The vast scale of this enthralling story encompasses heroism, treachery, cowardice and love in a gripping combination. Set in Japan in a distant time, the actions and the cast are huge and memorable. At the heart of the story is Takeo who, during the course of it, grows from being just a young boy to becoming heir to the mighty Otori clan, ruled over by the mysterious Lord Otori Shigeru, the man who adopts him. But Takeo’s path is not a smooth one. He has magical powers himself and is therefore wanted by others than the great Shigeru. And he falls headlong into love…A dazzling introduction to a sequence of novels that includes passion and violence in a beautiful combination.
Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers.
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In his black-walled 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 mountain 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, honour and loyalty, beauty and magic, and the passion of first love.
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 trilogy.
