Across the Nightingale Floor: Book 1 Tales of the Otori
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4.4 • 174 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
** CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF OTORI **
FOUR MILLION COPIES SOLD. In 40 languages. One of the most thrilling series of our time. Enter the feudal world of the Otori - filled with magic, treachery and intrigue - inspired by medieval Japan and created by acclaimed Australian author, Lian Hearn.
'The best story of magic, love, sex, revenge and suspense to have come this way since Philip Pullman.' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY
In his fortress at Inuyama, the murderous warlord Iida Sadamu surveys his famous nightingale floor. Constructed with exquisite skill, it sings at the tread of each human foot. No assassin can cross it unheard.
Brought up in a remote village among the Hidden, a reclusive and spiritual people, Takeo has learned only the ways of peace. Why, then, does he possess the deadly skills that make him so valuable to the sinister Tribe? These supernatural powers will lead him to his violent destiny within the walls of Inuyama - and to an impossible longing for a girl who can never be his. His journey is one of revenge and treachery, beauty and magic, and the passion of first love.
INCLUDES an extract from GRASS FOR HIS PILLOW PLUS three chapters of EMPEROR OF THE EIGHT ISLANDS, the first novel in Lian Hearn's spellbinding Tale of Shikanoko series.
'One of the most thrilling series of our time.' THE TIMES
' ... a world that is rich with character and detail, yet effortless to read' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
'An engrossing fantasy saga of literary quality.' THE AGE
'Lian Hearn's marvellous storytelling talent ... makes reading these books a moment of pure bliss.' LE MONDE
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Mystical powers and martial arts rampage through this pseudo-Japanese story, the first of a projected trilogy by newcomer Hearn, with an abandon that's head spinning. From the entrance of the 16-year-old hero, Takeo, as he is about to be swatted down by a mounted horseman and the way he can become invisible or make a duplicate of himself when he needs to, to the head-rolling decapitations that follow interminably, the impossible becomes the semiplausible. Takeo, who joins the Otori clan, is a religious outcast, and also, surprisingly, a member of "the Tribe," a secretive race that has unusual mental and physical powers that lend them an unworldly air. Takeo learns how to control his burgeoning talents just in time to avenge the death of his mentor, while politics and clan rivalries lead to an increasing amount of graphic bloodshed. Takeo enjoys a few blissful moments with the fetching Lady Kaede Shirakawa but, unfortunately, she is not destined to be his, now or in the future. For fans of Japanese samurai warrior fantasy, this novel is right in the ballpark, filled with swords, clan in-fighting, love affairs, invisibility and magical Ninja powers. However, for those looking for something with a bit of depth, the author tends to gloss over the details of why and how. Takeo learns the craft of the Tribe offstage and all the political maneuvering that goes into the clan warfare is rather murky. Hopefully, the next book will show what Hearn is really capable of.
Customer Reviews
Across the nightingale floor
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and the rest in the series
A book (and series) well done!!
Such an amazing series! I am looking forward to re-reading it again!!
An ABSOLUTE MUST read!!
Lacking Depth
While the book is interesting, and the touches on the Japanese culture are there, there is no depth to the story or culture of the characters. The intriguing talents of the main character are never fully explained, and it seems to skip through events as if rushing to finish. If you enjoy detailed books, with spellbinding descriptions that fully draw you into the setting, I would not recommend this book.