★ "An epic fantasy unlike any other, combining the fantastical environmentalism of works like Miyazaki's film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Rachel Carson's lyrical descriptions of nature, and the court intrigue of Game of Thrones."—Booklist (starred review)

A sweeping ecological fantasy from one of Japan's most beloved storytellers—where two girls must unlock a forgotten power to save their world from collapse.

The vast Umar Empire has flourished for centuries thanks to the miraculous Ohaleh rice, a sacred grain brought by the first Empress Kokun from a distant land. Resistant to all parasites, the rice has sustained peace and prosperity—until now. When a mysterious infestation strikes, famine spreads, and the empire begins to crumble.

Fifteen-year-old Aisha, granddaughter of the deposed king of the West Kantar domain, flees...]]> Sun, 23 Feb 2025 14:10:05 +0200 https://www.bookfrom.net/nahoko-uehashi/377859-guardian_of_the_darkness.html https://www.bookfrom.net/nahoko-uehashi/377859-guardian_of_the_darkness.html
In the marvelous sequel to the novel (and Cartoon Network series) MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT, Balsa returns to her native land to fight a corrupt ruler and face her own demons.Balsa returns to her native Kanbal to clear the name of Jiguro, her dear mentor, who saved her life when she was six years old. But what should be a visit of truth and reconciliation becomes a fight for her life when she learns that Jiguro had been a member of King Rogsam's personal bodyguard. After Jiguro fled Kanbal with her, Rogsam sent the other bodyguards after them one by one—Jiguro's best friends, whom he had to kill to protect Balsa. Now, with the help of two Kanbalese children, Balsa must unwind the conspiracy surrounding Jiguro and the mystery of the Guardians of the Dark.]]> Mon, 24 Nov 2014 06:01:03 +0200 https://www.bookfrom.net/nahoko-uehashi/377858-guardian_of_the_spirit.html https://www.bookfrom.net/nahoko-uehashi/377858-guardian_of_the_spirit.html
You've never read a fantasy novel like this one! The deep well of Japanese myth merges with the Western fantasy tradition for a novel that's as rich in place and culture as it is hard to put down.Balsa was a wanderer and warrior for hire. Then she rescued a boy flung into a raging river — and at that moment, her destiny changed. Now Balsa must protect the boy — the Prince Chagum — on his quest to deliver the great egg of the water spirit to its source in the sea. As they travel across the land of Yogo and discover the truth about the spirit, they find themselves hunted by two deadly enemies: the egg-eating monster Rarunga . . . and the prince's own father.]]> Mon, 24 Nov 2014 06:01:02 +0200 https://www.bookfrom.net/nahoko-uehashi/313605-the_beast_player.html https://www.bookfrom.net/nahoko-uehashi/313605-the_beast_player.html
One girl links beasts with humankind. She has the power to save them both. Or to destroy them.Erin's family have an important responsibility: caring for the fearsome serpents that form the core of their kingdom's army. So when some of the beasts mysteriously die, Erin's mother is sentenced to death as punishment. With her last breath she manages to send her daughter to safety.Alone, far from home, Erin soon discovers that she can talk to both the terrifying water serpents and the majestic flying beasts that guard her queen. This skill gives her great powers, but it also involves her in deadly plots that could cost her life. Can she save herself and prevent her beloved beasts from being used as tools of war? Or must she face the terrible battles to come?Nahoko Uehashi is a writer of fantasy titles, whose books have sold more than a million copies in her native Japan. She has won numerous awards, including the 2014 Hans...]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2017 08:37:37 +0200