
Matt finds some stability through his friendship with Thomas, his grounded, chain-smoking, son-of-a-preacher roommate. But as Aguirre’s influence grows stronger, Matt battles delusions, paranoia and violent impulses. Thomas turns to faith — and the long-awaited return of his sister Renee — in search of his own clarity. When Renee forms an unexpected bond with Matt, the fragile peace between the two roommates begins to crack.
A razor-sharp blend of psychological suspense and offbeat humor, King of Peru explores the voices that demand loyalty — whether they come from mental illness, history or faith — and the universal struggle to find identity and belonging in moments of chaos.
Chere Di Boscio of Sacred Valley Expats.com calls King of Peru “a darkly witty, slow-burn campus novel with a supernatural edge… the premise is fresh and the characters feel real… an original, offbeat ride.”
Arriving at a time when conversations about student mental health and campus pressures continue to intensify, Scott’s novel offers a timely and unsettling look at the search for meaning — and the dangers that arise when the past refuses to stay silent.
King of Peru
Publisher: Speaking Volumes
Release Date: December 2025
ISBN-13: 979-8890223876 (paperback)
ISBN-13: 979-8890223869 (e-Book)
