Second Story Press

Introducing the first book in a richly epic Indigenous fantasy series: In the Long Shadows by Bear Meawasige—the winner of our 2025 Indigenous Writing Contest!

Leaf had heard the stories: she knew that while time had stolen the features of the stone, it was the Stonefolk who had stolen the smiles from the children.

Leaf grew up wandering the forests of the Turtle, exploring the Stonefolk’s cursed ruins, and listening to her grandmother’s stories. As a child, Koomis was imprisoned with other children of the clans in the stone buildings that still scar the forest floor. These ruins are forbidden, but Leaf is compelled to return to them, until one day she finds a mysterious object left behind by the vanished invaders. By bringing it back to the Elderglade, Leaf risks banishment. It is only Ash, a Watcher sworn to protect the clans’ people, who will help her. Together, Leaf and Ash set out on a dangerous journey into the Deepwood, searching for answers.

Far away, across the Broken Waters, Reed dreams of escape from the Flotilla—a makeshift land of ships floating in the middle of the sea. An orphan, he has survived as a lonely ship rat, scuttling through the old hulls, stealing and bartering for each meal. When his chance comes to lie his way onto a departing ship, he doesn’t hesitate, tying his fate to the mysterious crew—including Finch, a girl who seems to see right through his deceit. Together, they set out on a course that will lead them to the Great Turtle.

In the Long Shadows publishes on October 13, 2026. Pre-order the book from your favourite bookstore!

“This fantasy fiction, for a young adult audience, is beautifully descriptive, immersive, animated, and relational. This is a powerful story of hope and resilience.” —Sandra Samatte from GoodMinds.com, juror for the Second Story Press Indigenous Writing Contest