Kokun: Volume 1 - by Nahoko Uehashi (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

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 to the imperial capital with her younger brother after a violent coup. There, she meets the reigning Kokun, Olie--an enigmatic girl worshipped for her supposed gift of scent, yet secretly powerless. As Aisha uncovers her own latent ability to perceive the natural world through smell, she and Olie form an unlikely alliance.

Together, they must confront a hidden history, uncover the truth behind the Ohaleh rice, and confront forces that threaten not just the empire's survival, but the very balance of nature.

Kokun: Volume 1 marks the beginning of an epic tale of rebellion, inheritance, and the fight to reconnect with a world on the brink of collapse.

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR KOKUN: VOLUME 1

"This is a fantasy novel that should be read by adults who live in the real world. This novel certainly reminds us of the smell of grass, the sound of insects, the feeling of the wind, and the feeling of stepping on the earth that we tend to forget."--Miyake Kaho, Books Bunshun

"The appeal of this work is that it allows readers to experience both the rationality and mystery of the natural ecosystem... This is yet another overwhelmingly powerful novel that energizes the reader."--Shosetsu Houseki

"The charm of this work is that it allows readers to experience both the rationality and the wonder of natural ecosystems... This long novel continues to provide tremendous strength and vitality to the reader."--Asayo Takii

"A magnificent fantasy is born, depicting the ecology of plants and insects as its theme!"--The Bunka News

"This is not a story about someone with transcendental abilities magically saving the country. It is about people imagining, observing, complementing each other, and making choices in the face of disaster."--Asahi Books

Praise for Nahoko Uehashi

"Uehashi's vivid storytelling, beautiful prose, and shifting perspectives that cover a broad scope of events will have readers relishing every detail of her lush world building." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review for The Beast Player

"The beauty and power of the natural world is at the core of this intriguing fantasy, whose abrupt ending guarantees a sequel." --Kirkus Reviews on The Beast Player

"Magic, nonstop action, swordplay, a puzzling myth, dangerous plot twists, and a strong-willed, flawed hero on a quest." --Booklist for Moribito (Book I)

"Once again, Uehashi immerses readers in the culture, traditions, mythology, even diet of the populace, creating a full, captivating world." --Publishers Weekly, starred review for Moribito II

"Though a sequel, Moribito II stands on its own as an engrossing story of redemption . . . Fast-paced action scenes (frenzied but not overly violent) help lessen the weightiness of this epic, where themes like a boy's coming of age, family betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked ambition are also explored." --School Library Journal for Moribito II