Autumn Princess, Dragon Child: Book 2 in the Tale of Shikanoko Series
Shikanoko (Shika) continues his quest to find the hidden young and true Emperor of Japan and the Autumn Princess, his love. He now has additional magical powers to assist him, through five young spirit boys, a werewolf, and a magical lute, assisted by nature. His goals for the near future are: “first I need to kill my Uncle… and then I have to destroy the Prince Abbot, and… find Akhime and marry her, and restore Yoshimori to the throne.”
This magical feudal story contains sorcerers, a spirit-filled Dark Forest, spirit eyes that reveal failures, poisonous bees, etc., all of which sense betrayal and purity of mind and heart. Just as Shika has been cheated out of his rightful inheritance, so have several Japanese authorities installed the wrong son as emperor. While nature itself rebels, the forces of righteousness unite to confront friend and foe, compelling them to join Shika’s warriors. Lian Hearn’s second book in the series develops these medieval characters into faithful, adventurous men and women who seek healing and harmony for Japan. Highly recommended historical fiction!