The concluding volume to the fantastic ‘Tales of the Otori’ trilogy, an epic set in an alternative ancient Japan. It is so refreshing a change from the Celts, ancient Brits or similar and as with those, this too is steeped in its culture but here with the Orient. It is stunning. But start with the first, Across the Nightingale Floor. Comparison: Juliet Marillier, Michelle Paver (Wolf Brother), Tanith Lee. Similar this month: Steph Swainston, David Gemmell.
The third title in the compelling Tales of the Otori – the story that began with Across the Nightingale Floor and Grass for his Pillow, Brilliance of the Moon by Lian Hearn is an epic tale of love, power and destiny, set in a mythical world inspired by feudal Japan. Takeo and the exquisite Kaede, still only teenagers, are now married, but the implacable forces of destiny that rule their lives tear them apart. Takeo, a battle-hardened warrior at the head of an army fighting for his Otori birthright, finds his courage and leadership forged in the fire of bloodshed and sacrifice, while his legendary magical powers are tested to their limits against the invisible assassins of the Tribe. Kaede, determined to reclaim her own lands, is treacherously betrayed and forced into marriage. Their love will survive until death – but death, in this savage, beautiful world, is always only a moment away.
