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The Book of Fallen Leaves: Book One of the Autumn Empire
Not yet published
Expected 17 Mar 26Shogun meets Game of Thrones in the blockbuster epic fantasy event of the year
'Family feuds, political savagery and complex characters on both sides of an epic, unfolding war . . . I loved it' Nicholas Eames
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 on 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.
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
'Family feuds, political savagery and complex characters on both sides of an epic, unfolding war . . . I loved it' Nicholas Eames
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 on 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.
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
- GenresFantasy
Audible Audio
Expected publication March 17, 2026
3 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
December 5, 2025
Review: Some of this story line was lost in translation. Mostly, some areas where there were scittering hops of the story that lacked any logical progression. What was consistent was me scratching my head at how everyone decides that war is going to happen, and immeadiately gear up for it. There are interactions that also take on broad assumptions in connectivity. One very blatant glossing over is that Rui and Sen don't know each other from Adam, then suddenly progress into a consumate understanding of a shared life as little children. And, after a tumultuous series of interactions are besties of a sudden and know of their shared ancestry. This moves through the story to the point where Rui must protect Sen from a foretold death. There was no foundation built to warrant the MCs actions based on emotional motivation.
Where this novel shines is the almost poetic balance of scene development coupled with descriptive allure. The scenes just jump off the pages and no matter the circumstances, nature is there to hold you. I like that nature is as intended where humans are in a constant state of turmoil. An always internal battle of good and bad. In these instances our heros are obviously bent toward the good, whereas an evil demon stalks the land that resides under a curse.
The Asian cultural presentation of multiple Gods, ghosts, demons and martial arts fantasy is consistent across Chinese, Korean and Japanese story telling. The story line is well trodden and offers death and redemption in equal measure but always at a cost. There is no such thing as a free lunch and usually the sacrifices cut deep into the reader.
I received the ARC for an honest review.
4.2/5
Where this novel shines is the almost poetic balance of scene development coupled with descriptive allure. The scenes just jump off the pages and no matter the circumstances, nature is there to hold you. I like that nature is as intended where humans are in a constant state of turmoil. An always internal battle of good and bad. In these instances our heros are obviously bent toward the good, whereas an evil demon stalks the land that resides under a curse.
The Asian cultural presentation of multiple Gods, ghosts, demons and martial arts fantasy is consistent across Chinese, Korean and Japanese story telling. The story line is well trodden and offers death and redemption in equal measure but always at a cost. There is no such thing as a free lunch and usually the sacrifices cut deep into the reader.
I received the ARC for an honest review.
4.2/5
Displaying 1 of 1 review