VIZ Media Imprint Releases Second Magatama Trilogy Novel on May 17th Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Official Site: haikasoru.com Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen
VIZ Media, LLC has announced the release of author Noriko Ogiwara’s fantasy adventure novel, Mirror Sword and Shadow Prince, on May 17th. The hardcover book will be published by the company’s Haikasoru literary imprint and will carry an MSRP of $21.99 U.S. / $25.99 CAN. Haikasoru publishes some of the most compelling contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences and is first imprint based in the U.S. dedicated to Japanese science fiction and fantasy in translation. When the heir to the empire comes to Mino, the lives of young Oguna and Toko are changed forever. Oguna is drafted to become a shadow prince, a double trained to take the place of the hunted royal. But soon Oguna is given the Mirror Sword, and his power to wield it threatens the entire nation. Only Toko can stop him, but to do so she needs to gather four Magatama, beads with magical powers that can be strung together to form the Misumaru of Death. Toko`s journey is one of both adventure and self-discovery, and also brings her face to face with the tragic truth behind Oguna`s transformation. “Author Noriko Ogiwara garnered well-deserved praise from North American readers for Dragon Sword and Wind Child, the first book in her award-winning Magatama Trilogy,” says Nick Mamatas, Haikasoru’s Editor. “Mirror Sword and Shadow Prince continues the saga— centuries after the events of Dragon Sword and Wind Child the magical magatama have to be found once again by a young girl named Toko. Only she can stop her best friend, the orphan prince Oguna, from destroying their nation, and himself. It’s a wonderful retelling of one of Japan’s foundational myths, and I’m excited to present a new flavor of epic fantasy to English-speaking audiences.” Noriko Ogiwara was inspired to write by the classic Western children`s books she read while growing up. Dragon Sword and Wind Child (also published in North America by Haikasoru) was her first book and launched the award-winning Magatama Trilogy. Her other books include The Good Witch of the West and Fuujin Hisho. For more information on Mirror Sword and Shadow Prince and the Haikasoru imprint, please visit the dedicated website at haikasoru.com. In related news, Haikasoru Editor Nick Mamatas has been nominated for a 2011 Hugo Award for Best Editor, Long Form category. The imprint’s novel, Harmony, also recently earned a Philip K. Dick Award Special Citation Prize. This is important recognition of the wide following that Japanese sci-fi literature is gaining on an international level.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as Shonen Jump and Shojo Beat, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; and web site at www.viz.com.