The first instalment in a magnificent new epic by the creator of the global phenomenon the Tales of the Otori, Lian Hearn, whose books have sold over four million copies worldwide.
Lian Hearn studied modern languages at Oxford University and worked as a film critic and arts editor in London before settling in Australia. She is the author of Across the Nightingale Floor, the first in the internationally acclaimed Tales of the Otori series; Grass for His Pillow, Brilliance of the Moon, and The Harsh Cry of the Heron follow.
A work as densely populated as a Russian novel [which] moves
onwards with the narrative force of a flood. It is easy to let the
book sweep the reader away, to engage with strange events, but very
compelling characters [and] huge imaginative vitality.
*Sydney Morning Herald*
The Otori world is feudal Japan with imaginary place names, written
in the spirit of The Tale of Genji and other classics. As with
Genji, two warring clans seek to control the Emperor, and the
country itself. The books are carefully researched, being surely
the most wildly successful product of an Asialink grant. They
convince as if being read in translation, as if Hearn is merely the
medium for some lost and ancient text. Much like 'Game of Thrones',
the book can be read as political intrigue, with great strength
deriving from the character studies. Nobody is black or white,
rather shades of grey.
*Melbourne Age*
One of the great joys of genre novels is that they usually care
deeply about plot, satisfying the innately human desire for story.
And there is story aplenty here. The unfolding events are so
fascinating, the writing so lithe and seductive. There's no need to
have read Hearn's earlier Otori series, set in the same remarkable
fantasy world, to enjoy this one. Indeed, her new epic seems sure
to recruit a fresh legion of fans.
*The Saturday Paper*
Hearn once again brings . . . a breadth of scale, ideas, and
adventure that rivals any other fantasy for its pure ambition and
sheer pleasure . . . Lian Hearn's return to her rich, unique
universe offers everything you want from the genre, but with a
wholly distinct flavor and style. In short, you'll immediately want
to begin reading book two.
*Barnes & Noble blog*
The action comes thick and fast . . . The compelling characters and
captivating worldbuilding means readers will look forward to part
two.
*Japan Times*
Wonderfully evocative . . . intriguing.
*Queensland Times*
A fitting follow-up to the Otori series
*The Age*
Brutally thrilling historical fantasy
*The Herald Sun*
A must-read
*Aurealis*
All kinds of brilliant. Awesome storytelling.
*Max Porter*
The fluid prose and morally ambiguous characters are magically
seductive.
*Kirkus Reviews*
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