In the Shadow of Mount Oban - New Book Series Trailer (2024) S.L. Burkhart

A celebrated anthropologist from the powerful nation of Thanakar receives an unexpected letter from the queen of a secluded island nation, with the promise of hiring him to investigate a "population loss." Sir Donovan Waltham, being out of work due to the defunding of the sciences by the currently elected party, ventures far south to the hot part of the world to accept the offer. Once he arrives, he sees a wealthy nation awash in luxury with safe streets, having no wars, disease, or other threats to speak of. Queen Isuna, a heavy-handed matriarch, regulates the island meticulously for safety and security, yet Sir Waltham finds out they have decreased in population by 77% in just a few generations.

He begins to work earnestly but finds out that the island culture is a fierce matriarchal society with men in complete subjugation, having no wealth or status. The women fill all roles of authority, including those of the military. He meets terrible resistance. Being guided by Lieutenant Meida, a woman who is initially distrusting, he prevails and eventually begins to uncover the island's secrets. Yes, there are some basic demographic challenges that are contributing, but people are vanishing without anyone understanding all of what's going on, all while the capital city of Panu seems blissfully unconcerned and unaware. But the soldiers live it and know it is happening. Unfortunately, they are tasked with carrying on as though everything is normal despite their fears. In the words of Meida, "the island herself takes them."

A scientist by nature, Sir Waltham is determined to expose the mystery and get to the bottom of it. But the deeper he goes, the darker, more ghastly, and terrifying the facts become. Nevertheless, he is determined to help Meida rescue their vanishing civilization.