When the Camellia Fades

An atmospheric Asian fantasy with two timelines – modern Japan and Edo period Japan – tells the poignant story of love that knows no barriers.
She is a mortal girl who can see the otherworld. He is an immortal kitsune shapeshifter, a messenger of the goddess Inari. Her gift is to paint prophetic pictures. His curse is to love her in defiance of the gods' strictest prohibitions. Once, she has already died in his arms. Centuries later, fate brings them together again. What will prevail this time – her gift or his curse? Young talented artist Eri returns from Tokyo to her hometown to paint a series of works for an upcoming exhibition. In search of inspiration, she visits the ancient shrine of the goddess Inari – and encounters a mysterious temple master who always wears a fox mask. This meeting changes everything. The girl is hunted by demons and ghosts from ancient legends, and she begins to see what is hidden from the gaze of ordinary mortals. Now, Eri must uncover what happened in the mysterious shrine over three centuries ago during the Edo period and remember why the fox-masked master seems so familiar to her. Alexandra Alva's novel "When the Camellia Fades" is a puzzle, the secrets of which are revealed throughout the book, providing complete immersion in Japanese culture. This book is a true gift for genre fans and a captivating read about true love.