*Kinslayer *is Book Two in Jay Kristoff's critically acclaimed Lotus War series that began with *Stormdancer,* featuring an unforgettable heroine and a stunningly original Japanese dystopian steampunk world

A SHATTERED EMPIRE
The mad Shogun Yoritomo has been assassinated by the Stormdancer Yukiko, and the threat of civil war looms over the Shima Imperium. The toxic blood lotus flower continues to ravage the land, the deadlands splitting wider by the day. The machine-worshippers of the Lotus Guild conspire to renew the nation's broken dynasty and crush the growing rebellion simultaneously - by endorsing a new Shogun who desires nothing more than to see Yukiko dead.

A DARK LEGACY
Yukiko and the mighty thunder tiger Buruu have been cast in the role of heroes by the Kagé rebellion. But Yukiko herself is blinded by rage over her father's death, and her ability to hear the thoughts of beasts is swelling beyond her power to control. Along with Buruu, Yukiko's anchor is Kin, the rebel Guildsman who helped her escape from Yoritomo's clutches. But Kin has his own secrets, and is haunted by visions of a future he'd rather die than see realized.

A GATHERING STORM
Kagé assassins lurk within the Shogun's palace, plotting to end the new dynasty before it begins. A waif from Kigen's gutters begins a friendship that could undo the entire empire. A new enemy gathers its strength, readying to push the fracturing Shima imperium into a war it cannot hope to survive. And across raging oceans, amongst islands of black glass, Yukiko and Buruu will face foes no katana or talon can defeat.

The ghosts of a blood-stained past.

**

### From Publishers Weekly

The second Japanese-flavored steampunk adventure in the Lotus War series (after 2012's Stormdancer) starts with a bang when teen kitsune Yukiko, craving revenge for her father's murder, destroys three Lotus Guild warships. But the tides turn when Lord Hiro, Yukiko's former lover and the Guild's foremost ally, declares himself the Daimyo. Yukiko's uncontrollable powers also become as dangerous as any enemy. The Guild stands poised to crush Yukiko's burgeoning rebellion, and the empire's fate hangs on three unlikely people: Artificer Kin, increasingly conflicted about his decision to follow Yukiko; Burakumin Hana, derided and considered beneath notice; and Kage Michi, a maidservant whose relationship with a magistrate threatens more than her heart. Though Kristoff opens with a character refresher, new readers might have difficulty following the story, and while the action scenes are just as thrilling and the plot even more fast-paced than in the first volume, this sequel is undermined by its increasingly one-note pseudo-Japanese setting, as well as its reliance on predictable tropes. Agent: Matt Bialer, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Sept.)

### Review

“Kristoff is the master of unique and intense plots and huge twists. This book has it all ― and a nice little bow to tie it all up with. There are swords, action, friendship, a conspiracy, grief and hope. It's going on my "Amazing Reads" shelf, and I urge you to pick it up.” ―*USAToday.com*

“With its geisha girls in gas masks and canvas blimps spewing black exhaust as they chug across the sky, *Stormdancer* paints a vivid picture of a decrepit, steampunk Japan. It's startling to witness a country that so reveres nature presented in such an environmentally compromised position, as it is in the kickoff to Jay Kristoff's "The Lotus War" series. But it's this inventive juxtaposition that makes *Stormdancer* such a thrilling addition to the increasingly tired yet continuously expanding dystopian scene…. [A] fast-paced, fantastical adventure [that] is sharp as a Shogun's sword.” ―*The LA Times*

“*Stormdancer* is an intoxicating joyride into steampunklandia with a magical dose of mythology, the supernatural, violence, dystopian themes, and a top-notch brassy heroine who rivals Katniss Everdeen of *The Hunger Games*. Yes, I did say that!” ―*The Huffington Post*

“Kristoff's imaginative debut, the first in a series, presents the feudal, dystopian Shima Empire, a menacing Japanese-inspired setting… The innovative setting, fast-moving plot, vivid descriptions, and thrilling action scenes make this a refreshing addition to the steampunk canon.” ―*Publishers Weekly, starred review*

“Soars higher than the arashitora Kristoff writes about; superb.” ―*Kirkus, starred review*

“Jay Kristoff's *Stormdancer* is steampunk by way of feudal Japan, in which a young woman with unusual abilities befriends a thunder tiger in a polluted industrial wasteland. Strong heroines, detailed settings, and fascinating legends hit the sweet spot.” ―*Publishers Weekly*

“Japanese Steampunk unafraid to engage with the dark side of the subgenre. The Lotus must bloom!” ―*SF Signal*

“A steampunk fantasy with richly drawn mythical creatures and a tough female protagonist…. Packed full of surprising twists and turns, nonstop action, and intense dialogue.” ―*School Library Journal*

“[T]he plot takes off when the mythical arashitora (literally ‘stormtiger') forms a strong bond with dagger-wielding heroine, Yukiko. Her relationship with the griffin-like creature is especially poignant in light of the personal losses she reveals as the story unfolds… it's the bonds of family and friendship that feel the truest, with heartwrenching effect.” ―*Romantic Times*

“Think *Lassie*, if Kurosawa had been the director and Lassie had been three tons of angry mythical demon-shredding sass bent on pushing Timmy down the well… A colorful cast of supporting characters and thoughtful plotting add further to *Stormdancer's* appeal, but, really, Kristoff has the reader at "girl meets griffin." The captivating backdrop, graceful prose and army of mechanized samurai are all just added bonuses.” ―*Shelf Awareness*

“What's that? You say you've got a Japanese Steampunk novel with mythic creatures, civil unrest, and a strong female protagonist? I'm afraid I missed everything you said after "Japanese Steampunk." That's all I really needed to hear.” ―Patrick Rothfuss, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man’s Fear

“With airships, demons, and lashings of revolutionary swordplay, this chi-fueled vision of a steampunk feudal Japan will blow your split-toed socks off.” ―Scott Westerfeld, New York Times bestselling author of Leviathan

“Jay Kristoff pushes the steampunk genre exactly where it needs to go, away from Victorian London's over-trodden lanes and into the great wide world. With its rocketing action, eccentric and convincing characters, and deep immersion in heroic Japanese culture, *Stormdancer* slammed my head into an updated vision of the great chanbara films of Kurosawa and Kobayashi. I'll be waiting for more from Mr. Kristoff.” ―*K.W. Jeter, author of The Kingdom of Shadows*

“Set in a complex and richly imagined world, *Stormdancer* draws on inspirations as widespread as epic fantasy, steampunk, and Japanese mythology, effortlessly piecing them together into an alternate history that is as vibrant as it is disturbing. Yukiko is an admirable heroine, made of compassion and courage, but it's the remarkable friendship forged between Yukiko and the majestic thunder tiger, Buruu, that readers will find truly unforgettable. In this breathtaking debut fantasy, Kristoff has given us an adventure teeming with impossible quests and betrayals, rebellion and murder, jealousy and harbored secrets. I eagerly look forward to seeing where his imagination takes us next.” ―Marissa Meyer, New York Times bestselling author of Cinder

“Jay Kristoff's Yukiko and her indomitable thunder tiger's entertaining adventures have just sent steampunk gloriously Asian.” ―*Stephen Hunt, internationally bestselling author of The Kingdom Beyond the Sea*

“Kristoff's debut is a lyrical triumph of chainsaw swords and thunder tigers that steampunk fans and mythology buffs will devour.” ―Kevin Hearne, author of The Iron Druid Chronicles

“If you enjoy rich detail and sensual writing, you'll dig it…. Bristling with energy and enthusiasm, this is the start of what should be a deservedly popular series.” ―*Library Journal*

“Compelling characters--particularly Yukiko, the Arashitora Buruu, and the artificer Kin--a strong environmental message, and a thrilling battle setting the stage for the sequel. Offer this to fans of Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan trilogy or Philip Reeve's Hungry City Chronicles.” ―*Booklist*