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

"Irtysh?" Rizantona called. "Don't come! Just answer!"


"Mother?" The Western dragon prince looked up from the impressive pile of jewels in which he lolled, content.


"Yes. I want to speak to you, but I can't ask you to visit where I am, so stay where you are."


"Why not? We always visit; we can usually only speak to close relatives without visiting."


"I am your mother. That is close enough to allow free speech. This isn't my place. I am a guest myself. I can't invite others."


"Is everything all right? Can you come here?"


"Everything is fine, my son. In fact, I have excellent news. There is a reason I don't want to travel long distances now. You have a new sibling. I want to arrange for you to meet him."


"I don't understand  Oh. His father is that Asian dragon, the father of my youngest sister, isn't he?"


Chapter 162