The Rainshadow Orphans by Ishiguro, Naomi;

Short description:

The first novel in a dazzling epic fantasy trilogy inspired by Japanese folklore and Studio Ghibli, set within a mythical archipelago brimming with dragons and Sun Spirits, high-tech hackers and bubble tea.

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Long description:

The first novel in a dazzling fantasy trilogy inspired by Japanese folklore and Studio Ghibli, set within a mythical archipelago brimming with dragons and Sun Spirits, high-tech hackers and bubble tea.

'The world is richly detailed, the stakes are high as a dragon flies, and the pace is addictive. Pick it up now’&&&160;SAMANTHA SHANNON,&&&160;internationally&&&160;bestselling author of&&&160;The Priory of the Orange Tree

‘The Rainshadow Orphans&&&160;shimmers with wondrous worldbuilding and sublime writing.' AF STEADMAN,&&&160;internationally bestselling author of the&&&160;Skandar&&&160;series

Life is hard in Rainshadow City, a place where poverty and corruption are rife and where inhabitants are terrorized by an underground criminal organization known as the Lucky Crows.

Toshiko, Jun and Mei Kawakami are family, bonded through loyalty if not by blood. They live outside the city’s increasingly corrupt law, and are seeking revenge on the Lucky Crows for the murder of their beloved ‘aunt’ Reiko. Haru is the son of the Emperor, destined to one day rule over the whole Rainshadow Archipelago and uphold his mother’s ignoble legacy. Currently however, he seems more interested in making friends with magical Sun Spirits that only he can see. Theo, forced to leave his homeland, is a reluctant foot-soldier for the Lucky Crows. He doesn’t want to be a gangster, but as an illegal immigrant to the city, his choices are severely limited.

When Toshiko steals a dragon pearl from the leader of the Crows, she begins a daring adventure that will put them all on a thrilling path to determine the future of Rainshadow City.

Tightly set across two days and peopled with unforgettable characters, The Rainshadow Orphans draws on the charm of anime like Pokémon and the works of Studio Ghibli, as well as on the gripping, fast-paced fantasy plots of series like The Legend of Korra, to explore what it means to stand up to corruption and take charge of destiny.

‘A perfect fusion of cyberpunk and fantasy, this electric debut, packed with memorable characters, will keep your heart pumping all the way through. The world is richly detailed, the stakes are high as a dragon flies, and the pace is addictive. Pick it up now’ 
– SAMANTHA SHANNON, internationally bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange Tree

‘A breathtaking adventure set in an immersive cityscape like no other. The Rainshadow Orphans has a wonderful cast reminiscent of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and a message of hope that made my diaspora heart soar’
– ELIZA CHAN, Sunday Times bestselling author of Fathomfolk
 
‘A brilliantly crafted and wonderfully original fantasy debut – I absolutely loved it. The worldbuilding is incredible, the detail is exquisite, and I already can&&&39;t wait to read the sequel. A must read for fantasy fans everywhere!’
– KATHERINE WEBBER, bestselling author of Twin Crowns 

‘Accomplished, ambitious worldbuilding and dynamic, determined characters. I love Naomi Ishiguro’s writing both for its thrilling sense of adventure and her resolutely humane engagement with the most important questions of family, loyalty and friendship’
– LEON CRAIG, author of The Decadence
 
‘The Rainshadow Orphans shimmers with wondrous worldbuilding and sublime writing. A luminous blend of folklore, sci-fi and aching humanity – I couldn’t put it down’
– AF STEADMAN, internationally bestselling author of the Skandar series

‘Like the best fantasy/sci-fi anime… The Rainshadow Orphans will stay with me for its kickass characters, devastatingly-imagined world and Hiranaya: the most memorable dragon in fiction!’
– William Yamaguchi Dobson, author of Kamizen: Fortress of Lost Memories

‘Spectacular. Rainshadow Island is redolent with wonders to rival Barrie&&&39;s Neverland and threats fiercer than anything in Collins&&&39; Panem. Ishiguro has crafted an essential and propulsive novel about the magic of truly connecting with a land and its history. I will follow these wonderful characters wherever they take me’
– Alex Allison, author of Greatest of All Time
 
‘Naomi Ishiguro&&&39;s The Rainshadow Orphans is a triumph, combining the best of Ghibli-esque vibes with a vividly realised world. A gripping adventure with real heart, this story is an imaginative feast. A fantastic new voice in fantasy’
– Cailean Steed, author of Home

 &&&39;A playful, accessible novel that under the cover of fantasy brings in questions about chosen family, immigration, technology and fairness&&&39;
– Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, author of Harmless Like You
 
‘A heartfelt, hopeful and colorful adventure with a refreshingly uncynical belief in the power of community and kindness, and in the ability of people to get up time and time again in the world that would beat them down. Come for the dragons and bubble tea machine, stay for the unshakable Kawakami family bonds’
– Mina Ikemoto Ghosh, author of Hyo the Hellmaker

‘Naomi Ishiguro has extraordinary talent, and her story of The Rainshadow Orphans is full of tenderness and revenge, beautifully written and wondrous’
– Megan Davis, author of Bay of Thieves

‘Charming and utterly immersive, The Rainshadow Orphans draws you into its world until you can almost smell, taste, and hear it. Reminiscent in atmosphere of The Legend of Korra, and The Golden Compass, it will transport you to a place of talking animals, annoying siblings, and beautiful magic.’
– Jenny Mustard, author of What a Time to Be Alive

&&&39;Wonderfully imaginative, atmospheric, and transportive, The Rainshadow Orphans weaves a spellbinding Japanese-infused adventure filled with mystery, courage, and unforgettable characters, as well as a powerful and timely commentary on power. Perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell, or anyone longing to be whisked away to a richly imagined world. Like the best bubble tea, it&&&39;ll leave you wanting more&&&39; 
– Julianne Pachico, author of Jungle House

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