Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award 2012 semi-finalist.
*An ancient empire stands on the brink of a civil war.
His arrival may push it over the edge.
It is the sixteenth year of Queen Victoria's enlightened rule and the world trembles before the might of her ironclad navy and the dreaded Dragon Corps. The largest ship ever built sails from the Brigstow Harbour on a journey to the mysterious lands of Orient. Its load - a regiment of the Royal Marines and one Bran ap Dylan - freshly graduate in Dracology at the Llambed Academy of Mystic Arts.
In the empire of Yamato, sealed from the rest of the world for the last two centuries, a wizard's daughter Sato witnesses her father joining an anti-government conspiracy. Her friend Nagomi, training to be a priestess, is haunted by dark visions that she must keep secret. Neither of them is aware that a change is coming to Yamato... on the wings of a dragon.
A detailed and fast-paced historical fantasy based around the turbulent opening of Japan to the West in the middle of the 19th century, ''The Shadow of the Black Wings'' is the first volume in ''The Year of the Dragon'' saga. The second volume, ''The Warrior's Soul'', is expected in August.*
Review
''This manuscript is full of highly crafted detail that will make readers shiver at times with fear and delight ... a familiar yet highly original fantasy that is a worthwhile read.'' - Publisher's Weekly.
''I project a hit ...the writing itself is great.'' - ABNA Expert Reviewers.
About the Author
James Calbraith is a 34 year old Poland-born writer, foodie and traveller, currently residing in South London.
Growing up in communist Poland on a diet of powdered milk, Lord of the Rings and soviet science-fiction, he had his first story published at the ripe age of eight. After years of bouncing around university faculties, he moved to London in 2007, found a decent IT job and started writing in English. His debut historical fantasy novel, ''The Shadow of Black Wings'', reached ABNA semi-finals in 2012. He published a volume of short stories, ''Transmission'', on Amazon Kindle in June 2012.