Liminal Chronicles Book Series

Rise (Book 1)

Available Now!

A myth come to life may be worth far more than his freedom.

An ex-mobster must choose between breaking a promise to his parole officer, which will send him back to the slammer, or angering a powerful supernatural being. Faced with an impossible decision, how will he forge a path to redemption?

Umeji Tatsuya, moves from Tokyo to the small town of Nonogawa after leaving the yakuza, the Japanese mob. He knows all too well that his past can't stay buried.

'Once Yakuza, always Yakuza. The tattoos mark you for life.'

Nakamura Hisako, the town’s beloved dowager, learns about Umeji’s past and tries to oust him, but Umeji just discovered her own long-held secret. If he keeps it for her, the cost is his recently regained freedom. If he doesn’t, Nakamura might have to leave her home, and he risks angering forces he barely understands… and barely believes in.

As the mundane and Spirit Realm intertwine, so do the modern-day and the Pre-Meiji eras. Centuries-old rivalries flare up again, and the past returns in the present. Umeji’s second chance is only the first step of his journey to discover myth, social redemption, and found family.

Themes

redemption
a person's ability to change
choices have consequences (even generations later)
found family

Features

multiple timelines (modern day and Meiji era)
magic
mythological beings (a few at first, in later books they'll appear more often)
mixing of the mysterious and mundane

Trailer

Praise for Rise:

"Must read: An engaging fantasy inspired by Japanese mythical lore. Great characters with a fast paced story...Which readers would I recommend Rise: The Liminal Chronicals to, all readers. But especially those that enjoy anime and manga, or are interested in reading them. You may not enjoy this novel as much if you do not have an interest in either of them. While reading it felt like I was watching a movie."
— Keisha Jackson-LaMon via Reedsy Discovery, ★★★★★

"Overall, Rise: The Liminal Chronicles was a fascinating read that explored ancient magic, Japanese mythology and culture, and deep down, the ability of one man to start over anew. The story was well written and engaging, and had me constantly wondering what would come next. It was a story about change and redemption, one that touched both my heart and soul."
— Ellie Mitchell author of the Legends of Peradon series via Goodreads, ★★★★★

"Imagine a world where all your favourite stuff about Japanese mythology, anime, and magic kung-fu movies come together with gritty urban fantasy in modern Japan. This is the world of the Liminal Chronicles. It's a book I didn't know I needed, but now I need more!"
— Diane Morrison (SableAradia) author of The Wyrd West Chronicles via Goodreads, ★★★★★

"A meticulously penned homage to Japanese tradition and mythology, Rise: The Liminal Chronicles is a stellar achievement. This unexpectedly emotional tale is compelling throughout, and the confident authorial voice makes the novel hum with authenticity. With careful character development and patient storytelling, this first installation from Winters-Voss is a gripping and original gem."
— Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★½

"...I thoroughly enjoyed Rise and have read it several times already, the first time staying up all night to finish. The characters have depth with their own motivations for their actions as well as their reactions to Umeji, which the Reader will uncover as the novel progresses. The flashbacks to events during Japan's Pre-Meiji eras serve to drive home the full buildup of the present day conflict while beautifully complimenting the present day action, and the well-foreshadowed twists and turns still serve to surprise..."
— Angela, Goodreads, ★★★★★

Guardian (Book 2)

Umeji and several members of the gang travel to Kyoto to find a cure for Nakamura.

Along the way we meet new characters and learn the lasting repercussions of Date's treachery, Umeji and Nakamura's choices, and how those choices affect others beyond themselves.

Guardian: Book Progress

UPDATED: 12/30/2021

ICON KEY
To Do
In Progress

Waiting
Done

First Draft
First Draft Edits
Cover Commision
To Development Editor
Development Edits

Beta Reader Input
Beta Reader Edits
Sensitivity Reader

To Editor
Pre ARC Edits
To ARC Readers
ARC Edits
To Proofing Editor

Release Party