Chronicles of Gensokai Series by Virginia McClain

Two friends. Two forbidden powers. One chance to change everything.When Mishi is taken from her orphanage home, she fears she'll never see her best friend Taka again. And when Taka is taken to the infamous Josankō that same day, it seems as if more than distance will keep them apart.Suddenly alone in their fight to survive, each girl must come to terms with her true nature—Mishi as warrior, Taka as healer... moreTwo friends. Two forbidden powers. One chance to change everything.When Mishi is taken from her orphanage home, she fears she'll never see her best friend Taka again. And when Taka is taken to the infamous Josankō that same day, it seems as if more than distance will keep them apart.Suddenly alone in their fight to survive, each girl must come to terms with her true nature—Mishi as warrior, Taka as healer. Years after their separation, the girls’ journeys lead them each to uncover the horrifying secret that the Rōjū council has spent centuries killing to keep.Now the Rōjū council wants Taka and Mishi dead and they'll have only one chance to save their people.How much will Mishi and Taka sacrifice in order to protect all they hold dear?Nominated as a finalist for the 2019 SPFBO less

Betrayal of mind. Betrayal of power. Betrayal of heart.For centuries the Rōjū council silenced all who opposed them, spreading lies and killing innocents to insure that female Kisōshi were little more than a myth. Now, with the corrupt council deposed, the land of Gensokai reels as it takes its first steps towards recovery... moreBetrayal of mind. Betrayal of power. Betrayal of heart.For centuries the Rōjū council silenced all who opposed them, spreading lies and killing innocents to insure that female Kisōshi were little more than a myth. Now, with the corrupt council deposed, the land of Gensokai reels as it takes its first steps towards recovery. As the New Council attempts to gather its allies and subdue its enemies Taka takes charge of a frontline infirmary, placing her in the heart of battle and forcing her to rely on a person she cannot possibly trust. At the same time, Mishi sets out to lure a vicious band of mountain raiders into the open. Yet she’ll have to face down more than bandits if she hopes to survive. Her mind is betraying her, and she fears it is only a matter of time before her kisō and katana turn against her too.Surrounded by enemies and with betrayal only ever a heartbeat away, can Mishi and Taka survive long enough to bring peace to their fractured homeland? less

An action-adventure fantasy romp featuring sword lesbians, sea battles, and a grumpy wolf spirit. Torako has done many things to protect the valley that she calls home, but she’s never looted a corpse before. So when the katana she steals off the still-cooling body of a bandit turns out to be possessed by a grumpy wolf kami, she can only assume it’s because she’s somehow angered the spirits... moreAn action-adventure fantasy romp featuring sword lesbians, sea battles, and a grumpy wolf spirit. Torako has done many things to protect the valley that she calls home, but she’s never looted a corpse before. So when the katana she steals off the still-cooling body of a bandit turns out to be possessed by a grumpy wolf kami, she can only assume it’s because she’s somehow angered the spirits. An impression that’s only reinforced when she returns home to find her wife abducted and her daughter in hiding. But angry spirits or no, Torako isn't about to let bandits run off with the love of her life, even if it means taking their 3 year old on a rescue mission.In all Kaiyo's years as Captain of the Wind Serpent she has never once questioned her admiral’s orders. So when she receives the command to abduct a civilian scribe with the help of fifteen felons, she registers her objections, but does as she is bid. Yet, as the mission unfolds, Kaiyo finds herself questioning everything from her loyalties to her convictions. As Torako and Kaiyo’s fates cross like dueling blades, their persistence is matched only by their fury, until they uncover a series of truths they may never be ready to accept. less