Japan
A dangerous betrayal. The journey of Xonarye leads to the edge of trust and the heart of Japan.
Leaf Brodie’s path has already taken him across oceans, through hidden vaults, and into the shadows of a global conspiracy. Now, with Selina by his side, he arrives in Japan following a transparent cloth that revealed the next clue in the legacy of Xonarye. The trail leads them to the Tanaka Dojo, but instead of answers, they find silence. Master Kenji Tanaka is gone.
Guided by a new thread, Leaf and Selina travel west to Izumo, a city of ancient tradition and quiet mystery. There, they meet the elusive Master Kenji a wise Aikido master who speaks in riddles and tests Leaf’s strength in more ways than one. Earning his trust means staying hidden, training in secret, and learning to control not only his body, but his purpose. Six months pass in the mountains, and while Leaf grows stronger and understanding himself.
Unbeknownst to him, another student Yuji Morita. Younger, faster, and full of questions, Yuji becomes both a training partner and a shadow. But he’s not who he seems. As Leaf trains to protect the truth of Xonarye, Yuji’s true allegiance to Reblick threatens to undo it all.
Meanwhile, the pieces set in motion in Cuba. Spence and Summo remain out of contact. The clock is ticking.
From sacred dojos to coastal shrines, from quiet reflection to explosive action, Xonarye: Japan is a journey of honour, resilience, and trust. As the legend of Xonarye draws more eyes from the dark, Leaf must face the hardest question yet:
Who can he trust when the enemy is already beside him?
Xonarye rise again.
Young Adult, Short Stories, Adventure, Mystery, Secret History, Coming of Age, Thrilling
About The Author
Scott Shepherd is an emerging Australian author with a passion for adventure, storytelling, and the lure of lost lands. Hailing from Naracoorte, South Australia, Scott self-published his first novel in 2020, introducing readers to the daring world of Xonarye. Since then, he has written three books in the Xonarye series, bringing his vivid imagination to life through tales set in exotic locations steeped in mystery and culture.
In 2025, Scott re-released a refined edition of his debut novel, Xonarye: Australia, followed by the second instalment, Xonarye: Cuba, with the third book, Xonarye: Japan, set for release later the same year.
A part-time novelist, full-time family man, and self-described “regular guy,” Scott continues to write from his hometown, where he balances storytelling with hiking, fatherhood, and shared adventures with his partner. Whether at his desk or exploring the outdoors, Scott is always chasing the next great journey—on the page or beyond.
