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Tales of the Otori #1 part 1
Across the Nightingale Floor, Episode 1: The Sword of the Warrior
"In his black-walled fortress at Inuyama, the 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." "The youth Takeo has been brought up in a remote mountain village among the Hidden, a reclusive and spiritual people who have taught him only the ways of peace. But unbeknownst to him, his father was a celebrated assassin and a member of the Tribe, an ancient network of families with extraordinary, preternatural skills. When Takeo's village is pillaged, he is rescued and adopted by the mysterious Lord Otori Shigeru. Under the tutelage of Shigeru, he learns that he too possesses the skills of the Tribe, and with this knowledge he embarks on a journey that will lead him across the nightingale floor and to his destiny within the walls of lnuyama." Overcome by the intensity of first love and conflicted by split loyalties and his own divided nature, Takeo realizes that he must make his own way on this journey of revenge and treachery, honor and loyalty, betrayal and love.
193 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2005
12 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Lian Hearn
57 books1,838 followersLian Hearn's beloved Tales of the Otori series, set in an imagined feudal Japan, has sold more than four million copies worldwide and has been translated into nearly forty languages. It is comprised of five volumes: ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR, GRASS FOR HIS PILLOW, BRILLIANCE OF THE MOON, THE HARSH CRY OF THE HERON and HEAVEN'S NET IS WIDE. The series was followed by two standalone novels, BLOSSOMS AND SHADOWS and THE STORYTELLER AND HIS THREE DAUGHTERS, also set in Japan.
Hearn's forthcoming series: The Tale of Shikanoko will be published by FSG in 4 volumes in 2016. Book 1 will be EMPEROR OF EIGHT ISLANDS out in late-April 2016, followed by book 2: AUTUMN PRINCESS, DRAGON CHILD (June), book 3: LORD OF THE DARKWOOD (August), and the final book (#4) THE TENGU'S GAME OF GO (late-Sept. 2016).
Lian has made many trips to Japan and has studied Japanese. She read Modern Languages at Oxford and worked as an editor and film critic in England before immigrating to Australia.
Hearn's forthcoming series: The Tale of Shikanoko will be published by FSG in 4 volumes in 2016. Book 1 will be EMPEROR OF EIGHT ISLANDS out in late-April 2016, followed by book 2: AUTUMN PRINCESS, DRAGON CHILD (June), book 3: LORD OF THE DARKWOOD (August), and the final book (#4) THE TENGU'S GAME OF GO (late-Sept. 2016).
Lian has made many trips to Japan and has studied Japanese. She read Modern Languages at Oxford and worked as an editor and film critic in England before immigrating to Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 11, 2022
"I learned embroidery," Kaede said, "but you can't kill anyone with a needle.
"You can," Shizuka said offhandedly. "I'll show you one day."
This book has been sitting on my shelf for so long, and I finally picked it up. It has also been a long time since I've read a story set in Japan. Hearn's style is very descriptive and beautiful. She captured the Japanese vibes so wonderfully. I was also thankful for the clans and names of people in the front because I had a hard time in spots remembering who all the characters were. Kaede was my favorite out of the two POVs. The only thing I had trouble with was the switch from first-person to third-person POVs and I would have liked to have had Kaede's POV the first person. Still, this is a really wonderful book. 4.5
"You can," Shizuka said offhandedly. "I'll show you one day."
This book has been sitting on my shelf for so long, and I finally picked it up. It has also been a long time since I've read a story set in Japan. Hearn's style is very descriptive and beautiful. She captured the Japanese vibes so wonderfully. I was also thankful for the clans and names of people in the front because I had a hard time in spots remembering who all the characters were. Kaede was my favorite out of the two POVs. The only thing I had trouble with was the switch from first-person to third-person POVs and I would have liked to have had Kaede's POV the first person. Still, this is a really wonderful book. 4.5
March 4, 2024
Strong fantasy read.
January 14, 2013
Tomasu is out wandering the mountains where his village is located, as he has countless times before, but this time when he comes back, a warlord has destroyed it and apparently killed all the inhabitants. Tomasu makes his escape after embarrassing the warlord and earning his eternal enmity. A kind stranger on the trail Tomasu takes out of the village helps him get away and the fates of the pair become entwined.
Kaede is a hostage in another warlord's castle. She's been treated horribly but after a violent incident, she is finally allowed to live with the family rather than the servants. She is soon after told that she will marry a lord whom she has never met. She reluctantly sets out to meet him.
The four stars are more for promise than actual delivery. This first "episode," as it's labeled, is really just setup. Bumped down to three stars after reading the next book.
I liked Tomasu, or Takeo as he comes to be known, and Kaede. They're gathering a group of strong supporting characters around them as well. The stage is set for a lot of intrigue and action.
I love the feel of this little book. It has a great cover and it's just the right size to be easily held and hauled around. I love books that are small.
I'm interested to see where all of this goes. There's a magic system that is more hinted at than seen and I can't wait to see more of that. I want to see the woman Kaede becomes; I think she'll be formidable. Takeo is well on the way to his full power but I still can't wait to see more of him. The setting of not-quite-Japan is fascinating as well.
My biggest complaint is that the book seriously just stopped. My copy has a "preview" of the next episode, so when I turned the page fully expecting more of this book only to find that it was finished and all those lovely unread pages were for the next book, I was upset.
I reserve the right to change my mind with the next installment, but so far, so good. Be sure to have the second book ready when you finish though.
Kaede is a hostage in another warlord's castle. She's been treated horribly but after a violent incident, she is finally allowed to live with the family rather than the servants. She is soon after told that she will marry a lord whom she has never met. She reluctantly sets out to meet him.
I liked Tomasu, or Takeo as he comes to be known, and Kaede. They're gathering a group of strong supporting characters around them as well. The stage is set for a lot of intrigue and action.
I love the feel of this little book. It has a great cover and it's just the right size to be easily held and hauled around. I love books that are small.
I'm interested to see where all of this goes. There's a magic system that is more hinted at than seen and I can't wait to see more of that. I want to see the woman Kaede becomes; I think she'll be formidable. Takeo is well on the way to his full power but I still can't wait to see more of him. The setting of not-quite-Japan is fascinating as well.
My biggest complaint is that the book seriously just stopped. My copy has a "preview" of the next episode, so when I turned the page fully expecting more of this book only to find that it was finished and all those lovely unread pages were for the next book, I was upset.
I reserve the right to change my mind with the next installment, but so far, so good. Be sure to have the second book ready when you finish though.
September 9, 2009
Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn is the first in the Tales of the Otori series. This historical fantasy set in an imaginary feudal Japan is surprisingly easy to follow considering it’s many characters and slew of individual plots. The story centers around the two main characters Takeo and Kaede. The tale begins with 16-year-old Tomasu, a member of a remote, secretive religious group called the Hidden. Tomasu is the only survivor of a massacre in his village – he is saved by Lord Otori Shigeru. Otori takes Tomasu in as his son, renaming him Takeo. Takeo begins to learn the ways of a warrior, he soon discovers he is a member by birth of the "Tribe," a mysterious group of assassins with superior hearing, stealth, and invisibility. Takeo is thrust into a world of warlords, feuding clans, and political scheming. Concurrently, Kaede suffers as a hostage in the feuds between clans. Ultimately, her path crosses with Takeo as they both pursue their destinies. There is plenty of intrigue, much philosophy, some graphic bloodshed and a little romance too. It's hard to put down once you’ve started reading. (YA PB Fiction Hearn) - Tina
May 31, 2016
A calm and understated story taking place in an fictional world that's essentially feudal Japan, this is the first of a series I'm looking forward to finishing. Billed as a fantasy, it reads more like historical fiction, following a boy, a girl, and the politics of warring clans. But though the backdrop is the political machinations of warriors, the story here is highly personal. Incidentally, the fantasy aspect is the main character's connection to a clan of assassins with some enhanced powers, and that's not really the point here anyhow.
It is a breeze to read, authentic to its source material, and quite lovely if you like herons. There are a lot of herons for some reason. Highly recommended if you think you'd be a fan of a samurai story shaded with a veneer of Heian lyricism.
Bear in mind this is Episode 1 of 2. It's basically half a novel. But we love that because it looks and feels like those smooth little Japanese publications that are so lovely to hold.
It is a breeze to read, authentic to its source material, and quite lovely if you like herons. There are a lot of herons for some reason. Highly recommended if you think you'd be a fan of a samurai story shaded with a veneer of Heian lyricism.
Bear in mind this is Episode 1 of 2. It's basically half a novel. But we love that because it looks and feels like those smooth little Japanese publications that are so lovely to hold.
February 20, 2008
A decent young adult book. It kind of reads like an anime, and at first I suspected it was too simplistic, but it does give interesting and carefully meted out glimpses of character. A light read and worth it for a bit of fun, but definitely not overly taxing to the adult brain.
May 30, 2018
I completely enjoyed this tale of a young man in feudal Japan pulled from his village by a neighboring clan's charismatic warlord even as his own small village of pious folk is decimated by the local brutal warlord. Entwined in his story of learning about the world and who he actually is in that world is the story of a powerless young girl, sent as a ward to household of a callous clan where she sleeps with the servants and gets no education. She is destined to be a pawn in clan politics with arranged marriage to be used for political gain. But men die around her and she does not remain passive in the face of attempted rape. The young man also defies the clan mores, refusing violence in the manner of his fellow villagers, and using his powers to sneak out at night for his own agendas rather than his adoptive father's agendas.
Do you think that these two young people will meet and fall in love? It could be no other way. And despite the surrounding violence, both of them are still alive at the end of the novel, so I will be getting the next book and reading the next installment in their tale. As for the meaning of the title, I will leave it to the reader to discover for himself its meaning, both literal and metaphorical.
Do you think that these two young people will meet and fall in love? It could be no other way. And despite the surrounding violence, both of them are still alive at the end of the novel, so I will be getting the next book and reading the next installment in their tale. As for the meaning of the title, I will leave it to the reader to discover for himself its meaning, both literal and metaphorical.
June 20, 2017
The first three books in the Tales of the Otori series were published in two parts. The Sword of the Warrior is the first part of the first book, Across the Nightingale Floor, and it serves as an introduction to everything. It establishes the setting (an alternate feudal Japan) and its main characters (Takeo and Kaede), as well as the political plot this story is to follow. It's tempting to call this "Game of Thrones in Japan", but it's not quite that epic.
Hearn has a lyrical style that flows over the reader like a stream washing over rocks. Her narrative is understated in that it portrays more than you would expect, and the story is rather calm, especially considering that there's the threat of assassination and other violence in Hearn's world. She also creates her characters well, putting the focus on them instead of all the things happening around them. Those things are important -- they server as the plot -- but the story is really about Takeo and Kaede's coming of age amid all the machinations of the world.
It's hard to rate these books individually, since it will take two parts to get the full story. So far, though, it's a compelling read that tricks you into thinking not much is happening. Fans of quiet fantasy should like them, even though the story feels more like a historical one than a fantasy.
Hearn has a lyrical style that flows over the reader like a stream washing over rocks. Her narrative is understated in that it portrays more than you would expect, and the story is rather calm, especially considering that there's the threat of assassination and other violence in Hearn's world. She also creates her characters well, putting the focus on them instead of all the things happening around them. Those things are important -- they server as the plot -- but the story is really about Takeo and Kaede's coming of age amid all the machinations of the world.
It's hard to rate these books individually, since it will take two parts to get the full story. So far, though, it's a compelling read that tricks you into thinking not much is happening. Fans of quiet fantasy should like them, even though the story feels more like a historical one than a fantasy.
June 9, 2023
I was hoping this episode would end with some feeling of completion, but it really was like reading a novel and stopping in the middle. I am interested in how things are going to turn out. So I'll probably pick up the full book to finish it.
I read this because I'm running an "Asian-esque" type campaign world in D&D and was hoping to get some ideas. Unfortunately, nothing really popped out as cool and usable. I am interested in the magical powers that some characters have and how they work.
I can see how this would be popular, though it feels kind of dated to me. Maybe I'm just jaded from reading fantasy/medieval style stories for 45 years.
I read this because I'm running an "Asian-esque" type campaign world in D&D and was hoping to get some ideas. Unfortunately, nothing really popped out as cool and usable. I am interested in the magical powers that some characters have and how they work.
I can see how this would be popular, though it feels kind of dated to me. Maybe I'm just jaded from reading fantasy/medieval style stories for 45 years.
August 8, 2018
A solid tale, it feels like a cross between an historical novel (set in 18-19th century Japan) and fantasy. The setting is very well portrayed, full of little details and behaviour that ring true. The characters are enjoyable, with the women perhaps better rounded with their struggles against lower status in Japan of that age. Plenty of tension and highlights of action that builds to a decent ending, though one that leaves plenty of un-finished business for the next part in the series.
August 18, 2019
An interesting book set in a feudal Japan with a few changes to allow the author to add his own 'stamp' to the world he is creating. Unfortunately, in a short book the author brings in slightly too many characters and I found myself struggling to follow all the individual strings of the story.
A good story is near the surface, and I can understand why readers would devour the books and proceed with the series. Not sure I will though.
A good story is near the surface, and I can understand why readers would devour the books and proceed with the series. Not sure I will though.
July 22, 2017
A beautifully simple, lucid, and matter-of-fact style perfectly compliments this classically plotted little book and its psuedo-feudal Japanese setting. Good characterisation and location evocation (sorry), too. I look forward to reading more of the series and of Hearn's other novels (this being my first).
February 8, 2021
Hearn's writing is page turning and culturally fascinating. I could not put this down! I bought all the books in the series to find out what happens. A world with complex characters, skills, and loyalties.
June 24, 2021
I read this at the point of my life when I had no motivation to read but forced myself through a book. Character development felt hasty and the romance adds little to the story. I wasn't particularly compelled to read the sequels.
June 4, 2012
I review together because this two books are the first part of a trilogy even if they were published in two separated books. I bought the six books that comprised this series. They seemed a good story, with good reviews and fairly low price (each book cost me around three pounds). After reading this two books I put the rest away but I will be reading them on the following months. That’s why I am making this review. To remember about the plot (with a little help from wikipedia or other reviews).
Mainly as I said there is a trilogy called Tales of the Otori devided in six parts with two plus books that make a prequel and a sequel. This series are set in a fictional world based on Feudal Japan. From their names and costumes we recognized the similarities between those two worlds. The main character and their city resemble the struggle that the Japanese converted to Christianism had to pass. The books follow the life of a young warrior called Otori Takeo (Tomasu) as he struggles to avenge his adoptive father and at the same time escape the legacy of his progenitors and at pursuing the love of his live (kaede). In the midst of all this there is a struggle between all the clan lords and warriors.
These two books cover a year and in that time a lot is happening at the same time. I think it’s not an hard book to follow (the plot) but a lot of things happens at the same time.
Tomasu is a member of The Hidden and as he returns home from exploring the mountains he finds the members of his family killed. As he tries to escape Sadamu (leader of Tohan, who have slaughteres his family) e meets a men called Lord Shigeru (Clan Otori) who protects him later adopt him. However due to his name (typical Hidden) he renames him Takeo. At this time he loses his voice and as a superhearing voice.
On the journey home at Shigeru they met Maruyama Naomi (a ruler of Sheishuu) who he befriends and tell her about the slaughter. At night with his ability to hear everything he discovers that Lord Shigeru and Lady Maruyama are in love. As they arrive at the home of Shigeru in Hagi meets Chiyo (old maid) and Ichiro (ex-instructor of Shigeru). As Shigeru wants Takeo to be his adopted son he must married Kaede. However, Takeo was under the threat of Shigeru’s uncle’s sons who tried to murder him at a practice.
Later Takeo meets Muto Kenji (The Fox, Master of Muto Clan) who reveals himself as Takeo’s true father and the most skilled assassin of Kikuta and of the greastest family of the Tribe.
As the season pass Kenji starts teaching his skills to Takeo.. One day a merchant recognizing him (Takeo had saved his live when we was still an Hidden) calls him with his true name. Taeko denies that it his is name and fleds. After some months Shigeru and Takeo and some other people went to Tsuwano where they meet Shigeru’s future wife, Kaede.
There they find that Kaede is a hostage to Noguchi since she was seven living in the maid’s rooms. In the trip to Tswwano a guard tries to rape her and she stabbes him. Kaede is protected by Lady Maruyama (the one Shigeru loves) and they are accompained by Shizuka (niece of Kenji). When they meet Takeo and Kaede find that they have a connection.
As they return home to Hagi they stop at a shrine to visit Shigeru’s brother grave and for Shigeru to discuss war plans with the Abott.. Shigeru then plans for Takeo to murder Iida but the Tribe not wanting to risk Takeo and appreciating the stability that Iida gives abducts him so his training can be finish. The treachery then plays itself out… Shigeru is crucified on the castle wall and Maruyama and her daughter are drown as they try to escape. Takeo makes deal with the Tribe that allows him to bring Shigeru’s body and in return they join them. As he do it a dying Shigeru asks Takeo to bury him in Terayama. During the invasion of the castle at Inuyama Takeo discovers Kaede with the corpse of Iida whom she killed when he tried to rape her. After carrying Shigeru’s wishes Takeo honors his promise to the tribe and departs with them leaving Kaede in the care of Shizuka.
This is the review of the two books… there are terms that are confusing and I will put here what they mean…
Tribe – It’s a secret organization that nurture the powers that the world used to have. Meaning is a combination of Magicians and Assassins / Spies.
Hidden – Is a religion (or group of people that prays a religion) similar to our Christianism.
This two books are good but they have some problems. The cliched story and the proximity of Japanese culture but not calling it Japanese… Not all things are bad and the writing style was simple but at the same time makes you wonder about it… What is a nightingale floor? That sort of imagery enrich the story. At the same time as the book is entitle Nightingale Floor and the training all focus on that but in the end was anti-climax since he crossed it easily. The conversations are not that good and the all love between the two charactersa was very poor.
In the end it was a interesting reading about (quasilike)Japan with well-crafted story but poor executed. I really hope the following books are better…
Mainly as I said there is a trilogy called Tales of the Otori devided in six parts with two plus books that make a prequel and a sequel. This series are set in a fictional world based on Feudal Japan. From their names and costumes we recognized the similarities between those two worlds. The main character and their city resemble the struggle that the Japanese converted to Christianism had to pass. The books follow the life of a young warrior called Otori Takeo (Tomasu) as he struggles to avenge his adoptive father and at the same time escape the legacy of his progenitors and at pursuing the love of his live (kaede). In the midst of all this there is a struggle between all the clan lords and warriors.
These two books cover a year and in that time a lot is happening at the same time. I think it’s not an hard book to follow (the plot) but a lot of things happens at the same time.
Tomasu is a member of The Hidden and as he returns home from exploring the mountains he finds the members of his family killed. As he tries to escape Sadamu (leader of Tohan, who have slaughteres his family) e meets a men called Lord Shigeru (Clan Otori) who protects him later adopt him. However due to his name (typical Hidden) he renames him Takeo. At this time he loses his voice and as a superhearing voice.
On the journey home at Shigeru they met Maruyama Naomi (a ruler of Sheishuu) who he befriends and tell her about the slaughter. At night with his ability to hear everything he discovers that Lord Shigeru and Lady Maruyama are in love. As they arrive at the home of Shigeru in Hagi meets Chiyo (old maid) and Ichiro (ex-instructor of Shigeru). As Shigeru wants Takeo to be his adopted son he must married Kaede. However, Takeo was under the threat of Shigeru’s uncle’s sons who tried to murder him at a practice.
Later Takeo meets Muto Kenji (The Fox, Master of Muto Clan) who reveals himself as Takeo’s true father and the most skilled assassin of Kikuta and of the greastest family of the Tribe.
As the season pass Kenji starts teaching his skills to Takeo.. One day a merchant recognizing him (Takeo had saved his live when we was still an Hidden) calls him with his true name. Taeko denies that it his is name and fleds. After some months Shigeru and Takeo and some other people went to Tsuwano where they meet Shigeru’s future wife, Kaede.
There they find that Kaede is a hostage to Noguchi since she was seven living in the maid’s rooms. In the trip to Tswwano a guard tries to rape her and she stabbes him. Kaede is protected by Lady Maruyama (the one Shigeru loves) and they are accompained by Shizuka (niece of Kenji). When they meet Takeo and Kaede find that they have a connection.
As they return home to Hagi they stop at a shrine to visit Shigeru’s brother grave and for Shigeru to discuss war plans with the Abott.. Shigeru then plans for Takeo to murder Iida but the Tribe not wanting to risk Takeo and appreciating the stability that Iida gives abducts him so his training can be finish. The treachery then plays itself out… Shigeru is crucified on the castle wall and Maruyama and her daughter are drown as they try to escape. Takeo makes deal with the Tribe that allows him to bring Shigeru’s body and in return they join them. As he do it a dying Shigeru asks Takeo to bury him in Terayama. During the invasion of the castle at Inuyama Takeo discovers Kaede with the corpse of Iida whom she killed when he tried to rape her. After carrying Shigeru’s wishes Takeo honors his promise to the tribe and departs with them leaving Kaede in the care of Shizuka.
This is the review of the two books… there are terms that are confusing and I will put here what they mean…
Tribe – It’s a secret organization that nurture the powers that the world used to have. Meaning is a combination of Magicians and Assassins / Spies.
Hidden – Is a religion (or group of people that prays a religion) similar to our Christianism.
This two books are good but they have some problems. The cliched story and the proximity of Japanese culture but not calling it Japanese… Not all things are bad and the writing style was simple but at the same time makes you wonder about it… What is a nightingale floor? That sort of imagery enrich the story. At the same time as the book is entitle Nightingale Floor and the training all focus on that but in the end was anti-climax since he crossed it easily. The conversations are not that good and the all love between the two charactersa was very poor.
In the end it was a interesting reading about (quasilike)Japan with well-crafted story but poor executed. I really hope the following books are better…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2018
I now have a new series to look forward to reading.
January 5, 2019
Loved it
May 31, 2024
even after reading the prequel
Im thinking I'm missing something
but that might be simple
knowledge of feudal Asia
Im thinking I'm missing something
but that might be simple
knowledge of feudal Asia
February 28, 2013
Nachtigall, ick hör dir trapsen!
Das japanische Mittelalter ist ein Schatz für alle Geschichtenerzähler; wenige Epochen sind insbesondere für westliche Leser so spannend wie die Zeit, in der die edlen Samurai ihrem Bushido folgend gegen niederträchtige Ninjas kämpften. Dass bei Geschichten, die in dieser Zeit spielen, oft Klischees und Action die Atmosphäre und historische Korrektheit ersetzen, ist schade, und, ehrlich gesagt, ich bin auch bei diesem Buch mit dieser Erwartung herangegangen.
Unter dem Pseudonym Lian Hearn erzählt eine australische Autorin nun aber eine Geschichte, die fest in der Tradition Inoues und Yoshikawas steht. Auch wenn der Spielort imaginär ist, so sind die Details doch echt, fast wie in einem historischen Roman; die fantastischen Elemente sind stark zurückgenommen. Die "ich"-Perspektive ist dezent eingesetzt. Insgesamt entsteht ein sehr angenehmer Erzählfluss, der die Atmosphäre gut transportiert.
Ich würde dieses Buch nicht als Jugendbuch betiteln, wie es oft beworben wird; es hat Niveau, ist sehr intelligent und literarisch geschrieben. Auch wenn die Hauptpersonen nach heutigen Maßstäben noch jugendlich sind, so ergehen sie sich nicht in den üblichen Jugendproblemen - mit 16 Jahren sind sie in ihrer Zeit bereits Erwachsene.
Die Picador-Miniausgabe ist toll gestaltet - ein attraktives Cover, eine Landkarte des halbfantastischen Spielorts in relativ guter Reproduktion und ein Personenregister habe ich bei diesem Preis nicht erwartet. Das Format ist eine nette Idee; etwa zweidrittel so hoch aber genauso breit wie ein normales Taschenbuch, das sticht schon etwas heraus aus der Masse.
Der Inhalt entspricht wohl einer Hälfte des Texts des ersten Bands der Reihe (Kapitel 1-6), d.h. man braucht auch Journey To Inuyama, um den kompletten Text des ersten Bands zu bekommen.
Alle, die Yoshikawas Musashi oder Taiko mochten, können zugreifen: Dies ist ein würdiger Nachfolger.
Das japanische Mittelalter ist ein Schatz für alle Geschichtenerzähler; wenige Epochen sind insbesondere für westliche Leser so spannend wie die Zeit, in der die edlen Samurai ihrem Bushido folgend gegen niederträchtige Ninjas kämpften. Dass bei Geschichten, die in dieser Zeit spielen, oft Klischees und Action die Atmosphäre und historische Korrektheit ersetzen, ist schade, und, ehrlich gesagt, ich bin auch bei diesem Buch mit dieser Erwartung herangegangen.
Unter dem Pseudonym Lian Hearn erzählt eine australische Autorin nun aber eine Geschichte, die fest in der Tradition Inoues und Yoshikawas steht. Auch wenn der Spielort imaginär ist, so sind die Details doch echt, fast wie in einem historischen Roman; die fantastischen Elemente sind stark zurückgenommen. Die "ich"-Perspektive ist dezent eingesetzt. Insgesamt entsteht ein sehr angenehmer Erzählfluss, der die Atmosphäre gut transportiert.
Ich würde dieses Buch nicht als Jugendbuch betiteln, wie es oft beworben wird; es hat Niveau, ist sehr intelligent und literarisch geschrieben. Auch wenn die Hauptpersonen nach heutigen Maßstäben noch jugendlich sind, so ergehen sie sich nicht in den üblichen Jugendproblemen - mit 16 Jahren sind sie in ihrer Zeit bereits Erwachsene.
Die Picador-Miniausgabe ist toll gestaltet - ein attraktives Cover, eine Landkarte des halbfantastischen Spielorts in relativ guter Reproduktion und ein Personenregister habe ich bei diesem Preis nicht erwartet. Das Format ist eine nette Idee; etwa zweidrittel so hoch aber genauso breit wie ein normales Taschenbuch, das sticht schon etwas heraus aus der Masse.
Der Inhalt entspricht wohl einer Hälfte des Texts des ersten Bands der Reihe (Kapitel 1-6), d.h. man braucht auch Journey To Inuyama, um den kompletten Text des ersten Bands zu bekommen.
Alle, die Yoshikawas Musashi oder Taiko mochten, können zugreifen: Dies ist ein würdiger Nachfolger.
December 15, 2007
The first book in the Otori series, written by Lian Hearn and describes the life of once a simple boy, now a trained assain. The main characters in the story are Tomasu(once adopted his name becomes Takeo), Lord Shigeru, Lady Kaede, and Lady Naomi. The perspectives of the novel are split, Takeo's and Lady Kaede's point of views. The novel is classified as fiction and takes place in "The Three Countries"(a landmass whose political boundaries have been set dividing it up into three independent nations). To sum up the story line, Tomasu(Takeo)'s village is burned and all are killed, except him, who is bound by fate to meet an Otori lord and become adopted by him. He then learns the secrets of the Tribe(a fief composed of assains) and must help his new father avenge against the warlord who killed his brother(and Tomasu's entire village) in an cunning plot.
This novel was very effective because of the subject the book is centered about and the style of writing the author chose to do. Different perspectives in novels, from which the story is told, is always interesting and the plot itself was "Spot on!" Which described the days of lords and ladies, however, not in the traditional european style of the medieval times which was a relief, personally. This book depicts an interesting subject with a real "Need" at the end for the reader to continuing reading the series or the book itself many times until satisfied (probably not).
This novel was very effective because of the subject the book is centered about and the style of writing the author chose to do. Different perspectives in novels, from which the story is told, is always interesting and the plot itself was "Spot on!" Which described the days of lords and ladies, however, not in the traditional european style of the medieval times which was a relief, personally. This book depicts an interesting subject with a real "Need" at the end for the reader to continuing reading the series or the book itself many times until satisfied (probably not).
August 1, 2008
I found this book to be quite interesting, especialy the way how the author divides up the book for each adventure/journey that the main character tries to take. The story flows like water, flowing freely and smoothly with ideas and images. Lian Hearn enjoys the small details as well as the large details.
In this book, the main characters which are Otori Shigeru and Otori Takeo (aka Kikuta). The story started out like a peaceful scenery where everything was green and lust in the village of Hidden. Peace and harmony brought the people together. However the Tohan, who hates the Hidden burns the entire village and kills everyone. Kikuta eventually lives since he wasn't within the house but out in the mountians. The leader of the Tohan, Iida Sadamu saw Kikuta and went after him. In the end, Lord Otori (Shigeru) took cared of him and rename him as Takeo. He even adopted him as his son.
As for the marriage of a princess of one of the kingdom allies with the Tohan, Lady Maruyama it wasn't going well for her or for anyone else. In the end problems comes up resulting in violence and rape and other types of conflicts that Takeo has to encounter.
In this book, the main characters which are Otori Shigeru and Otori Takeo (aka Kikuta). The story started out like a peaceful scenery where everything was green and lust in the village of Hidden. Peace and harmony brought the people together. However the Tohan, who hates the Hidden burns the entire village and kills everyone. Kikuta eventually lives since he wasn't within the house but out in the mountians. The leader of the Tohan, Iida Sadamu saw Kikuta and went after him. In the end, Lord Otori (Shigeru) took cared of him and rename him as Takeo. He even adopted him as his son.
As for the marriage of a princess of one of the kingdom allies with the Tohan, Lady Maruyama it wasn't going well for her or for anyone else. In the end problems comes up resulting in violence and rape and other types of conflicts that Takeo has to encounter.
April 12, 2011
I picked this book up because I saw my sister reading it on the bus next to me and asked her what it was. In so many words she gave me a brief synopsis of the first chapter and that it was a good book. But I'd have to say those words were all wasted. It was better than good.
The First book out of six (if you're getting the miniature six-part episode set) and it really gets you going quick. The story was rich, even in the beginning with its classic introduction of setting, place, time, and character before all is ravaged and ruined by some evil forces of a neighboring country. Its never specifically stated that the setting is Japan, but it's implicitly obvious very early on. While the story and characters had me fipping page for page, Hearn's style of writing sucked me in deeper.
Description is the key word, description and perspective. Everything is decribed in such great detail that you just can't help but want to experience it for real, the psuedo illusion you get from reading just isn't enough. The perspective swapping also adds a different kind of feel to the story, that keeps things fresh.
The First book out of six (if you're getting the miniature six-part episode set) and it really gets you going quick. The story was rich, even in the beginning with its classic introduction of setting, place, time, and character before all is ravaged and ruined by some evil forces of a neighboring country. Its never specifically stated that the setting is Japan, but it's implicitly obvious very early on. While the story and characters had me fipping page for page, Hearn's style of writing sucked me in deeper.
Description is the key word, description and perspective. Everything is decribed in such great detail that you just can't help but want to experience it for real, the psuedo illusion you get from reading just isn't enough. The perspective swapping also adds a different kind of feel to the story, that keeps things fresh.
July 6, 2008
This is one of the most sought after books among my males students that I have in my "classroom library." It got so bad that eventually I had to create a waiting list for the title. So,this summer I figured I'd see what all the hoopla was about. While it is definite that there are probably larger rewards further along in this episodic series, book one reveals the beginnings of what is most likely a really good set of stories for young adults. It took sometime for me to become invested in the main story involving the young boy Tomasu/Takeo, but I was instantly captivated by Kaede's and the number of unfortunate situations she finds herself in, often resulting in murder. And just like any good story arc spread over many books, enough was wrapped up by the end of this installment to satisfy the reader but all the pieces had been set for a much grander story. I can definitely see reasons for the title's popularity, stories set in feudal Japan are under represented genre in YA literature. In time, I'll read book two, but I'll have to add my name to that waiting list too.
August 9, 2012
It was an okay read, but like some of the other reviewers mentioned, the characters really could have been developed a bit more. Hearn made a valiant attempt with the imagery in her writing and it was successful to the point that I almost felt like I was in the story, but it probably could have been improved. There really seemed to be an overuse-age of sentences starting with "I", especially from Takeo's viewpoints. Maybe this was a failing of writing in the first person? Personally, if I were to have written like that in school, I probably would have had my head chewed off...
Other reviewers also made some complaints about it being unrealistic for so many people to know about Takeo's origins. For some of the characters, it was indeed a stretch for them to be aware of his special traits. However, one could still argue that word had traveled through the fief about what he was capable of.
Overall, it was just alright. Hearn's storytelling seemed to improve a little as the book progressed. Hopefully this will continue for the next volume.
Other reviewers also made some complaints about it being unrealistic for so many people to know about Takeo's origins. For some of the characters, it was indeed a stretch for them to be aware of his special traits. However, one could still argue that word had traveled through the fief about what he was capable of.
Overall, it was just alright. Hearn's storytelling seemed to improve a little as the book progressed. Hopefully this will continue for the next volume.
February 6, 2015
I rarely read fantasy books, but this one I loved. It takes place in an imaginary place similar to Japan. Tomasu is the first character we meet. He is wandering in the forest and upon his return he finds his village destroyed totally and the people slaughtered. He is the only survivor, saved by Lord Shigeru of the Otori Clan. He is adopted by his saviour and named Takeo. On the other side, there is Kaede, a hostage to the Noguchi.
Most of this book is following Shigeru and Takeo. The small peasant boy becomes slowly slowly an aristocrat, learning both to read/write and to fight. The negative of the book is the way it finishes. It seems that we are in the middle of a scene in the tv and at the most crucial point it stops and all you can see is "To be continued". If it was a trick of the writer or the publisher to make their books more sold, it is pretty disappointing.
Most of this book is following Shigeru and Takeo. The small peasant boy becomes slowly slowly an aristocrat, learning both to read/write and to fight. The negative of the book is the way it finishes. It seems that we are in the middle of a scene in the tv and at the most crucial point it stops and all you can see is "To be continued". If it was a trick of the writer or the publisher to make their books more sold, it is pretty disappointing.
December 12, 2010
Sixteen-year-old Tomasu lives in a remote mountain village among the Hiden, a reclusive and spiritual people who have taught him only the ways of peace. But unbeknownst to him, his father was a celebrated assassin and a member of the Tribe, an ancient network of families with extraordinary, praeternatural skills. When Tomasu's village is pillaged, he is rescued and adopted by the mysterious Lord Otori Shigeru, who gives him a new name: Takeo. Under the tutelage of Shigerau, Takeo learns that he too possess the skills of the Tribe. And, with this knowledge, he embarks on a journey that will lead him to his own unimaginable destiny.
December 22, 2011
After three tomes averaging over 1000 pages, this short book hit the spot. Its a quick read with relatively few characters to keep up with. The plot, characters, and suspense are sufficient to keep it interesting. Its the book equivalent of an uncomplicated Saturday-afternoon popcorn flick. Its set in an imaginary country based on feudal Japan and full of samurai-esque lore. I'm annoyed as hell I finished it before the second one showed up in my mailbox. (It should be here within the hour.)
June 9, 2013
I found this book on a charity bookstall in Walberswick four years ago. It is the story of a young man who becomes immersed in the intrigues of a fictionalised feudal Japan.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book I was frustrated to discover that it was in fact only the first half of a novel. For one reason or another I was unable to track down the whole story until just a couple of months ago.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book I was frustrated to discover that it was in fact only the first half of a novel. For one reason or another I was unable to track down the whole story until just a couple of months ago.
February 14, 2014
What a difficult book to review. The writing was excellent. The subject matter was intriguing. The period - sometime in feudal Japan -was interesting. But there was something missing that caused me to leave off a star. I'm mot sure whether the book needed more action, more character development, more historical context, but it did need something more. This said, the book was beautifully written. It kept me engaged. And I did very much enjoy the story. Good not great.
October 29, 2012
I remembered borrowing this book from my friend Bram once and not finishing it and so I returned to it. I enjoy the fact that the novel it is "kinda" historical. It puts enough context to frame ideology without having to be bogged down by being true to the time. This book mostly just sets up the characters and hints at what will come in the story.
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