Kitsuneko

The Realms Beyond the Rainbow

by C.S. Johnson

Trouble is brewing in the realms beyond the rainbow …

 

Kitsuneko has always done her best to honor her duty. As a young fox-cat changeling, she was conscripted into slavery by King Dario and Queen Arianna of Toulacoeur to serve as the surrogate for Princess Cari, their daughter who was kidnapped seventeen years ago.

But when Kiro, Cari's younger brother and the heir to the throne, proclaims his love for her, Kitsuneko is torn between her duty to the kingdom and her desire for the virtuous prince. 

And when Kiro's kisses leave her breathless, Kitsuneko finds herself -- and the kingdom -- in mortal danger.

For the peace that Toulacoeur enjoys, maintained through the blessing of Kleon, the Unicorn Guardian, is at risk, and to maintain their rule, the king and queen have arranged for Kiro to marry Ariella, a Warlord's daughter from a tribe of Gryphon Riders.

Can Kitsuneko and Kiro find a way to be together and keep the kingdom's peace? Or is their love destined to only lead to destruction?

Kitsuneko is A Companion Novella to The Realms Beyond the Rainbow, a fantasy romance adventure with changelings, rainbow portals, and the US Space Force from award-winning, genre-hopping author C. S. Johnson.

FROM THE BOOK: 

I look in the mirror carefully, scrutinizing the smallest details of the face before me. It is the face of a beautiful young woman, serene and striking all at once. I study the rosy cheeks, still youthfully plump while they start to hint at adulthood, while golden hair falls to either side, sweeping long past the pointed chin. My focus fastens onto the nose in wonderment, mesmerized by the size of the little bump that turns up at its end. I press down on it with my finger, and it shrinks, ever so slightly, in size.

Finally, my gaze travels to see the two large, slanted eyes staring back at me; the misty green twinkles, simultaneously bewildered and cautious.

The eyes are mine, even if the rest of the face is not.

Of all the different kinds of changelings, the kitsunefolk are the only ones whose eyes refuse to change. I doubt this is anything but by design; my kinfolk are known for their inner stubbornness as much as they are known for their outward flexibility. Add in the catblood, and that’s me.

I am a changeling from the Honeyspice Lands, a kitsune-neko, and that’s all. That is my only role to play in the grand kingdom of Toulacoeur, and so much so, that’s what they named me.

I am Kitsuneko, slave of King Dario and his wife, Queen Arianna, their full-time substitute for their daughter, Princess Cari.

I smile into the mirror, and the face of Princess Cari smiles back at me.

“Perfect,” I whisper. “You look just like her.”

Or at least, I look like what most people think Princess Cari would look like, if she hadn’t been kidnapped seventeen years ago.

  

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING: 

"I absolutely love this "tail" of love and tragedy and hope!" ~ Malissa, Audiobook Reviewer

"This is fantasy old school, one adults and kids will enjoy." ~ William, Goodreads Reviewer

Genres: Fantasy

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2019

About the author

C. S. Johnson is the award-winning, genre-hopping author of several novels, including sci-fi and fantasy adventures such as the Starlight Chronicles series, the Once Upon a Princess saga, the Divine Space Pirates trilogy, and more. With a gift for sarcasm and an apologetic heart, she currently lives in Atlanta with her family. Find out more at http://www.csjohnson.me.

Reviews

[C.S. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi again, everyone!

I've had a lot of fun hanging out with my book family members, and several of them have helped with the inspiration behind this story. It's going to be the first of a new fantasy romance series with mythological creatures (including Kitty, who's a fox-cat changeling!), the Space Force, and a reluctant princess. Sounds fun, right?

Here's the blurb I've got so far:

Trouble is brewing in the realms beyond the rainbow …

Kitsuneko has always done her best to honor her duty. As a young fox-cat changeling, she was conscripted into slavery by King Dario and Queen Arianna of Toulacoeur to serve as the surrogate for Princess Cari, their daughter who was kidnapped seventeen years ago.

But when Kiro, Cari's younger brother and the heir to the throne, proclaims his love for her, Kitsuneko is torn between her duty to the kingdom and her desire for the virtuous prince.

And when Kiro's kisses leave her breathless, Kitsuneko finds herself -- and the kingdom -- in mortal danger.

For the peace that Toulacoeur enjoys, maintained through the blessing of Kleon, the Unicorn Guardian, is at risk, and to maintain their rule, the king and queen have arranged for Kiro to marry Ariella, a Warlord's daughter from a tribe of Gryphon Riders.

Can Kitsuneko and Kiro find a way to be together and keep the kingdom's peace? Or is their love destined to only lead to destruction?

Kitsuneko is A Companion Novella to The Realms Beyond the Rainbow, a fantasy romance adventure from award-winning, genre-hopping author C. S. Johnson.

[Pam Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently have tried a little fantasy. This was a cute one. There is a royal family with a prince and princess. Have you ever heard of a changeling? You will if you read or listen to this book. I won the audible code from the author. I have only heard a few audible books. I thought this narrator was very good. Now I am curious about how things will turn out. Funny how series always leave you wanting more. Read a fairytale, maybe it will make you feel young.

[Selina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story and can't wait for the next books! I listened to a review copy, but these opinions are honest.

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Review for Audiobook edition*

This is listed as a companion book, but it appears to be the first and only book. The adventure ends with promises of more, but how long I will have to wait is anyone's guess.

Kit is a shape shifter who is a dangerous situation. she must impersonate the lost Princess or the king and queen will kill her. But if anyone else discovers she is an imposter, they will execute her for treason. Add to that marriage proposals and court politics.

Kit is a likeable character from the first moment. she is determined and clever and her situation instantly makes you feel for her.

Faith Moore does a great job as Kit, our first person narrator. She really managed to capture the agony one must feel, pretending to be a princess while actually being a slave.

I will certainly read more of this world and these characters, if that companion novel is ever published.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I owe him too much to want to tell him the truth.”

A kitsune-neko,Kitty lives in the kingdom of Toulacoeur, enslaved simply to be a changing substitute for the rulers’ missing daughter. However, as she has “grown up”, she has fallen for Prince Kiro, and he for her. When at his birthday it is announced an alliance with a neighboring warlord means Kiro must marry, he defies his parents, saves Kitty, and together they leave for safer space. Will they survive their escape? And what about the shooting star everyone saw?

This is a short prequel to the forthcoming “Return of the Lost Princess, (Book One of The Realms Beyond the Rainbow) and it’s sweet, and funny, and caring, and just plain lovely. I am a big fan of C.S. Johnson, and anticipate quite a story yet to unfold. Highly recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]

[Christina Morley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good prequel to an exciting new series. It has some Christian themes. I love the concept of the realms and Kitsuneko the cat-fox changeling. The story has all the right elements of a fantasy romance, but just when I thought it was going to get more intense, it lightened up and came to an end. I want more! I'm looking forward to reading further in the series.

I received an ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely story! It’s well written, I love the world it’s in and I especially loved the main character Kitty! She’s a fox-cat changeling, which is really cool. The only thing I didn’t like is that it ended. I really want to know what happens to Kitty and Kiro! This is a wonderful fantasy romance, well worth the read!

I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The upside to reading such a short book is it give one a taste of whether or not they'd find the story interest. The downside to reading such a short book is that if you like it story, you just get into it and "boom" it's done. Kitsuneko was a great into to the series and now I want to read more to see what happens.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

CS Johnson seems to always know the way to my heart... and this time she did it thru my favorite animal - unicorns!!!! What an interesting and sweet divergence from previous books. I always feel CS Johnson books are written from the heart and reach out in a deeper way than most other writers. I feel so fortunate to have stumbled upon her writings and always keep up with her newest releases because they so imaginative & never fail to draw me into the world painted into the pages.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite authors has done it again. How does she keep thinking up these great stories that are each a little different. I didn't see the ending she wrote but I am so ready for the next one to see what happens. Hope I don't have to wait very long. I received an ARC. This is my voluntary, honest opinion.

[Malissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chrissy has done it again!
I absolutely love this "tail" of love and tragedy and hope! What a descriptive and alluring story brought to life by the narrator, who did a phenomenal job of expressing what the writer has brilliantly brought to us. I hope to read& listen to so much more from this bookverse.

[Paula Dyches · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fast, cute and clean romance. With it only being an hour and a half long it was perfect for the shorter car trip. The narration was great, my only complaint was that the sound was a bit off (sounded a bit like she was in a tunnel) once I got into the story I stopped noticing it.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Rebecca Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great short story...I can't wait for the next one. Just wished it was longer, as it has sucked me in wanting more.

Curious to know what happens to Kitty and the Prince and then also with the Princess and where she has been for all these years.

[William Vegvari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fantasy old school, one adults and kids will enjoy.
Looking forward to this.

[Terri Rand · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting book. A short novella about a fox-cat changling and a glimpse into her world. Kitty and Kiro were thoroughly entertaining and I loved getting to know them, the only problem? I want more!! This story, was for me, the perfect appetizer to whet my appetite for the new series we can soon (?) expect from C.S. Johnson. A very entertaining and quick read , one you will be very sorry to see end. I totally recommend it.

I was given an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Gay Deputee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet, warm, fuzzy story. While I was reading it, I just had a surge of love fill me. Needless to say, I LOVED it. Lovely characters, beautiful setting, can't wait for the next book!

[Kelly Chobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great fairy tale/fantasy. Kitty is a shape changer bought as a slave to impersonate the missing royal princess. But like any young woman, she has her own dreams. She's in love with the crown prince. Her heart and her dreams are broken when his royal engagement is announced, but like a good fairy tale this story has a happy ending. I loved this book.

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitsuneko by C.S. Johnson was just so beautiful! I loved the unique blend of fantasy on this one, and how it still managed to incorporate Christian themes into it. I loved getting to know "Kitty" and Kiro (though I'm not sure I'm pronouncing it right), their experience growing up in the castle together over the years, and the descriptions of the kingdom of Toulacoeur. With that being said, my biggest (and only) complaint is that it's much too short, and it left me hanging for the next (or first?) book in the series. Seriously, Can't. Wait!
Hats off to the author. Well done! 5 stars and recommended :)

PS: I Love that cover (I mean, purple is my favorite color), yet once I got to the description of Kitty ("a fox-cat changeling"), I couldn't help but keep picturing H.L. Burke's cover of To Court a Queen

[Lisa Haycocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is short (as it is a novella prequel) but pulls no punches in it's ability to pull you in and have you emotionally invested in what happens to Kitsuneko throughout the story. Good for young adults, and the not so young in years but young at heart too. It has me wanting to go find the next book right away to continue the fantasy journey this book has started.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but this has in no way influenced my review, which I have written entirely voluntarily.. It really is a lovely flight of fantasy with a couple of twists along the way.

[Marty Hebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be short, but this is a winner. I have this in audiobook and ebook, and loved it. Get this book you will not be disappointed at all. I was already a fan of C. S. Johnson, and this was the best story I have heard or read from her so far. I really liked the main character and connected with her right away in the first chapter. My emotions changed based on what she was going through in the story. I can not say this enough, buy this audiobook or buy the book!!!

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel fantasy romance adventure novel, and it is the story of Kisuneko, the changeling who was adopted as a slave by the king and queen of Toulacoeur, the rainbow kingdom, when Princess Cari was kidnapped many years ago. Kitsuneko always did her duty, but sometimes her shapeshifting failed her when she was anxious or disturbed. This is how Prince Kiro, brother to Cari knew who Kitty really was, and he fell in love with her. However since Kleon, the unicorn guardian of the land seemed to have abandoned them, the king and queen had arranged a marriage for Kiro. He was to marry Ariella, the daughter of the gryphon riders warlord, but he would have none of this and planned an escape with Kitsuneko. This move could lead to her death if caught, as well as to a war in the Kingdom if the planned marriage failed to take place. This is a book of hope, faith and the power of love and I really enjoyed reading it. It is a thrilling book in which Kleon, the god guardian does not fail our lovers even when they thought that their hopes would be shattered, and the story continues in the series of The Realms beyond the Rainbow which I would love to go on reading.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful start to an awesome series. I thought I had posted my review of this book but apparently failed in my good intentions. For that, I apologize, Ms. Johnson. I did want to make sure readers know what a fun book it is and what a wonderful author she is. If the reader has read any of C.S. Johnson's books, you will agree with me. If you've not had the pleasure, this would be a good place to start.