Claire Youmans first went to Japan in 1992 and was immediately captivated.  After years of travel and study, she continues to be charmed and amazed by a fascinating history and a culture that's both endearingly quirky and entirely unique. She is a retired lawyer who now lives in Tokyo. Her family, including her daughter and two grandsons, live in Seattle, USA.

In 2014, she started Tales of the Meiji Era with The Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy's unparalleled blend of historical fantasy in the first book of the series, Coming Home.  She continues exploring the combination of history and folklore to share her love and fascination with a very different country and culture. 

Exciting adventures continue to unfold in this delightful fantastical yet historical world as social and political changes expand, technology explodes, and two very unusual children grow up.  



The Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy

The Dragon King adjusted his long body on his cushions. Once again, the herd of seahorses trotted into position to adjust the pillows. The tips of the King's whiskers twitched as he dismissed them.


"Time and space work differently for us," he began. "We are not, strictly speaking, of this world. Yet, neither are we apart from it." One huge eye regarded Yuta. Yuta nodded. He was following, if not understanding.


"We know nothing of our origins. As far as we know, we have always existed, though if we have an origin, it was probably in India, for that is where my family came from, so long ago it is lost in the mists of time."


Intrigued, Yuta nodded again, and refilled his cup with the Dragon King's remarkably good wine.


Chapter 91