Naomi Ishiguro, the daughter of Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro, has solidified her literary reputation through a distinctive blend of genres, moving from her acclaimed short story collection, *Escape Routes*, to her debut novel, *Common Ground*. With the release of *The Rainshadow Orphans*, the first installment of a fantasy trilogy published by Solstice Books, Ishiguro delves into the fantasy genre, showcasing a new dimension of her writing.

In a recent discussion, Ishiguro identified five fantasy novels that have deeply influenced both her creative process and literary outlook.

Topping her list is *The Lies of Locke Lamora* by Scott Lynch, which she describes as “not just my favourite fantasy novel, but maybe my favourite novel in any genre.” Ishiguro admires the novel for its complex storytelling and emotional depth, highlighting its exploration of found family, revenge, and the unpredictabilities of fate. She compares it to Alexandre Dumas’s *The Count of Monte Cristo*, praising its expansive narrative scope, intricate plotting, and vibrant characters.

She also recommends *Daughter of Smoke & Bone* by Laini Taylor as a source of hope and joy amid life's challenges. Ishiguro notes the novel’s rich portrayal of hope and love set against a backdrop of generations-long conflict. She appreciates Taylor’s celebration of everyday magic through elements such as art, friendship, and music, quoting a memorable line from the book as a personal mantra: “If it’s not chocolate, it’s not breakfast!”

*Babel* by RF Kuang is recognized for its intense critique of colonialism and the British state, with Ishiguro commending its inventive use of language-based magic to interrogate translation and power dynamics. She describes the novel’s atmosphere as “claustrophobically all-pervasive,” aligning thematic complexity with gripping character development.

Christelle Dabos’s *A Winter’s Promise* is noted for its visual imagination, which Ishiguro likens to hand-drawn animation. The novel’s unique blend of steampunk, fantasy, and fairy tale elements, particularly the concept of floating arks with soulful objects, is celebrated for its originality and inventive world-building.

Finally, Ishiguro acknowledges Ursula K. Le Guin’s *A Wizard of Earthsea* as a timeless classic that combines the weight of ancient fables with an accessible narrative. She values its nuanced reflections on human relationships, the natural world, and personal growth, emphasizing the novel’s message of hope and resilience in facing one’s fears and mistakes.

*The Rainshadow Orphans* is now available in bookstores, marking Ishiguro’s bold entry into the fantasy landscape while drawing on the influences of these seminal works.