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The Rainshadow Orphans
(2026)(The first book in the Rainshadow Orphans Trilogy series)
A novel by Naomi Ishiguro
Featuring stenciled edges and original art for the front and back endpapers.
The first novel in a dazzling fantasy trilogy inspired by Japanese folklore and Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away, 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 terrorized by an underground criminal organization known as the Lucky Crows.
Toshiko, Jun and Mei Kawakami are a family, bonded through loyalty if not blood, who live outside the increasingly corrupt law and who are seeking revenge for the murder of their beloved ‘aunt’ Reiko by the Lucky Crows. 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. Tightly set across two days and peopled with unforgettable characters, The Rainshadow Orphans blends the anime fantasy of works like Pokémon and Studio Ghibli and the anime science fiction of revolutionary cyberpunk like Akira to explore what it means to stand up to corruption and take charge of destiny.
Genre: Fantasy
The first novel in a dazzling fantasy trilogy inspired by Japanese folklore and Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away, 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 terrorized by an underground criminal organization known as the Lucky Crows.
Toshiko, Jun and Mei Kawakami are a family, bonded through loyalty if not blood, who live outside the increasingly corrupt law and who are seeking revenge for the murder of their beloved ‘aunt’ Reiko by the Lucky Crows. 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. Tightly set across two days and peopled with unforgettable characters, The Rainshadow Orphans blends the anime fantasy of works like Pokémon and Studio Ghibli and the anime science fiction of revolutionary cyberpunk like Akira to explore what it means to stand up to corruption and take charge of destiny.
Genre: Fantasy
Praise for this book
"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
"A playful, accessible novel that under the cover of fantasy brings in questions about chosen family, immigration, technology and fairness." - Rowan Hisayo Buchanan
"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
"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
"Naomi Ishiguro has extraordinary talent, and her story of The Rainshadow Orphans is full of tenderness and revenge, beautifully written and wondrous." - Megan Davis
"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
"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
"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
"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'll leave you wanting more." - Julianne Pachico
"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
"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." - A F Steadman
"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." - Cailean Steed
"A brilliantly crafted and wonderfully original fantasy debut - I absolutely loved it. The worldbuilding is incredible, the detail is exquisite, and I already can't wait to read the sequel. A must read for fantasy fans everywhere!" - Katherine Webber
"A playful, accessible novel that under the cover of fantasy brings in questions about chosen family, immigration, technology and fairness." - Rowan Hisayo Buchanan
"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
"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
"Naomi Ishiguro has extraordinary talent, and her story of The Rainshadow Orphans is full of tenderness and revenge, beautifully written and wondrous." - Megan Davis
"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
"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
"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
"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'll leave you wanting more." - Julianne Pachico
"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
"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." - A F Steadman
"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." - Cailean Steed
"A brilliantly crafted and wonderfully original fantasy debut - I absolutely loved it. The worldbuilding is incredible, the detail is exquisite, and I already can't wait to read the sequel. A must read for fantasy fans everywhere!" - Katherine Webber
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