The Rainshadow Orphans

Rainshadow #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, Mythology, Cozy Fantasy, Fiction, Japan, 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

[kylie’s been jinxed ౨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

˚⊱🫧⊰˚ 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘 𝑶𝒓𝒑𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒔 ˚⊱🌧⊰˚

ᯓ 🌧 ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴀɪɴsʜᴀᴅᴏᴡ ᴏʀᴘʜᴀɴs ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ᴍᴀʏ, 𝟸𝟼 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼!
⤿ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 𝟺.25 sᴛᴀʀs!! ★★★★☆
⤿ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪs ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏ: ғᴀɴᴛᴀsᴛɪᴄᴀʟ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ʙᴜɪʟᴅɪɴɢ, ʀᴇʙᴇʟʟɪᴏɴs, ʜᴇɪsᴛs, ғᴏᴜɴᴅ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀsɪᴀɴ ɪɴsᴘɪʀᴇᴅ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ!

ᯓ 🫧 ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs:

⤷ The Kawakamis. A found family: Toshiko, Jun, Mei and their cat. Toshiko is the athletic one, sent on a mission to steal a dragon pearl. Jun is the social one, charismatic and empathetic towards others. Mei is the smart one, using technology and the cat’s favorite. Together, they are looking for revenge for their Aunt Reiko who was killed.

⤷ Haru. The young heir to the emperor, who is far more interested in playing games with strangers and looking for magical Sun Spirits than gaining power.

⤷ Theo. The immigrant who is forced to work for the Lucky Crows, with his own secrets to protect.

ᯓ 🌧 ᴀʟʟ ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs:
⤷ This novel is incredibly well written with compelling characters, beautiful world building and a fascinating plot! The action rarely stops and the atmosphere creates a dazzling start to a trilogy.

The story begins with an enticing heist by Toshiko to steal a dragon pearl from the leader of an organized crime group called the Lucky Crows. The entirety of the novel takes place over an exhilarating two days that will determine the entire fate of Rainshadow City.

Let’s start with the characters. They were incredibly well written and fleshed out. I could feel each individual's personality and their emotions. Each was unique and enjoyable to read about, with their own talents, struggles and motivations. The writing is descriptive and easy for me to understand and read. The book was well paced, despite the constant of the story - it flowed consistently throughout the entire book.

The Rainshadow Orphans completely transported me into a different place. Its world building is dazzling, filled with exquisite imagery and wonderful magic. This magic system feels unique, especially when set against this Asian cyberpunk series. It was interesting to see how the different genres blended together. I was intrigued to learn that this book is both fantasy and science-fiction. It works seamlessly to incorporate the stereotypical aspects of each genre and combine into something that feels novel.

ᯓ 🫧 ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs:

I would definitely recommend this book to others who are looking for an atmospheric and Studio Ghibli inspired read. I just adore whimsical fantasy novels and this one was just to my taste!

ᯓ 🌧 ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ:
⤿ 4.25 stars

ᯓ🫧 ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴇᴅ:
⤿ Water Moon (Yambao)
⤿ The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea (Oh)

Thank you very much to Netgalley and Saga Press for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review!!

▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ 🫧 || ᴘʀᴇʀᴇᴀᴅ:
₊⊹⁀➴ this book is so pretty! i’ve been trying to read more japanese literature and this seems right up my street. also, i used to have a dog named “Toshiko” for smart girl, and this just feels right.🥺

[Mai H.]

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

[Jefferz · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing blend of fantasy and science fiction elements, Naomi Ishiguro's the Rainshadow Orphans is a unique crossover novel full of Japanese cultural and folklore inspirations. Mixing a variety of concepts across the SFF genre umbrella, this book is an appealing and accessible read that feels like a throwback to YA fantasy novels of the mid 2000's modernized for current tastes. The start of a planned high fantasy trilogy, though the Rainshadow Orphans is quite lengthy and occasionally drags in places, it's an appealing start to a series full of great potential.

Highlights:
☕︎ Features a unique blend of SFF elements crossing over between fantasy and scifi. Japanese inspirations provided wonderful color and vibrancy to the story.
☕︎ Whimsical and nostalgic presentation gives the book a lovely Studio Ghibli-like feel (albeit occasionally limited in use) complimented by strong visuals.
☕︎ Imaginative and expansive world-building and lore that sets up the series well for future storylines and adventures.

Considerations:
- Multiple POV's, heavy world-building, and excessive details sometimes feel irrelevant or redundant, creating multiple places where the story drags. Pacing feels slow and start/stop.
- Wide variety of fantasy and scifi elements lack a bit cohesion and the story feels like it's spread too thin. Despite strong conceptual ideas, the overall narrative feels a bit juvenile and surface level.

Set in a fictional island archipelago and primarily taking place in the affluent Rainshadow City and the impoverished Keeper’s Crescent, the Rainshadow Orphans tells the story of young adult characters (plus Haru) caught amid the Royal Emperor Asayo’s revisioning of the island and the illegal gang activities of the Lucky Crows. Presented through multiple POV’s, the story is one that is part fantasy magical object and creature-based, and part futuristic technology-based with light hints of dystopian turmoil. The book covers the events of 48 hours that put the futures of many of the island’s neglected groups at risk as power-hungry groups jockey for control. The story follows three orphaned and adopted Kawakami siblings, Toshiko the scrappy adventurer, Jun the healer and info-gatherer, Mei the tech wizard, the ten year old royal prince Haru, and the undocumented immigrant and unlikely Lucky Crow member Theo. Split across different backgrounds, affiliations, and individual narratives, Ishiguro’s story sees their paths and narratives cross in a book about found family, loyalty, and one’s place in the grand Rainshadow City.

Before getting into the book's plot, a big highlight of the Rainshadow Orphans is its whimsical nature that the publisher aptly compares to Studio Ghibli movies. While the plot and characters are more straightforward fantasy and scifi faire vs Ghibli’s more relaxed and nature-based narratives, the fantasy visuals and focal sun spirits add a lovely warmth and dreamy, almost nostalgic feel to the reading experience. While Keeper’s Crescent is a rougher and harsh setting fitting for the book’s meatier narrative points and themes, the outskirts of the island and the quieter moments of the story are where the book is at its best. As the sheltered royal heir and one gifted with the heightened ability to see the island’s mythical sun spirits, Haru’s perspective is particularly pretty and magical, easily my favorite character and perspective in the book that matches Ishiguro’s writing style wonderfully. The dreamy feel also extends to Ishiguro’s visuals of the technologically advanced city, the emperor’s opulent palace gardens, and the endless sea that surrounds the island.

In addition to the whimsical feel of its magical beings and scenery, this book also features a unique blend of elements taken from across the SFF umbrella. While the book’s cover and synopsis involving a dragon pearl, magical powers, and mythical sun spirits are distinctively fantasy-based, the Rainshadow Orphans also features a slate of compelling scifi elements as well. There’s a mysterious failed experiment that released a toxic phenomenon on another island, automated service bots, high-tech communication devices, and Mei’s signature hacking abilities and aspirations to create the perfect boba-making robot. The story strings all these fantasy and scifi elements together through a story set around political corruption, poverty, and the neglect of the residents of Keeper’s Crescent, many of which are undocumented migrants who are unable to obtain a citizen pass to the nearby Rainshadow City. The discussions around classism, dependency on undocumented migrant labor, systemic exploitation of the poor, and limitless greed for power and resources are themes highly relevant in the current societal and political climate wrapped within a youthful and creative package.

While the book has a lot of different character perspectives and storylines meaning there’s something appealing for almost every reader, my main critique with the Rainshadow Orphans is that it sometimes feels like the story has too many narrative elements going on that don’t necessarily complement each other well. While I can see many readers enjoying the blend of fantasy with scifi flair and Ishiguro’s use of techy concepts powered by fantasy-based origins, I often felt like the book was trying to do a lot with different storylines and ideas but spread too thinly. Plot threads revolving around automated bots, machine vs living beings, and the very concept of the sun spirits come and go throughout the story which feels like it lacks cohesion and follow through on its individually interesting moving pieces. While far from being poorly written, the lack of focus results in the overall story feeling rather surface level in its development and lacking strong hooks to keep the reader engaged; there’s no real indication of what the story’s purpose or direction is until almost a third of the way in. Additionally, due to the expansive lore and ideas for the series, I frequently felt like the story’s pacing and plot were getting dragged down by the extensive world-building that sometimes felt like it was straying off-topic or taking too long to get to the point. To Ishiguro’s credit, I found the world-building presented was well-done and elaborate but questioned the relevancy of such extensive backstories that resulted in a kind of start and stop kind of build. In theory, all the book’s ideas and themes are quite compelling, but when put together, I found I appreciated the book conceptually far more than I did subjectively which brought down my overall reading experiences and score for the book. I also found the story to be quite simple and juvenile from a character writing and plot perspective. While not specifically marketed as a YA or adult novel, the characterizations, prose, and storytelling felt quite simplistic to me. Particularly the villains' motivations left a lot to be desired and overall, the story felt very YA despite the visual violence, themes, and world-building suggesting more mature literary aspirations.

Narratively, the events of the book take place over 48 hours which sounds like the setup for an exciting SFF fusion kickstarted by the Kawakami siblings’ infiltration heist and ending with a violent and dramatic clash of forces. This may also be an unpopular opinion, but clocking in at 640 pages, I felt like this book was probably about 200 pages too long. I believe Ishiguro’s intent was to fully develop and flesh out all three of the siblings, Haru, and Theo individually with their different skills and backgrounds. While I found Toshiko and Haru’s perspective consistently interesting and tonally distinctive, I often felt like Jun’s perspective was unnecessary and didn’t add much to the book’s narrative or storyline and Mei’s perspective to be the opposite where it’s so briefly used, the content could’ve been rephrased or incorporated into either Toshiko, Haru, or Theo’s chapters. The excess detailing is most noticeable when the book introduces certain backstories or lore in one POV and then recaps the same information again in another POV. The resident healer and pseudo family figure to the siblings Aunty Maile is an integral part of the story, but Toshiko and Jun’s lengthy introductions, backstories, and memories of Aunty Maile while contextually different felt repetitive and unnecessarily duplicated. The story also has sections of compelling action and developments such as the early heist, Toshiko’s conflict with the Lucky Crows, or her introduction to Theo, but then would go for lengthy sections of slow development with little progression. I personally would’ve preferred the story to be snappier or more focused especially considering it's not a standalone book that has to cover every detail and connection in one go. Additionally, the whimsical and Ghibli-like feel that I loved about the book and consider its best element to be wonderful when they would occur, but often felt completely lost and absent for most of the read. I likely would’ve preferred if the story was just Toshiko and Haru’s perspectives only with brief snapshots into Theo’s eyes rather than the book’s ensemble approach that felt bloated to me.

A unique blend of SFF ideas, an expansive high fantasy world, and a loving nod to Japanese culture and mythology, the Rainshadow Orphans has a lot of great appealing selling points. The conceptual vision of Rainshadow City and the sun spirits captures that special Studio Ghibli feel and it’s clear that Ishiguro has great ideas in store for future entries in the series. In particular, this is a great SFF book for readers looking for a safe and pleasant YA story with some unique twists and flavor. Unfortunately, the sluggish pacing, heavy world-building, and general overwritten feel for me prevented the book from living up to its full potential and was a bit of a disappointment. Additionally the book’s marketing comparing it to Pokemon (aside from being whimsical, there’s nothing in common between them and the sun spirits), cyberpunk Akira (the aesthetic is all wrong and the cyberpunk elements nowhere near as prominent to warrant the reference) , and anime in general feels like a poor comparison and setting up the prospective readers for disappointment; I frankly think that the only thing those titles and this book have in common are having Japanese inspirations and the marketing failing to understand what the anime style or medium is. My personal gripes with the marketing aside, the Rainshadow Orphans is a confidently written start to what looks like to be a promising new trilogy series.

This review is based on a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided by Saga Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster via Netgalley.

*For more reviews, book lists and reading updates, check out my blog TheBookGrind!

[Quilted.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything. I went in expecting Studio Ghibli vibes and somehow it delivered that and more. The world feels magical but also very real in the way it talks about poverty, power, and survival.At the heart of the story is Rainshadow City a place ruled by corruption and terrorized by an underground crime group called the Lucky Crows. We follow Toshiko, Jun, and Mei Kawakami a found family bonded by loyalty who are trying to survive outside the law while seeking revenge for the murder of their beloved Aunt Reiko. Alongside them are Haru, the Emperor’s son who would rather befriend Sun Spirits than inherit a cruel legacy, and Theo, an immigrant forced into the Lucky Crows with almost no choices of his own. When a stolen dragon pearl sets everything into motion, the story turns into this fast paced, emotional ride that all unfolds over just two days.What really got me was how beautiful this book felt. The writing is vivid and cinematic in that Ghibli way soft magic, quiet moments, found family, and big emotional stakes mixed with cyberpunk energy that reminded me a bit of Akira. I truly could not put it down. The characters are unforgettable, the world is immersive, and the themes about standing up to corruption and choosing your own destiny were inspirational.I loved this book so, so much. It was heartfelt, thrilling, and visually stunning in my head the entire time. If you love Studio Ghibli, anime inspired fantasy, or stories about found family and resistance, this is absolutely a must read.

[Hannah (the.baristas.books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Firstly, I am thankful to the publishers for sending me a copy of this.

However I did DNF at 15%, which for this book is almost 100 pages. I really tried, and I wanted to enjoy it because the premise is so intriguing. Inspired by Ghibli, dragons, and a sci-fi fantasy blend? By all accounts I should have loved it. But I didn't.

There was something about the writing style and the grammar that actually made me research as to whether this was written by AI. There were 3 em dashes across just two pages - surely there's a better way to articulate something (see what I did there?).

Unfortunately the characters felt flat and although the book started with a fantastic scene, I didn't feel carried along.

Hopefully I'm in the minority of those who feel this way, and I hope many more people find the adventure and joy that should be here.

[Ifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Simon and Schuster for an advanced reader copy of this book!

4.25 stars - I really enjoyed this! It was a fantastic blend of sci fi and fantasy with excellent world building, plenty of action, and multiple POVs. It is amazing that this takes course over just two days! I can’t believe all that happened in 48 hours. Also, I will always love a story with a made-family not through blood.

This was a great start to the trilogy! Ishiguro does a great job at storytelling. I couldn’t put this book down and 600 pages didn’t even feel like a drag. There were parts that sure, could have been condensed, but I liked getting all the details so it worked for me. I enjoyed being in this world and experiencing it through the eyes of multiple main characters.

Though I loved the complexity of the characters and what decisions they make when they’re put in situations just trying to survive, I didn’t feel emotionally connected to any of them. Don’t get me wrong, they’re great characters and I really enjoyed my time reading this, but I wasn’t emotionally invested. However, the book was paced well, had an intriguing plot, and I need to emphasize again how great the world building was!

I’m so curious to know what will happen next!

[Wessy Acrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC from Simon & Schuster/Saga Press of

The Rainshadow Orphans by Naomi Ishiguro

Once I got past the deep world and character building, I couldn’t put it down! This story seems like it is going to come at just the right time: a time when loving your neighbor, regardless of status, color, or background is at an all time necessity for our world to proceed. This book melds sci-fi and fantasy into a story that heavily interconnects magic with nature and technology all at the same time.

The 3 main characters: Toshiko, Jun, and Mei are lovable and complex from the first page, taking readers into a complex society not unlike today’s modern politics. Other characters such as Theo and Haru also deserve the credit of main characters, as their own personal development throughout the book greatly impacts the result of the story.

Without giving too much away, the paths each character takes leads them to one ultimate question: can conflicting communities team together and overpower human-made evil?

Can’t wait to see more from this series!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

The Rainshadow Orphans is for Studio Ghibli fans - specifically, for fans of Studio Ghibli’s commentary on war and oppression told through a fantastical lens. Our protagonists range from illegal immigrants fighting to eke out a living to the Crown Prince himself, all struggling not just to survive, but to make Rainshadow Island a better place. One of the main storylines revolves around returning stolen land and property back to its people, which feels very poignant in today’s climate.

One of the best parts of the story for me was Ishiguro’s ability to humanize characters on all sides of the conflict. As the heroes of the story, Toshiko, Jun, Mei, and Haru obviously are treated well by the narrative voice, but even more complicated characters like Theo are given space to explain their choices, which are often made in the face of impossible odds and slim chances of survival. (And I’m rooting for Theo. Especially after that ending, I’m excited to see where his story goes.) Theo’s perspective draws readers into Haru’s way of thinking - how many of the Crows act the way they do because they see it as the only path to survival? Is bloodshed the only way forward?

The most vivid non-protagonist example of this is the Santos brothers. Hiroto and Daichi’s stories touched me in a way I didn’t expect. Yes, they were cruel in the ways they went about wielding what little power they held, but they were people too - brothers who lost a sister, their parents, who didn’t want to lose the last family they had. Their moment of kindness with Jun, the hesitancy to use their weapons even after all their swaggering around with them - they were just children trying to survive in an unkind world.

I can’t wait to see how Haru’s vision for Rainshadow unfolds, particularly when the Sensei seems to be gathering strength for another blow.

[emmak]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this book!

My Ranking: just not for me.

DNF @50%

I went into this book with high hopes. The premise sounded unique and intriguing, and I was looking forward to reading something reminiscent of Studio Ghibli. However, I found myself struggling to connect to the characters. Although the world was interesting and the plot was pretty exciting, it wasn’t fast paced enough to make up for the fact that I didn’t feel for the characters. They felt almost like caricatures or ideas rather than fully formed individuals to me. Because of this, I have not felt drawn to pick this book up and finish it. Ishiguro’s writing is beautiful, so I am open to reading more from this author in the future. The particular book is just not for me, and that’s okay.

[Quill&Queer]

Checking in for bubble tea

[Risa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down


I enjoyed this book overall, and I think many other readers will too.

I especially thought the world was interesting and the characters were great. But man oh man does this book (eARC) suffer from pacing issues—so many scenes were dragged out for no valid reason, which often took me out of the story.


While I can appreciate immersive world building, there were often way too many details that felt unnecessary, and simply bloated the book. (That is to say, this book absolutely did not need to be this long, and the pacing most definitely should have been tightened up.)


The author also has a tendency to over-explain things, from the themes to the messaging in the book, as if she doesn’t trust the reader to piece together what she is trying to say. So the pacing also suffered from that. (I think this combined with the writing style made the story feel more like a YA novel than an adult novel to me personally.)


It’s a shame because had the pacing been tightened up, I could see myself giving this book a higher rating. I really did think this was an interesting world to explore with the combination of science and fantasy. (And as someone who doesn’t usually gravitate towards dragon books, I really enjoyed the dragon lore in this one.)

The characters were all enjoyable to read about as well. The three Kawakami siblings were my favorites, followed by Theo, and then Haru. I did feel at time like there were too many POVs (and POV jumps) for my personal tastes, but I can also see why so many were used. I will say that some of dialogue felt stilted and unnatural though, as if it only served as a tool to relay information to the reader (as opposed to being how people naturally speak).


All in all, I look forward to reading the sequel in the future. (And hopefully the pacing issues will be addressed before the final version of this first book is published.)




NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:


- The opening heist chapter was great—especially since we see how Toshiko ended up with the dragon pearl in her possession


- I love the power the Lucky Crows has over Rainshadow City, and how they leave feathers as a punishment warning. (I do lowkey wonder why the author chose the Crows as the name of the gang. Because obviously it makes me immediately think of Six of Crows.)



- I like the multiple POVs thus far. But structure of having numbered sections within the numbers chapters is a bit confusing for me.


- I like the writing style, and I like the mixture of fantasy and technology thus far. But the author does tend to overexplain things a bit (for example we didn’t need two pages of explanation for the trio’s last name Kawakami).


- (12% in. Took a break from this book from January 22 to February 14. Hopefully I haven’t forgotten anything important!)


- Now 20% in, and I have to say that I love the sibling dynamics between Mei, Jun, and Toshiko Kawakami so much! Their personalities really shine through on the page. And I love seeing how they handle the Crows differently—Jun talking his way out of capture, while Tosh purposely got captured so she could face Seito. (And obviously Mei was the one who gave Jun the info about the two Crow’s having lost a sister back home.)

- My only question is why Tosh went looking for the Crows, to burn the feather in front of them? Like obviously she wanted to “fix it” by taking out Seito presumably. But did she think the other Crows wouldn’t retaliate if she succeeded? (Though I do find it interesting that she escaped into the Crescent, her old home.)

- We didn’t have any scene with Theo from 12% and 20% (although it’s coming up—I stopped just before one). And we got a couple scenes with Haru, which were mainly used to tell us about the Sun Spirits and Sola. It was fine, but so far I think Haru’s POV chapters are the least exciting. But maybe that will change.
- (I will say though that I don’t think there needed to be this many POVs… but we’ll see if I change my mind!)


- Interesting that Theo has some sort of magical gift that some have called a curse. I’m curious to know how that will come into play later (and if that’s connected to the sun spirits, or the dragons , or something)



- I bet you the Emperor killed her husband or had him killed. (Also, I like the fact that she is called the Emperor instead of the Empress—which probably links back to her father’s fear that a woman wouldn’t be a good ruler.)


- The Emperor’s announcement, I like how everyone must watch it it’s a crime—very dystopian like. ALISE the bot sounds a lot like a physical AI robot. Interesting.


- So Toshiko and Theo have a meet cute over a stolen library that Theo took. I like it. I appreciate that Tosh is on edge about the Crows, and him being a Crow.


- Ooh so the three siblings are going to infiltrate another fancy party to try and take the Crows down. Sounds fun! It’s also cool how the Pearl made it so Jun could heal Toshiko (and have him a white strand of hair).


- Damn so Sensei (Hannah’s grandmother, love that) is forcing Theo to retrieve the pearl within a week and bomb the siblings to kill them, or else a poison tracker will kill him! (And it will also kill gum if he tells anyone the plan.) That sucks (though I do love the tech in this world).


- It’s a bummer that a lot of the dialogue is telling and info-dumpy.


- 40% in: I like that Theo has magic (like how he tried to change the weather to a light mist to summon a rainbow once he sees his dance partner in Aya (Toshiko) has the dragons pearl), but I don’t think i understand what exactly his magic actually is. Like, are there limitations to it? Or it just does whatever Theo (and the plot) wants it to?


- I will say though, I appreciate how this party at the emperor’s palace is unraveling into a mess (from the too strong rain that Theo created, to Jun being identified by the bot, to Toshiko’s makeup washing off). The suspense is definitely there. (And Mei eating the food as a steward while waiting to scan the bots is so on brand for her haha.)


- 48% in: Okay, so now that Haru has stolen the dragon’s pearl, and starts to see what monsters Mr. Winter and his mother are, I feel more receptive to his POV and what it brings to the story. (I also love how Kay is more of a mother to Haru than his own mother ever was.)


- 55% in: I appreciate that all three groups (Tosihko+Theo, Kay and Haru, Jun and Mei) will have their own reasons for ending up in the crescent, where they hopefully will reunite.


- 60% in: Um wow okay… Toshiko just kissed Theo (and Theo kissed him back). That felt way out of left field, especially since they basically just met each other. (I feel like their relationship thus far has truly been instalove, which is a shame because their relationship has the potential of being portrayed in a way more compelling way.)


- Aww, I was hoping that Theo wouldn’t take the dragon’s pearl and run…but I’m also not that surprised. (It was rather easy how he came into possession of the pearl, with Toshiko offering it to him to enhance his power to help the resistance. But I do like the setup, with Toshiko nicely asking Haru to give it to her, and then Toshiko offering it to Theo.)


- And that’s too bad that the Crows took Mailee (the Crescent healer). I hope she’s okay, but I doubt she will be.


- 64% in: I appreciate seeing General Mori’s POV so that we see what the Emperor is planning/thinking. But really? Do we really need ANOTHER POV so late in the story? I honestly think there are too many.


- All this preparation for the rebels in the Crescent to fight the Crows is taking too long. I appreciate that there needs to be some planning, but I’d making the pacing drag too much.


- I wonder if these bots made by the Sensei are partly made of human parts…


- 70% in: I know Toshiko has morals, but I don’t understand why she feels like she’s “betrayed” Theo by telling Ken Saito that Theo is the one who has the dragon pearl. Theo took it and ran in the first place, so it’s not that big a deal.
- (I also think this goes back to the fact that I don’t feel like Toshiko and Theo’s relationship with each other was very well developed beyond instant attraction. So it doesn’t feel earned that either Theo or Toshiko would be thinking about the other person much at all.)


- Once the fighting began, the story became interesting again. But it’s also going on for a bit too long now to be honest—I think again because there’s so many (too many) POVs to keep track of. (Also the scene of Haru talking to and riding that dragon is kind of boring.)


- 72% in: I find it hard to believe that Saito would let Toshiko leave so easily. Like yeah he knocked her around a bit, and yeah he hurt her feelings by telling her that Blue Jay Theo is part of the Crows. But Saito is too vindictive a person to just lost interest in killing the girl who stole his dragon pearl from him in the first place.


- Aww that poor dragon Hiranaya, being cut like that by Saito.


- That’s nice that the Emperor threw her knife at Saito and took him down! Saving Haru!


- The origami birds that the Sensei has attack Theo are both silly and cool at the same time.


- Kei is such a good mother figure to Haru! I love them!

- Good for Mei (the introvert tech girl) for shooting the Emperor in the throat! I guess she can fight too, who knew! (I kinda like that, but also, I thought she wasn’t a fighter? It’s a bit wild that she had such perfect aim at the Emperor’s throat…)


- 82% in: While I appreciate that this is a big battle scene, broken up over many POVs, I feel like this fight is going on way too long and being dragged out. Honestly the most interesting one is Theo against the Sensei, but we keep getting pulled away from it which is annoying. (Honestly, this whole book is just way too long, and the pacing should be tightened.)


- 84% in: I like that Haru is now the Emperor after his mother was stomped by her own horse for good measure. And I like how everyone bowed to him (minus the Crows), and he bowed back.
- But what I like the most is that the fighting scenes are FINALLY over!


- Up to 90% now: I appreciate that Theo brought the pearl back, and then Jun was able to use to save many lives (despite some still being lost). And I like that Jun’s hair was turning white the more he used it (though hopefully Jun will be okay in the end!).

- And then I liked how Theo used the pearl to bring the other barge ship back from where it was in the ocean. It was a nice bonding seen to see so manny of the characters hold hands as they did so (allowing them to see the sun spirits and see what Theo was doing).
- [I’ll be honest though, when Theo said he thought the ship had sunk, I found that to be really intriguing. NOT because I wanted that ship to sink (and I’m glad they made it back safely), but how interesting in terms of Theo’s character if he failed again. Because would the siblings even believe him anymore?]

- I will say though, that Theo and Toshiko’s relationship still does not feel earned at all. I don’t understand why they care about each other—there wasn’t enough time for them to get close to each other to justify how they think about each other and Toshiko sits at Theo’s side in the sand while he’s recovering. It’s just… it feels like the author is forcing two barbie dolls to kiss (even though these two characters haven’t kissed yet!) if that makes sense, like their romance is forced.


- Yay, I’m glad Mailee is alive and safe! And I like that her Cade has been of help even in her absence.



- I’m glad Jun could heal the dragon as well. And that she will return the pearl to her dragon son. (But again, this is dragging on for way too long.)


- Theo doesn’t want to ask Jun for help with the poison before the pearl was taken away? That’s fair. But Theo didn’t even try to use his own power to heal himself? That’s just ridiculous.



- I like that all the keepers children can now have citizenship under Emperor Haru. But I agree with Mei that it’s not gonna be all rainbows and butterflies from now on, not right away anyway.




- 94% in; I appreciate the siblings having a discussion back at home where they decide what to do next. and it’s interesting that Mei will stay home while Toshiko and Jun are ambassadors. But my goodness is this dragging on. And there’s a lot of telling, as if the author doesn’t trust the reader to figure out what the message of the book is.


- So Sensei has approached Theo and told him that there are Yurei bots (not ghosts) haunting Hanasaki Island. And Sensei used human stems cells to make them (hence not everyone was returned afterwards, when brain cells were taken). And if Theo does the job for her (go to the island to help round up the troops), he’ll get an antidote—a nice twist and nice set up for book2.


- Interesting that the Sensei gave Theo the antidote (and a silver coin moon credit) ahead of the job, because she confident if he tries to run then her granddaughter Hana could find him because of the tracker still in his neck.


- That’s kind of dumb that Theo is leaving it to a coin flip. (Okay good—he didn’t follow what it landed on. It sounds like he’s going to drink the antidote and join the Sensei.)

- Overall it’s a fine place to end the book. It’s sort of a cliffhanger, but also obvious what Theo ends up choosing to do.


Final Thoughts
- Overall I really did enjoy this book, but man oh man is the pacing bad. It drags on and on and on in so many places, for no valid reason whatsoever. We’re given details about the world that are so unnecessary, and add nothing to the reading experience (and in some cases took me out of the story because I become so bored that my mind would drift).

- It also doesn’t help that the author feels the need to spell out EVERYTHING, like she doesn’t trust the reader to pick up on different themes and messages and symbolism throughout the book without her explaining it all to me. So that’s another way in which the pacing suffered.

- Having said that, I loved the world and the characters. While I felt the characters escaped most of Thor hardships a bit too easily, I did enjoy the overall plot.


- I will finish by saying that I look forward to reading the sequel in the future, whenever it comes out (since book1 hasn’t even come out yet). But I really REALLY hope the pacing is better in that one. (And I hope the pacing is better in the final version of this first book, though it may be too late for that.)

[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

[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

[Heather Pacella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rainshadow City, an island within the greater Rainshadow Archipelago and seat of the Empire, has been transformed from a simple, self-sufficient island of fishermen and craftsmen into a booming metropolis, rich off the technological advancements that have taken place over the last several generations. Though the wealthiest member of the island chain (often at the expense of others), this prosperity has not benefitted all residents equally. Refugees that flee to the island are forced to live in the fenced-in Keeper's Crescent settlement, unable to obtain citizenship and meaningful employment under the Emperor's restrictive immigration policies. The Keeper's Children, forced into extremely low-paying and dangerous jobs just to barely scrape by, find their already-difficult lives compounded by the criminal Lucky Crows organization, who mercilessly exploit them at every opportunity. Toshiko, Mei, and Jun Kawakami, the titular Rainshadow Orphans, have personally experienced how cruel the Lucky Crows truly are; their Aunt Reiko, who adopted each of them when they were small, was brutally murdered in front of them five years ago for refusing to be extorted by the gang. Though they have since managed to leave the Keeper's Crescent and build a life for themselves in the city proper, they have spent the years working towards a singular goal: get revenge for the murder of their beloved aunt, by any means necessary. When a vengeful Toshiko impulsively steals a mysterious dragon pearl from a high-ranking member of the Lucky Crows, an irreversible series of events is set into motion. Set across two days as the siblings' paths converge with an impressive cast of characters (including the Emperor's son, Haru, and Keeper's Child-turned-Crow Theo), The Rainshadow Orphans culminates in an epic battle for the future of the city itself.

This book has been advertised as inspired by a number of Japanese influences, including Studio Ghibli. I unfortunately am not familiar with any of the sources, so I cannot speak to how accurate this is. However, I can say that The Rainshadow Orphans was an absolutely fantastic book! The world-building was an incredible blend of fantasy and sci-fi, and the plot was incredibly compelling. Though it was a fantastical setting, full of dragons and magic, the realistic plot points revolving around poverty, economic exploitation of immigrants, and abuse of power by those in the highest levels of authority felt all too real and added even more depth to the story. Though a 600+ page book set over only two days and following a revolving cast of characters sounds like a structural nightmare, it was anything but; Naomi Ishiguro masterfully wove together all these various story lines while simultaneously managing to develop a cast of incredible characters that you end up caring about deeply, even though you only spent a few pages with them at a time (the particular standout for me was Haru, the Emperor's young son). I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next in the unique world of The Rainshadow Orphans.


Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for this ARC!

[Syndrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really felt like a breath of fresh air and was an absolute delight to read! I haven’t had a new series grab my attention so quickly in quite some time now, and I can see this series easily gaining a dedicated fan base. You can definitely feel the Studio Ghibli inspiration in the story in that it gives off a certain whimsicality despite it covering some heavier topics (e.g. classism, political corruption) as well as showing scenes of violence.

At its core, “The Rainshadow Orphans” seems to be a story that really puts a focus on the power of found family. Our main set of characters — Toshiko, Mei, and Jun — consider themselves siblings, but they aren’t actually blood related. Bonded after all being separately adopted into the care of a woman named Reiko, these three seek to find revenge for their dear adopted “aunt” who ended up being murdered by a member of a local gang. This novel starts off with an absolute bang where we’re thrown right into a scene of Toshiko attempting to complete a stealth mission that puts her face-to-face with the same man who murdered her Aunt Reiko years ago.

I’m usually a bit wary of stories that immediately start in the middle of the action as it tends to be a bit overwhelming, but “The Rainshadow Orphans” did not suffer from this at all. In fact, I found it extremely easy to fall into this novel right from the get-go. I was able to pick up the character names quickly and found the plot and character’s motivations easy to follow even with only minimal information. If anything the storytelling shown here just felt really natural. All of the plot progressions felt like they fit in and it never seemed like drama was being thrown in just for the sake of adding more drama — it all had a purpose. I also really liked how some rather advanced technology is in play here right alongside a magic system that is slowly revealed throughout the novel. The contrast between the two is very interesting and having both in play means there’s a lot of creative potential for the rest of the series!

Overall I would highly recommend this book to fantasy readers in general – especially those who enjoy stories with Japanese influence! And for people who might be new to fantasy stories and are looking to dip their toes in the water here, then I think this would also make a fantastic introduction to the genre.

(I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher, Saga Press, via NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.)

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ended up feeling pretty mixed about The Rainshadow Orphans. There were definitely things I enjoyed, but a few elements kept it from fully landing for me.

The world itself is really interesting. Rainshadow City feels vivid and layered, and I liked the mix of magic, technology, and politics shaping the setting. The sibling dynamic between Toshiko, Jun, and Mei was probably my favorite part of the book. Their personalities felt distinct and their interactions added a lot of life to the story.

There are also some thoughtful ideas running through the book. The story touches on class divisions, refugees living in Keeper’s Crescent, and the power structures that shape the city. I liked the combination of fantasy elements like dragons and spirits with the more technological parts of the world.

Where the book lost me a bit was the pacing. The story spends a lot of time explaining the world and its themes, and sometimes it felt like things were spelled out more than they needed to be. I often found myself wishing the narrative trusted the reader a little more instead of walking through every idea.

A big part of my rating also comes down to the narration style. It has a slightly formal, explanatory tone that just wasn’t really my preference. The narrator sometimes steps in to interpret what’s happening instead of letting the moment speak for itself, and I tend to prefer fantasy that feels a little more immediate and immersive. I want to stress that this is really just a preference and not a critique of the writing. The writing itself is clearly very strong and intentional, but the storytelling style didn’t quite click for me personally.

Overall though, I can see this working really well for the right reader. The worldbuilding is detailed, the characters are interesting, and there are some strong ideas here. The writing itself is solid. It just ended up being a case where the storytelling style didn’t fully match what I usually connect with as a reader.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Rainshadow Orphans is an ambitious novel that wants to follow in the footsteps of Studio Ghibli films, Legend of Korra, Akira, and other anime, and it does somewhat manage that goal. The setting is rich and detailed, full of food, magic, nobility, and refugees. The strongest part of the book in my opinion is the young prince Haru's part, as he comes into his own power while struggling with the realities of his mother's cruel rule, his friendship with the Sun Spirits, and the neglect and downright abuse of the refugees in Keeper's Crescent. His parts are the most lyrical and magical, with the most mythical creatures by far, and honestly I do wonder based on the strength of these parts if this book should have been a child's book instead.

This leads into the major problem of this book: problems and conspiracies are too simple and unraveled too easily, and the villains are very one-note. The Crows put the pictures of the Kawakami family on all the screens within the city, and yet, not only does no one simply tell them where they live for reward money, but Theo doesn't even recognize Toshiko at first. Toshiko needs to sneak into a noble party? All the requires is some makeup and disguises--no need for etiquette lessons or background research on all the nobles and their factions here! I actually did enjoy the AI metaphor for the Life-Hub robots, but that is also wrapped up so fast, and the conspiracy itself about the fact that Life -Hub is going to be installed on Keeper's Crescent, with all the refugees pushed out, is also discovered by Toshiko too quickly. Also, realistically, child emperors never have a good fate ultimately.

If you're looking for a YA-esque anime-inspired fantasy novel though, this will probably work for you.

[Jensen McCorkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rainshadow Orphans is a fast-paced fantasy set in the rainy, crime-filled Rainshadow City. It follows five characters whose lives collide after a stolen dragon pearl sets everything in motion. The magic woven into the modern world existing alongside technology, not apart from it. Magic operates quietly, almost like a hidden layer of reality since most people either can’t see it or don’t believe in it.

The worldbuilding is one of its biggest draws, it feels like stepping into a city filled with neon yet something ancient is always watching from just beyond the light. Ishiguro draws heavily from Japanese folklore and Anime/cyberpunk aesthetics that blends perfectly with modern urban life. The city feels like it is standing at the edge of two realities because of the division of those who understand the deeper world and those trapped in surface-level reality. The world is rich but not always fully explained but that may be due to the pace. Ishiguro gives us a vivid, fast-moving, emotionally charged story that prioritizes feeling and momentum over precision and explanation.

Character development here is about who you become when you’re forced to act. Who will you become when grief, power, and survival strip away hesitation. Following five characters over the same short timeframe creates tension and momentum but sometimes things feel a bit rushed with so many characters. I will say that when the characters storylines collide, it does feel earned and worth it.

Overall, The Rainshadow Orphans is a strong start to a trilogy that works great if you want something fast paced but still has heart. If you like stories that feel lush, a little chaotic, and quietly magical then this is absolutely worth your time.

[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.

[Jada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Saga Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rainshadow City inhabitants live under the iron fists of the emperor and Lucky Crows, a ruthless gang who does the emperor's dirty work for her. Most of those who do not have official Rainshadow citizenship live in the Keeper's Crescent, a place of poverty and desperation.

After their adoptive aunt Reiko's murder by a leader of the Lucky Crows, the three orphans Toshiko, Jun, and Mei Kawakami make it in Rainshadow City by committing petty theft. A mission gone wrong ends with Toshiko stealing a dragon pearl from the Lucky Crows, which takes them on an adventure that will change the trajectory of the whole archipelago.

In most fantasy novels I read, there's rarely a huge intersection of technology and magic, making this world very unique. I can clearly see the Studio Ghibli inspiration! The main cast of characters were very lovable, especially Toshiko and Haru. I admire how their youth and naivety propel them to fight for what they believe in, even when the odds are not in their favor.

It took me a little while to really get into the book, but once I was in, I was really hooked! The writing was beautiful, though, some sentences were quite long-winded. I absolutely loved the world building as a whole. The sun spirits especially brought about such magic and color to the story.

I'm looking forward to the rest of the book in this magical world of dragons and sun spirits!

[bluevioletbb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press/S&S for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review is left voluntarily.

This was an anticipated read for me, and when I saw that the ARC for The Rainshadow Orphans was available, I happily snagged it. The premise sounded completely up my alley—something cozy, fun, and mythical. Give me anything inspired by Studio Ghibli vibes, cozy energy, and bubble tea aesthetics, and I’m already interested.

Unfortunately, I don’t think this one was fully for me.

The concept is definitely there, and I can absolutely see the target audience enjoying it. The worldbuilding is incredibly detailed and ambitious, blending fantasy with sci-fi elements in a mythical archipelago filled with dragons, Sun Spirits, hackers, and criminal organizations. At times, though, the level of detail felt heavy, and I found myself getting a little drained trying to absorb everything.

What I struggled with most was the pacing. It felt very slow, and that made it harder for me to stay fully engaged throughout.

That said, there were aspects I really appreciated. The story feels very cinematic in scope, and the found family dynamic was one of my favorite parts. Their bond added warmth and heart to the story, which balanced out the darker elements of corruption and crime in Rainshadow City.

Even though it didn’t completely work for me, I can see why others might love it—especially readers who enjoy immersive worldbuilding, ensemble casts, and stories that blend mythological fantasy with modern elements.

[Christine Craft · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible read that I couldn’t put down! The Rainshadow Orphans is the first book in the Rainshadow trilogy. It's a combination of Japanese folklore, fantasy, and sci-fi elements. I loved the genre mixing, as it was a winning formula for me! I was captivated by the first few chapters, in which Toshiko steals the pearl that kickstarts an exploration of found family, poverty, power, technology, and corruption in Rainshadow City.

The plot is intriguing, with good pacing throughout the story. The multiple perspectives are easy to follow, and I loved that the characters had well-developed personalities, interesting backstories, and different motivations. I think my favorite characters were Toshiko, Theo, and Mei. I liked Toshiko and Theo because their perspectives, motivations, gifts, and personal growth were entertaining to read. Mei is another favorite because I always admire tech/hacker nerds. I found the magic system creative and wish the gifts were highlighted more within the story besides a few thrilling fights when they take center stage. Lastly, I found the world-building detailed and highly immersive.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed the introduction to this series and am eagerly awaiting the next book. I’d recommend this for anyone who is a fan of anime and Studio Ghibli, as those are what inspired the kind of adventure you’ll be reading.

Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press for the advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read overall!

I really loved the blend of science and fantasy, as it was seamless and really made the world feel unique but relatable all at the same time. I could tell that the author really enjoyed building this world a lot, as she put a lot of detail into creating it. (Although I do think some of the descriptions went on for a bit too long at times.)

I loved the characters in this story so much. The relationships between the three siblings—Jun, Toshiko, Mei—were my favorite relationships in the entire book, as they felt so real and raw, and you could tell how much the trio loved each other.

I also enjoyed Theo’s dynamic with Toshiko, although I thought their potential romance was a bit rushed, and I didn’t feel like their feelings towards each other were as fleshed out as they could have been.

Haru was another POV character, and I enjoyed seeing the world through the young prince’s eyes. And his connection to dragons and sun spirits was really intriguing as well. (I also loved his relationship with Kei, who was clearly way more of a mother to him than the Emperor ever was.)

It was also interesting to see how the politics of this world bled into the different character dynamics—between the siblings, the Lucky Crows, and the Emperor. That was really well done, in my opinion.

I cannot wait to read the sequel for this series in the future!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Saga Press for allowing me to read the eARC!

[Mike Foley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads and Ishiguro for a free advanced copy of this ebook!

Unfortunately right now I can only give this three stars and a DNF at 10%. I know that's hardly any time to get to know the story or characters even in a over 600 page book.

I can tell the author is building towards a beautifully crafted world and story and there's definitely many elements that work. I wouldn't mind reading more about Toshiko, Mei and Theo. Also, I can definitely see how this could be inspired by studio Ghibli.

However, I also found some things that didn't work for me. First is that this feels more science fiction than fantasy but that's my personal preference. I was hoping for more of a Princess Mononoke setting.
Second is that periodically there would be a word randomly hyphenated for seemingly no reason. For example: "Toshiko paced towards it, preparing to confront whatever was waiting for her in the shad-ows before it could surprise her first - until she...". These hiphens happen in the middle of the text not end on the line. It was distracting and took me out of the story.
Third: My subjective opinion of Haru is that I'd rather skip his chapters. I just didn't like him.

So that's why I gave it three stars. I will probably return to this book when it's published because I'm definitely intrigued and would love to listen to a more polished version on audiobook.

[Sarah Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I inhaled this book. Rainshadow Orphans is one of the most refreshing, genuinely original reads I’ve had in a while. The entire thing unfolds over just a few days, but it’s dense with movement and momentum rather than feeling small or rushed. The world reads whimsical at first, almost deceptively so, but beneath that is a sharp awareness of power, poverty, and survival that gives everything real weight. There’s a satisfying arc that lands by the end, but Ishiguro is clearly playing a longer game here, seeding mysteries for the rest of the series.

The characters hooked me fast, and I’m hoping for more time with Mei in the next book because the tech-brained older sister is absolutely not telling us everything. The pacing is tight, the atmosphere is vivid, and the story balances wonder with grit in a way that reminded me why I love discovering new series. If you like Studio Ghibli vibes colliding with Crescent City, Green Bone Saga, and a dash of I, Robot (yes, that’s a weird combo, trust me), this one hits. I’m fully locked in for whatever comes next.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher - Saga Press, and the author - Naomi Ishiguro for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Abbi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for a review.

Unfortunately, I just didn't really enjoy this book. The writing style was too juvenile for me. I'm genuinely surprised this was categorized as an adult book, because I think it fits better in the category of young adult books. I'm a fan of an em-dash, but it was very much overused throughout the text.

The positive was the worldbuilding and the descriptions, especially of magic. Ishiguro has a great way of painting a scene so you can visualize it very well. The scene between Haru and Risu (the "squirrel" who was the magic of the tree outside his window) at the start of the book was just lovely.

The negative was the flatness of the characters, which really needed more depth. I never developed an emotional connection the characters, and that's really key in a book, especially one as long as this one.

Speaking of length, the book was way too long. The book needs some serious editing to pull together a cohesive plot. Especially if a series is planned, edit out some of the extraneous and repetitive things and include them in future books. However, I'm afraid I won't be reading any of the sequels.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rainshadow Orphans hooked me from the start. Dragons, magic, heists, and found family all packed into a vividly imagined city with real grit underneath the fantasy. Toshiko, Mei, and Jun are joined by Haru, the Emperor’s son, and Theo, a kid caught up in the criminal Lucky Crows, and together they get pulled into a high stakes adventure that moves fast over just a couple of days.

The world is full of detail, the pacing is tight, and the story balances whimsy with real themes like poverty, power, and survival. Each character shines, especially Mei and Haru, and the sibling bond gives the story heart. Even with a huge cast and big plot, everything feels clear and engaging.

Fun, thrilling, and full of heart, this is an amazing start to a series. I cannot wait for the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Marilynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Saga Press and Goodreads Giveaways for the chance to read this wonderful story! This story has so much going on; a unique magic system, fast past heists, a rebellion, and a corrupt street gang. The setting is well done, Rain Shadow City feels like a different place. The theme of being able to choose your own destiny comes through and the author’s well written story makes you want to know more about all of the characters you encounter. The poverty in this place sets our main characters up to do things to survive. Loyalty will be tested. Power will be uncovered. This is an incredible story that will keep you turning pages well into the night because you need to read just one more chapter! I will be picking up the next book. I recommend this story if you are looking for a story with a little bit of whimsy, great characters and a fact paced plot.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25*** Based on the book cover, I was surprised to discover this is an urban fantasy with slight nods to mythology. We follow a big cast of characters, and there’s constant action and intrigue. I’m on the edge of my seat, waiting for the culmination of the conflict throughout. The plot simmers nicely, though you can feel the undercurrent of something looming.

This is an ambitious start to a new urban and fantastical world. And I’m enjoying following our diverse leads, (and Mochi the cat!). I really enjoy the book and look forward to continuing the series!

All the positives about the book aside, I was confused by the marketing of this book. The book cover is STUNNING but I don’t think it fit the book. The cover is much more fantastical and middle grade than the story. This is “medium level” fantasy and literary fiction in my view.