Cecilia Randall is one of the most original and appreciated fantasy writers in Italy and beyond. Her latest book, Kitsune: The Power of the Fox (Gribaudo, 2026, 348 pages, also available as an ebook), demonstrates her narrative talents. It explores some of the writer's favorite themes: Japanese mythology , heroines and heroes , and adventure .
The novel's protagonist is Chiaro, an ordinary boy who one day finds himself torn between the world of men and that of yokai, the spirits of Japanese tradition. The transformation came suddenly, like a curse or an unsolicited gift, one to which Chiaro is not yet accustomed. He has no idea what his new powers truly mean, nor how to control them. His powers are growing, yes, but his doubts are no less: who is he, really? And what role can he have alongside Momo, a young lady of the castle who must govern a territory, protect her people, and possibly avert supernatural disasters.
When increasingly strange events begin to occur in a small village, Chiaro and Momo find themselves drawn into an investigation where nothing is as it seems. Among temples guarding secrets, decidedly unsavory creatures, and places it would be wise not to set foot in, they will need courage, cunning, intelligence...in short, the qualities of the fox, or kitsune in Japanese . And a solid mutual trust. A trust that perhaps is transforming into something different, deeper, and more surprising.
So we ask Cecilia Randall, first of all, what bond is being created between Chiaro and Momo:
A deep affection that is transforming into something more. On the one hand, Chiaro and Momo are similar: both are very young and are faced with enormous responsibilities while still doubting themselves. On the other, they are like yin and yang: he is reckless and bold but sometimes fragile, she is controlled and shy, yet much stronger than she thinks. They support and complement each other, even in times of crisis.
How would you describe the character of Chiaro?
A brave boy searching for his place in the world. He's been marked by terrible events, yet he hasn't hardened. At first, he's focused on himself and how to survive, but then he realizes that the qualities that make him feel different from everyone else, sometimes isolated, are precious in protecting others from intrigue, magic, and supernatural creatures. Then his generosity resurfaces and helps him find the right direction.
What were the sources of inspiration for the book?
The seed of Chiaro's story sprouted in my childhood, when I was given the children's version of Marco Polo's The Travels of Marco Polo. The idea of an Italian teenager undertaking such an adventurous journey fascinated me immensely. I had also just discovered manga and anime and was passionate about all things Japanese. Hence the idea of a young Venetian from the future who sets out for the East and arrives in an almost mythological Japan, stuck in the age of the samurai. At the time, the story remained unfinished because it was too immature. However, my love for mythology and the East has never faded. So, after finally visiting Japan as an adult and delving deeper into its culture through research, I had all the skills and ideas to write the complete story.
What attracts you so much to Japan?
"The way past and future blend into a harmonious present. I have this image of Japan, where ancient temples and robots, ancient culture and hyper-technology, magic and realism sit side by side. I'm fascinated by the Japanese's ability to proudly preserve their traditions even in the midst of modernity."
What is the supernatural for you?
A way to have maximum freedom in the narrative, to expose the protagonists of my books to elements that completely undermine their knowledge, testing them beyond their limits. In writing, I always find myself reflecting on themes that touch me deeply, and the fantasy element allows me to explore them from unexpected perspectives, as if through different lenses. It amplifies conflicts and makes them more epic, forces more extreme choices, highlights contradictions and nuances that can be more elusive in the real world. The supernatural gives me the thrill of the unexplored. In this respect, I am indebted to Salgari: he took his readers to places that were exotic to him; I try to find that same sense of wonder in the fantasy worlds I create.