The Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy Series

Her only choice is to run away. But if she can't return in time, she'll be an outcast for life! Japan, 1870. For bird-girl Azuki, being dual-natured is dangerous. With a greedy overlord coveting her beautiful Toki feathers, she attempts to keep her head down. But when he murders her parents in a failed kidnapping, Azuki's only escape is to spread her wings and take to the skies. Sparrow-boy Shota has no time to grieve. As his mother dies in his arms, he makes a promise to find his sister and warn her that she must come back. For unless Shota and Azuki make it home by the quarter-day, they'll lose their chance to return forever. As he barters his way across the country, the obstacles of ogres, storms, and time stand between two siblings and their hopes of citizenship and happiness. In a rapidly-modernizing world, can Azuki and Shota return before they're banished without a place to call home? Coming Home is the enchanting first novel in the Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy historical fantasy series. If you like mythical creatures, unique folklore, and fast-paced adventure, then you’ll love Claire Youmans’ captivating tale from the Meiji Era.

A bird-girl may fly between two worlds. But to protect her future, she must reclaim her human rights. Japan, 1871. Toki-girl Azuki wants to share her talents with Japan’s changing world. But without proper status in her community, she can only watch and worry as war engulfs her beloved homeland. So, when she unearths a priceless treasure, she hopes she's found the key that could stop the fighting and win her heart’s desire. Embarking on a treacherous journey to the provincial capital to secure her lord’s approval, Azuki and her sparrow-boy brother join forces with a kindly warrior monk. But with hawk-like demons on the attack and bandits lurking behind every tree, she fears the peaceful land she loves could be lost forever. Will Azuki defeat the demonic forces to reclaim her rights and her home? Chasing Dreams is the thrilling second book in The Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy historical fantasy series. If you like heroes from folklore, fiendish enemies, and action-packed adventures, you’ll love Claire Youmans’ mythical story, another tale from the Meiji Era.

She loves to weave. Her brother dreams of sailing. But can two powerful siblings keep their way of life alive? Japan, 1872. Dual-natured bird-girl Azuki delights in making her highly desirable woven kimonos. But something about her intricate loom work is making her sick. And even worse, the illness has spread to her majestic Toki plumage. Sparrow-boy Shota worries that his friendship with the Dragon Princess is waning. With his sister falling desperately ill, he hopes to impress the royal dragon-girl by tracking down the legendary crane-woman who can heal Azuki. And as soon as she’s recovered, he can follow his ambition to become a master mariner and help sail Azuki’s gorgeous fabrics to far-flung destinations. But with Shota’s perilous journey attracting the attention of foreign invaders and giant sea monsters, his adventure to save his sister and impress his friend could end up at the bottom of the ocean. Can Shota, Azuki, and their dragon friends join forces to survive the turmoil and protect their dreams? Together is the third book in the Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy historical fantasy series. If you like classical Japanese folklore, enchanting characters, and heroic journeys, then you’ll love Claire Youmans’ captivating tale from the Meiji Era.

He was a warrior monk. Now he's wearing a western business suit. But will he risk his family's future to fight for what’s right? Japan, 1873. Yuta struggles to keep up with both his country’s rapid changes and his magical niece and nephew. And though he likes the look of his fancy new western suit, it doesn’t seem to fit with his trusted old-school weapons. But when he travels to a major event in Japan’s history, he’ll need both business and blade to survive. As Yuta rides on the exciting new train he sees Japan’s industrial advances bearing down on his way of life at breakneck speed. While he tries to embrace the change, watching a textile factory mistreat its indentured workers makes the ex-monk’s blood boil. Can Yuta secure his nation’s future and prevent progress from exploiting his people? Uncle Yuta Has An Adventure is the fourth book in the Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy, historical fantasy series. If you like intriguing conflicts, clashes of culture, and rich Japanese settings, then you’ll love Claire Youmans’ well-crafted novel from the Meiji Era.

Torn between dragon and human, two sisters must embrace friends and family to survive. Japan, 1875. Dragon-girl Renko faces an uncertain future. As the country around her rapidly changes, she struggles to figure out where she fits in. So when a kind gesture uncovers a sex trafficking scheme, she’s even more conflicted about her ability to take human form. Otohime fears risking her heart again. Long after the death of her human husband, she’s still unsure if she’s ready for love with a dragon consort. But after exploring Japan’s rocky volcanoes with a handsome new friend, a twist of fate leaves her and Renko trapped and helpless. Drained of their powerful abilities, Renko and Otohime must put their faith in half- and full-humans to escape with their lives. Can the two dragons embrace both sides of their nature and give their humanity a second chance? The Dragon Sisters is the sixth book in the compelling Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy historical fantasy series. If you like fast-paced adventures, engaging characters, and Japanese folklore, then you’ll love Claire Youmans’ intricately woven tale from the Meiji Era.

She’s a strong-minded warrior. But can she win the fight to uncover her hidden past? Japan, 1873-4. Noriko struggles to embrace a new future when she has yet to overcome her shrouded history. Aboard the smoke-blowing iron monster of a train, she anxiously looks ahead to her new life as part of a mythical family. But with her husband's friends expecting powerful dual-natured babies, Noriko wants to unearth her own heritage... no matter the cost. Resolved to confront the truth, Noriko sets out to connect with her long-lost relatives. But in the quest to discover who she truly is, a shocking secret will either bring her hope or devastation. Can Noriko use the lessons of the past to embrace a new destiny in modern Japan? Noriko’s Journey is the fifth book in the captivating Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy historical fantasy series. If you like complex characters, rich Asian heritage, and mythical creatures based on timeless Japanese folklore, then you’ll love Claire Youmans’ captivating tale from the Meiji Era.

Japan, 1877. She fought for her identity. She won her dream. Now she's not sure she wants it. How can Toki-girl Azuki abandon what she's worked so hard to achieve when rebellion threatens to shatter the Japanese Empire's fragile internal peace and fracture its relations with the outside world? Her uncle fears she's causing mysterious events sabotaging her family. Azuki's dual human-toki nature means something far more ancient and elemental could be at work, if only she can figure out what it is. Birds teach dragons to dance. Eastern and Western dragons unite even as humans splinter in conflict. A princess wants to help the people she thinks she's failed. Her small brother can't keep a dangerous secret. Troops are on the move and tragedy looms as old ways clash with new hopes in Japan and the world. Can Azuki stop the disruptions plaguing her family and help her nation prosper while trying to survive the rebellion shaking her country's very soul? The Shadows of War is the eighth book in the gripping Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy series, where magical realism collides with historical fantasy in Claire Youmans' enthralling Tales of the Meiji Era.

Japan, 1875-6. Toki-Girl Azuki has found another dual-natured bird-human: Eagle-Boy Akira from far-away Hokkaido. He wants to join her family and friends but can he find a way to live as a human in a changing society where individual lives and wishes count for little? Sparrow-Boy Shota knows what he wants but increasing responsibilities mean he must leave behind what he loves, to assume duties he can't escape. How can he help Akira when he doesn't know how to help himself? Western Dragon Prince Irtysh is falling in love, but she's not only an Eastern Dragon, she's dual-natured! How can he possibly win her heart? Will these unlikely allies find a way to help each other soar? The Eagle and the Sparrow is the seventh in the enchanting Toki-Girl and Sparrow-Boy historical fantasy series. If you like compelling characters and tumultuous times mixed with enthralling Japanese folklore, you won't want to miss Claire Youmans' powerful tale of the Meiji Era.

Japan, 1877. Toki-girl Azuki revels in her new-found freedom. Now anyone can weave her splendid fabrics using her patterns and the looms Western Dragon Prince Iyrtsh is fabricating for Eastern Dragon Princess Otohime's ambitious project—resettling refugees displaced by the failed Satsuma Rebellion. Then the Oni, Kukanko, who is sure she's not a demon, calls on Azuki for help. Azuki, her brother, Sparrow-Boy Shota; Dragon Princess Renko and Eagle-Boy Akira find a way to help the Oni while a blind musician invents an entirely new musical genre and Uncle Yuta and Aunt Noriko find places in society for formerly indentured mill workers. Lady Anko and Lord Toshio defy convention with unlucky twins while Lord Toshio buys a very special horse. Eastern Dragon King Ryuujin and Western Dragon Queen Rizantona contemplate the future of their species and the planet, and infant Dragon Prince Susu’s inability to keep a secret has catastrophic results. History and fantasy and magical realism collide in this latest tale from the Meiji Era, a time and place where anything could happen and probably did!