Geopolitical unrest between the kingdoms of Shinara and Eshtera complicates a nomadic foursome’s journey in Leong’s quirky debut. Tao, the eponymous Shinn fortune teller, travels Eshtera offering clients brief, inconsequential glimpses of their future. After ex-mercenary Mash helps Tao evade a fallen tree, she repays him with one such prophecy, foreseeing that he will give his daughter a kitten. She doesn’t realize that his daughter, Leah, has been missing for six months and that he’s desperately searching for her. Mash is skeptical of Tao’s talents, but he and his best friend, Silt, an ex-thief, demand to accompany her to her next town in case she offers any more clues to Leah’s whereabouts. Kina, a baker craving adventure, also joins them after Tao sees a vision of Kina traveling with her. Along the way, the quartet faces down threats including anti-Shinn prejudice, a cursed sentient rock troll with existential ennui, and a magefinder eager to conscript Tao. Leong does a good job of balancing adventure, friendship among endearing outsiders, and humor with a thoughtful exploration of immigrant struggle. This whimsical and heartfelt tale is sure to win admirers. Agent: Paul Lucas, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc. (Nov.)