A.S. Tamaki
A daughter, heir to a great family, who dreams of reclaiming her birthright...
A son, who quests to stop his father's killers once and for all...
A young woman, a peasant commoner, who by chance once saved his life, and whose fate is now entwined with his, because of it...
Sen Hoshiakari is an exiled prince of a clan that lost everything in his father's failed rebellion. Deprived of his birthright, Sen is determined to restore his family's lands and honour at any cost.
Rui is a peasant girl who saved Sen's life the night his family were put to the sword. But now she is adrift and unsure of her place in the world, not knowing that the gods themselves have plans for her…
As civil war throws the empire into chaos, and demons seek vengeance on the living, Sen and Rui must fight for both their clan and their shared future…
… But vengeance demands a bloody price.
When we ask the gods to do things for us, they require something in return… And sometimes… they say yes...”
Debut author A. S. Tamaki weaves a powerful tale of ambition, vengeance and sacrifice in this masterful fantasy retelling of an ancient Samurai saga, packed with memorable characters, stunning worldbuilding and epic adventure
“I’ll do better next time.”
His uncle stood. “You’d better.”
Sen had the sudden memory of his master Jobo killing the serow, its blood gushing over his hands; its squeals; its abrupt silence. His words. This is what your family is.
“I’ll make you proud,” Sen said. “I’ll make our ancestors proud. I’ll fix our name, I swear to you, I’ll wipe this stain away, and replace it with something people will talk about for a thousand years. They will know my name. I’ll make sure of it.”
His uncle considered him, seeming to see the fire and the rage of shame he felt boiling away with every beat of his heart.
“Good.”
