The Rainshadow Orphans by Naomi Ishiguro

Short description/annotation:
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.
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.

Life is hard for the inhabitants of Rainshadow City, a place where poverty and corruption are rife and where they are terrorised by an underground criminal organisation known as the Lucky Crows.
 
Toshiko, Jun and Mei Kawakami are a family, bonded through loyalty if not blood, who live outside the law and who are seeking revenge for the murder of their beloved ‘aunt’ Reiko. Haru is the son of the Emperor, destined to one day rule over the Archipelago and uphold his mother’s ignoble legacy, but he is more interested in making friends with the magical Sun Spirits it seems 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, it sets them all on a thrilling path which will determine the future of Rainshadow City. Set across two days and peopled with unforgettable characters, The Rainshadow Orphans blends fantasy and science fiction to explore what it means to stand up to corruption and take charge of destiny. 
Review quote:
‘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
 
‘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''s Neverland and threats fiercer than anything in Collins'' 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''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’
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