The Shadow of Black Wings
"Fast paced and full of energy"
--Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of the Shadows of the Apt
"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."
-- Publishers Weekly
"The real-world cultures are incredibly well-researched and truthful, and yet well-balanced with the fantasy elements. An intriguing and impressive series."
-- Ben Galley, author of the Emaneska Series
It is the Sixteenth Year of Queen Victoria. In the powerful empire of Dracaland, Bran, a young dragon rider, joins his father on a military expedition to the mysterious lands of the Orient. In the reclusive Yamato, Sato, a tomboy samurai girl, strives to prove her right to inherit her father's school of western magic. Nagomi, a timid shrine apprentice, is haunted by the visions of dark future she must keep secret even from her best friend.
They don't know it yet, but their paths will cross... And when they do, nothing will ever be the same again.
Welcome to The Shadow of Black Wings, a steam-powered romp across the land of dragons, wizards and samurai. It's big, it's fast, it's been compared to Tolkien in terms of world-building, it has strong female characters and lots of carefully researched detail. You will meet the Royal Marines sailing mighty ironclads and Chinese walking machines; mysterious warlords and crazy inventors; you will discover dark prophecies, family secrets and blood-thirsty demons. And all that in just the first volume!
- Update frequency
- every day
- Average duration
- 28 minutes
- Episodes
- 18
- Years Active
- 2013
Other books by James Calbraith
Thank you for taking the time to listen to our podiobook.
If you’re interested in the rest of the Year of the Dragon saga, volumes two and three – “The
Warrior’s Soul” and “The Islands in the Mist” …
Episode 17 - The Scent of Wisteria
Somewhere in Yamato, an old man descends into an ancient barrow...
Episode 16 - The Myriad Year Clock
Sato's lessons end abruptly as Keinosuke decides to confront her about the stranger seen at Nagomi's house. To forget about her worries for a day, she goes to see the Myriad Year Clock - Master Tanak…
Episode 15 - The Crane Room
Tokojiro wasted his best years learning a useless language of a country nobody's heard of. Now it's his time to shine, as he is summoned to the great Suwa Shrine.
Episode 14 - The Streets of Kiyo
It is forbidden for Westerners to come to Yamato without permission. Bran's hiding place is discovered, and he has to be moved to a more secure location... but where?
Episode 13 - He Rides Dragons
The mysterious boy speaks a language unknown in Yamato. The initial investigation into his arrival seems to bring more questions than answers.
Episode 12 - This Is Not Qin
Bran wakes up in a strange place, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. It looks a bit like Qin... but something doesn't feel right.
Episode 11 - It Fell From Heavens
A beam of light falls from the sky near the harbour. Sato and Nagomi run to the beach to find out what happened.
Episode 10 - Jewels Three
Sato's father joins the conspiracy against the ruling dynasty. Nagomi learns about the dark prophecy concerning the fate of the Yamato.
Episode 9 - The Day of the Ship
In the great harbour city of Kiyo, in the reclusive kingdom of Yamato, live Sato Takashima, the samurai wizardess, and Nagomi Keisuke, a shrine apprentice from the family of physicians.
Episode 8 - The Llambed Seal
The Second Dragoons is ordered to sail North, to assist the Qin capital against the encroaching rebels. But war is closer than anyone expected. In the heat of the battle, there is only one way for Br…
Episode 7 - The Thirteen Factories
The Ladon finally reaches its destination - the Western Factories of Fan Yu - and Bran learns that there is always war in Qin.
Episode 6 - The Songs of Distant Ocean
The Ladon sails towards the great empire of Qin, and Bran has the greatest adventure of his life.
Episode 5 - Farewell to Llangyfelach
Inspired by his Grandfather's adventures, Bran joins Dylan on board the MFS Ladon, the greatest ship ever built.
Episode 4 - HMS Phaeton
Bran discovers his Grandfather's diary and learns the truth behind his blue stone ring.
Episode 3 - The Hottest Summer
As the summer heat dries out the marshes and riverbeds, Bran stumbles upon a relic of ancient wars.
Episode 2 - The Farmer's Fancy
Bran celebrates his graduation with a few friends; but not everyone is as happy with the exam results.
Episode 1 - The Graddio
It is the sixteenth year of Queen Victoria Alexandrina; Bran ap Dylan o Cantre'r Gwaelod, young student of Applied Dracology prepares for the final exams at the Llambed Academy of Mystic Arts.