Gate to Kagoshima: A Novel

· Ancestor Memories Fantasy Book 1 · Harper Paperbacks · Narrated by Siho Ellsmore
1 review
Audiobook
9 hr 9 min
Unabridged
Eligible
Want a free 15 min sample? Listen anytime, even offline. 
Add
77% price drop on Oct 1

About this audiobook

""Gate to Kagoshima is an action-packed adventure that opens in Scotland and makes its way to Kagoshima, Japan, as our heroine flees the ghosts of relationships past only to find new loves―and new heartbreak. Set at the close of the Samurai era, the story blends Outlander by way of Before the Coffee Gets Cold.""—Marie Claire

""A terrific ‘what if’ time-travel novel with an intriguing historical element, epic battles, and a dash of romance.""—Adrian Cousins, author of The Jason Apsley series

In this exciting historical romantasy in the spirit of The Hurricane Wars and The Time Traveler’s Wife—Outlander set in Japan—a young Scottish woman is magically transported to the last Samurai era, where she encounters ghosts from the past, her own Japanese ancestry, and a love that transcends time.

While in Japan researching her family’s history, a vicious typhoon sends Isla Mackenzie 128 years back in time, to the dawn of the Satsuma Rebellion. There she meets her ancestors, and a charismatic samurai, Kei, with whom she unexpectedly finds romance.

But, unlike her Beloved, Isla knows about the looming Samurai rebellion—and Kai’s fate. Should she attempt to change history or somehow make her way back to the life she’d had before?

Compulsively readable, historically grounded, and irresistibly immersive, Gate to Kagoshima is an unforgettable tale of duty, and of timeless love.  

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

""Gate to Kagoshima is an action-packed adventure that opens in Scotland and makes its way to Kagoshima, Japan, as our heroine flees the ghosts of relationships past only to find new loves―and new heartbreak. Set at the close of the Samurai era, the story blends Outlander by way of Before the Cof...

Discover more

Ratings and reviews

1 review
Sylvia Garcia
November 4, 2025
beautiful story. I was hesitant since it was written by a white woman, but the amount of respect and research she put into the story was wonderful. the author currently lives in Japan and loves the culture. im a sucker for a love story that spans across time.
Did you find this helpful?

About the author

Poppy Kuroki is the author of the Ancestor Memories Fantasy novels, which include Gate to Kagoshima, Passage to Tokyo, and Road to Odawara. She was born in Scotland, grew up in England, and lived in Japan, where she worked as a writer and freelance editor. She lives in Yorkshire with her family.

Poppy Kuroki is the author of the Ancestor Memories Fantasy novels, which include Gate to Kagoshima, Passage to Tokyo, and Road to Odawara. She was born in Scotland, grew up in England, and lived in Japan, where she worked as a writer and freelance editor. She lives in Yorkshire with her family.

Rate this audiobook

Tell us what you think.

Listening information

Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can read books purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.