Gate to Kagoshima
A Novel
Poppy Kuroki
320 Pages
On-Sale Date: 28/01/2025
ISBN: 9780063410879
Trim Size: 5.300in x 8.000in x 0.950in
“Gate to Kagoshima is an action-packed adventure that opens in Scotland and makes its way to Kagoshima, Japan, as our heroine flees the ghosts of relationships past only to find new loves―and new heartbreak. Set at the close of the Samurai era, the story blends Outlander by way of Before the Coffee Gets Cold.”—Marie Claire
“A terrific ‘what if’ time-travel novel with an intriguing historical element, epic battles, and a dash of romance.”—Adrian Cousins, author of The Jason Apsley series
In this exciting historical romantasy in the spirit of The Hurricane Wars and The Time Traveler’s Wife—Outlander set in Japan—a young Scottish woman is magically transported to the last Samurai era, where she encounters ghosts from the past, her own Japanese ancestry, and a love that transcends time.
While in Japan researching her family’s history, a vicious typhoon sends Isla Mackenzie 128 years back in time, to the dawn of the Satsuma Rebellion. There she meets her ancestors, and a charismatic samurai, Kei, with whom she unexpectedly finds romance.
But, unlike her Beloved, Isla knows about the looming Samurai rebellion—and Kai’s fate. Should she attempt to change history or somehow make her way back to the life she’d had before?
Compulsively readable, historically grounded, and irresistibly immersive, Gate to Kagoshima is an unforgettable tale of duty, and of timeless love.
The book is beautifully designed and features colored and illustrated sprayed edges—purple with stenciled moonscape and cherry blossoms.
“Gate to Kagoshima is an action-packed adventure that opens in Scotland and makes its way to Kagoshima, Japan, as our heroine flees the ghosts of relationships past only to find new loves―and new heartbreak. Set at the close of the Samurai era, the story blends Outlander by way of Before the Coffee Gets Cold.” — Marie Claire
“Kuroki launches a historical romantasy series with this addictive, high-concept epic that travels from the modern day to 1870s Japan. . . . . Isla’s foreknowledge keeps the stakes of the love story sky-high against the vivid, wonderfully detailed backdrop of feudal Japan. Readers won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough.” — Publishers Weekly
“Gate to Kagoshima is steeped in rich historical detail, blending samurai battles with a heartfelt romance that heightens the stakes. The novel’s smooth pacing and immersive setting will captivate fans of historical fiction, especially those drawn to time-travel stories with a balance of action and emotional depth. Perfect for readers who appreciate both history and love woven into their adventures.” — Booklist
“Fans of Outlander will appreciate Kuroki’s treatment of a familiar story, while the Japanese setting, language, and culture sprinkled throughout are a fresh addition to the genre.” — Library Journal
“This book has taught me a great deal, especially about Japan’s Satsuma Rebellion and a little bit of Japanese history. It’s an atmospheric journey through history that also provides my romantasy fix.” — Book Riot
“With its mixture of Scottish and Japanese culture, this romance is perhaps my most anticipated release of the year!” — BookTrib
“Compulsively readable, historically grounded, and irresistibly immersive, Gate to Kagoshima is an unforgettable tale of duty, and of timeless love.” — Novels Alive
“Compulsively readable, historically grounded, and irresistibly immersive, Gate to Kagoshima is an unforgettable tale of duty, and of timeless love.” — Reactor
“As a die-hard fan of Diana Gabaldon’s time-travelling Outlander books, this is going to fill the gap nicely as I wait for book 10 . . . . Honestly, this is right up my Jamie Fraser-loving alley.” — New Scientist
“Gate to Kagoshima explores the beauty of 19th-century Japan and the ways of the Samurai; their dedication to their craft, their respect and honor, and their acceptance of the life they lead. The descriptions of the time and setting are rich and detailed, taking you on a tour of rural Japan and cementing you in the era. The historical aspects are well-researched and respectfully portrayed, which serve to highlight the differences between Isla and those around her in an effective way.” — Riotus
“Fun, romantic and heartbreaking. Serious Outlander vibes with a fresh new twist.” — Pim Wangtechawat, author of The Moon Represents my Heart
“A terrific ‘what if’ time-travel novel with an intriguing historical element, epic battles, and a dash of romance.” — Adrian Cousins, author of The Jason Apsley series
“Refreshingly original. . . . A stunning debut.” — Jason Ayres, author of The Time Bubble series
