On Astral Tides - Book Eight - The Cracks Spread

The invasion of Kyoto was beaten back by Akio and his comrades, the cruellest of fates as predicted by the Diviner turned aside, though at heavy cost, the greater enemy yet to be faced.

There is no time for rest, however, as the chaos of Kyoto is impossible to conceal, and Japan is not the only land to face such disasters, the illusion of normality the public believes in starting to collapse.

With time running out, Akio and his allies in government and the nobility are desperately preparing for the moment when the masquerade finally breaks, but when interests conflict, Akio is faced with a realisation.

It is time to step out of the shadows of others, and seize his own opportunities, making his desires and the dreams of those he loves a reality.

…but chaos is a double-edged sword. The old order is starting to fracture, and a hero can rise to shape the new world…