The series Shirareta Sekai 知られた世界 ("the known world"), places familiar creatures such as elves, dwarves and nymphs in an Asian, particularly Japanese, setting rather than the usual medieval European one.
The main sources of inspiration are Japanese history, mythology and folklore. Creatures such as kitsune 狐 ("foxes," think Ninetales from Pokémon or Kurama from Naruto) and Eastern Dragons play a major role in the story. Click here for more on this.
The first book, "The Return of Layhar," was published by Zilverbron in November 2018. I am working on an English translation, but the book is currently only available in Dutch.
"When the king of Ōkoku faces an anonymous enemy, he launches a manhunt for all the elves in his kingdom.
The young elf Ai has been hiding in the forest for years after a massacre in her village. When she is discovered there, she is forced to flee Ōkoku, haunted by hunters and the wounds of her past. Who can she trust? Where will she be safe?
She is desperate for a way to finally put the past to rest, but to make matters worse, centuries after the great Racial War ended in one mysterious night, the world is once again at risk of falling into chaos. How can she save herself and the world?"
The sequel, "The Choice of Amar," was released in March 2021. It is only available in Dutch.
“Stranded in the desert, Ai continues her search for the black-eyed elf. She must find a way to prevent the Purification and time is running out. Her quest takes her to exotic lands where she becomes increasingly entangled in a web of mysteries as she learns more about Layhar's identity. The future becomes uncertain when it is revealed that stopping the Purification hinges on the mercy of the powerful, arrogant Amar. Surrounded by the world's strongest mages, the slightest mistake could spell the end for Ai...
Meanwhile, a bitter parting leads Hana and Kazuto down different paths. While Hana seeks her place in Tora's court, where she's not welcomed by many, Kazuto is forced to enlist. In the army, eating will not be his only challenge.
All three must find their way in an unfamiliar environment, with new friends and enemies, to survive.”
The third and final installment, 'The Threads of Ai', was published in November 2024 and is currently only available in Dutch.
The Purification is coming.
Ai travels with Yabi to Yafuku's army, to infiltrate it. She has to convince the warlord to fight the Akuma at the lake of the dragon gods. Even more important, she has to figure out a way to kill the world's strongest mage. Amar has his own plans for the Purification. Phos will return, no matter how many lives Amar needs to sacrifice to make that happen.
Now that Kazuto had been rescued from death, his rehabilitation begins. Urged by Chiyo to reconsider his place in the army, he takes his destiny into his own hands. That won't be without risks, especially when Ai unexpectedly asks him for help.
Hana and Saburo struggle with the aftermath of the attack at the mausoleum. Ishida has been absolved from guilt and king Tora's distrustful mind further deteriorates. Plans to attack the Akuma are actively in the making, as are the preparations for princess Hoshi's wedding which will solidify the alliance with Yafuku. After Saburo's confession, it seems like the situation couldn't get any worse for him and Hana. That is until the plans made behind their backs are put into action...
All roads lead to the lake. As midwinter approaches, the tension is building up.
There will be only one chance to succeed.