The Rainshadow Orphans

The Rainshadow Series #1

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.

Genres: Fantasy, Adult, Japan, Mythology, Cozy Fantasy, Fiction, Cozy

640 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication May 26, 2026

About the author

Naomi Ishiguro studied writing at the University of East Anglia and is a former bookseller and bibliotherapist at Mr B.’s Emporium in Bath. She lives in London.

Reviews

[Mai H.]

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and S&S/Saga Press

[rachel x]

"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."

bubble tea & dragons? sign me up

[Annabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of found family, adventure, magic and dragons that captures the imagination from the start is hiding under a beautifully illustrated cover. I definitely was drawn in by the book's outward appearance, very reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki's films, then the description sounded interesting. But, not all pretty books with exciting descriptions deliver on their promise, however, this one did with such alacrity that I simply can't wait for the sequel. With the title of The Rainshadow Orphans, I thought that the tale would center on the siblings Toshiko, Jun and Mei , but we also have Haru, the son of the Emperor, and Theo, an illegal immigrant forced into becoming a foot-soldier for the gang that accounts for the criminal element of the story. Through all of these perspectives, we follow along on heists, into elegant events, and through seedier sides of the island to uncover conspiracies and organized crimes. The siblings each have distinct personalities and affinities but their bonds of family are strong and add heart to this story. All five characters play a part in helping the poorest residents of their island battle for their homes and even their freedom, and at the end of the book it seems that though the first battle is over, there is more of this tale to unfold. I can't wait to continue the adventures and perhaps "see" more of the archipelago and more of these characters who captured my imagination.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Saga Press) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[MAPLE · Rating 4 out of 5]

A breathtaking tale of found family, finding hope amidst brutality and dehumanization, and bringing down the systems that break us. I was hooked by the promise of a howl’s moving castle-inspired fantasy, and was surprised to find so much more. The Kawakami siblings find themselves way in over their heads after stealing a mysterious pearl from a member of the Crows, a vicious gang with the endorsement of the Emperor. Their story is woven into Theo, a new Crow running from his past, and Haru, the innocent and brave son of the emperor. I was enchanted by the beauty and cruelty of Rainshadow city, and found myself wanting to know more about the other lands in this world, spoken of only in the stories of the many immigrants who struggle to find solace in a place where they are denied any kind of representation or humanity.

I don’t usually love fantasy with modern/technology elements but really enjoyed the totally spies-esque tech. I can imagine them using a tiny computer inside a hair clip and squealing over a magic boba machine! This book truly has it all, from dragons to unsettling robots to harrowing fight scenes. I loved how genuine the characters felt, especially Haru! I rarely read children characters who feel real, and his big heart and bravery really brought this story together. At its core, this book is about love and community and forgiveness and hope. I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[Lily Weiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lil cutie pie tale of a found family in a world with where magic and tech intertwine (NOT a good thing at all)

this story dragged in some parts (I think because it tried to maintain a cozy vibe while also dealing with pretty tough/ standard tropes for a sci-fi) but i only minded a little BECAUSE I enjoyed the cozy energy throughout, and I liked watching the characters (shoutout to jun the people’s princess) be sweet and nice

Thanks to NetGalley & Saga Press for the ARC in exchange for this review

[Kelsey]

They had me at "inspired by Japanese folklore and Studio Ghibli films." Say no more, I'm locked in.

[Desig · Rating 4 out of 5]

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