Tales of the Otori Trilogy [Paperback]

Lian Hearn (Author)

Book Description

Series: Tales of the Otori | Publication Date: September 2, 2005

In a remote mountain village high in the lands of the Three Countries lives Takeo, a boy with the exceptional skills of the deadly Tribe preternatural hearing, the ability to be in two places at once and invisibility. But brought up among the peaceful Hidden, Takeo has yet to discover the dangerous potential of his own abilities. When his life is saved by the mysterious Lord Otori Shigeru, Takeo begins the journey that will lead him to his destiny. As Takeo grows from boy to man he must find a path through the complex loyalties that bind him to warring clans, the ruthless Tribe and the shadowy Hidden. At the same time, Kaede, a young heiress, must also find her way, using her intelligence and exquisite beauty to assert herself in a world of all-powerful men. For both it is a journey of revenge and treachery, honour and loyalty, beauty and magic and the overwhelming passion of love.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lian Hearn studied modern languages at Oxford University and worked as a film critic and arts editor in London before settling in Australia. A lifelong interest in Japan led to the study of the Japanese language, many trips to Japan, and culminated in the writing of the Tales of the Otori.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Pan Childrens (September 2, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0330440608
• ISBN-13: 978-0330440608
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 2.8 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,043,222 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Engrossing, Tale of many levels, October 23, 2007

By 

Exclusion servicesFrederick C. Wahlstrom (Florida) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tales of the Otori Trilogy (Paperback)

The Tales of the Otori are wonderfully written, as you read and re-read this series and the new prequel you will find depths of meaning, relating to ancient Japan and to our times.
I found and lost my self again and again in this Japanese Lord of the Rings.
Buy the books, or listen to the readers that make this tale come alive in the audio version.
You won't be sorry.
Fred Wahlstrom

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars fiction that takes you to another time and place, May 19, 2009

By 

A. Turner - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tales of the Otori Trilogy (Paperback)

I really like how when I read these books, I feel like I am transported to a mythical medieval Japan. I also enjoyed how the author portrays women as strong individuals who shaped the course of the plot.

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be titled "Tales of addictive storytelling", July 2, 2011

By 

Jennifer D. Burelison - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tales of the Otori Trilogy (Paperback)

Borrowed the book "Heaven's Net is Wide" (a prequel to the tales of Otori series). Immediately fell in love with the main character Shigeru and his struggles with coming of age, and resentment with family disloyalty. The writing is never too slow or too hurried. Following him through his training as a warrior, to his deep affection for a childhood friend turned prostitute turned concubine, and into his troubles journey onto the throne and back off it by way of deception and intrigue. I cried when he lost his brother, and felt my heart swell with his second chance at love and secret "marriage".

Through the story is a complex network of spies, clan feuds, and attempted assassinations. I could NOT put this book down. I looked for the first book "Across The Nightingale Floor" and was so mad it wasn't available at any local library, I went out and bought the first copy I found. The most amazing thing about this series is the ability to suck you in and keep you flipping pages waiting on bated breath for the next twist.

As the story goes on the more I become thankful that I read the prequel first, as it give insight into the why of whats going on. I cannot wait to read this series again, and again!