Across the Nightingale Floor, Episode 2: Journey to Inuyama

Tales of the Otori #1 part 2

by Lian Hearn

Lord Otori, Takeo, and Takeo's new teacher Kenji set off to meet Kaede, a fifteen-year-old girl chosen as the future Lady Otori by a group of political collaborators. Takeo is still trying to come to terms with knowing that, through the father he never knew, he is one of the Tribe--a group of mysterious, ninja-like assassins who have allegiance to no one. When Takeo and Kaede first meet, they are drawn to each other, and without speaking a word, fall in love. But events are doomed to pull them apart, and soon they are each thrust into a battle for their lives.

'Quite simply the best story of magic, love, sex, revenge and suspense to have come this way since Philip Pulman' - Amanda Craig, " Independent on Sunday"

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Romance, Japan

225 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2005

About the author

Lian 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.

Reviews

[Jonathan Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prose in the series is excellent.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journey to Inuyama is the second part of Across the Nightingale Floor, the first book in Hearn's five-book fantasy story set in an alternate feudal Japan. It picks up right after the first part ends, and serves as acts two and three of the book. Where we learn of Takeo and Keade's histories in the first part, in the second part we see them come together, where their lives will become intertwined. Their stories take place against the backdrop of the lords' politics, in which they will serve a large part, but the story is about Takeo and Keade first and foremost.

Hearn writes well, with her style and characterization carrying the story. There's a plot to Journey to Inuyama, but Hearn's narrative takes center stage. It's not purple or overly distracting; it simply flows well, carrying the reader along in its gentle yet relentless pace. At times, it feels like nothing's happening, but when you pause long enough to think about the plot, you realize she's keeping you engaged without any tricks.

Readers of Sword of the Warrior will want to read this book (and should); anyone else attempting to start here will be lost. These are not two books that serve as first and second books in a series; together, they are one story. Anyone with an interest in Japanese culture would enjoy these books, but I would hesitate to recommend them to any fans of traditional fantasy books. The fantasy element is so light that they might find themselves disappointed.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of this second episode is very flat, but the last 50 pages came together. Most of the time the characters spent just wandering and worrying. When it finally came time to confront what they were worrying about and wandering toward, there was a bit of payoff. I dunno. I was more excited about this after Episode 1.

[Paulo "paper books only" · Rating 2 out of 5]

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…

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent storytelling, this second episode does not disappoint!

[William Almy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Across The Nightingale Floor, Episode 2: Journey To Inuyama by Lian Hearn easily immerses the reader into the world of feudal Japan while bringing an aspect of enticing fiction. The book takes place in feudal Japan where swords, spears, and bows are the primary methods of combat, while the characters are embroiled in an inter-family feud of vengeance. I initially found the book in a library, not realizing it was the second episode rather than a standalone title, however the book easily acquaints new readers to the main characters.

The main character, Takeo, is a member of a secretive group called the Hidden, giving him special powers such as invisibility and extreme perception. A faction called the Tohan, however, is hostile to the group and ends up killing Takeo's father, leaving him filled with hatred. Takeo and his mentor seek revenge by assassinating the leader of the brutal Tohan regime under the guise of a wedding. The book's plot becomes more complex as loyalties shift, and none of the characters knows who is truly their ally.



* Spoilers *

The ending of the book is not the ending of the series. However, I still found it the main aspects extremely predictable. The wedding's plot is discovered, Lord Shigeru is killed by the Tohan, and the Tohan's leader is killed. However, you can know the ending and still enjoy the book. The main character predicts the ending of the book a quarter of the way through, and you are rarely in doubt as to what happens next. Yet, the ending sequence of events, and how all of the loose ends tied together, made the last quarter of the book the most exciting to read; my favorite part was when Iida (the Tohan leader) finally died.

* Spoilers Continued *

Personally, I enjoyed the book thoroughly, even though I have not experienced this genre before. I was only mildly annoyed at some aspects, however, that I felt were unnecessarily complicated: the betrayal of Takeo's master and the obstacles in the way of killing Iida that ended up having no influence. The spiritual parts were fun to read, however, and were written in a way that lets you easily visualize them. The book also offers fresh perspectives into honor, with characters constantly talking about death as a superior solution to a loss of honor. While I didn't start at the first book, I would recommend others do. It helps develop an understanding for the loyalties of the characters and their motivations for their actions before jumping straight into the action. People interested in adventure, history, or fantasy would enjoy this novel.

Enjoy!

[Helmut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zweite Hälfte eines herausragenden Romans

Das hier als "Episode 2" bezeichnete Büchlein beinhaltet die restlichen Kapitel des ursprünglich als "Across the Nightingale Floor" veröffentlichten Buches, das in zwei Teile aufgespalten und in einem interessanten Kleinformat mit toller Covergestaltung präsentiert wird. Der Leser muss die Vorgeschichte in The Sword of the Warrior gelesen haben, denn dies ist keine Fortsetzung, sondern eben die zweite Hälfte einer Geschichte.

Wie ich schon zum ersten Halbband geschrieben habe, ist dies ein faszinierendes Stück Literatur: Die Einflüsse der japanischen Historienschreiber wie Yoshikawa und Inoue sind unverkennbar spürbar, sowohl im leicht distanzierten, kühlen Ton, wie in der blumigen Ausstattung der Sprache. Gewiss kein Jugendbuch, kann dieser halbhistorische Roman jeden begeistern, der sich für die Edo-Periode Japans interessiert, für Samurais und Ninjas. Die fantastischen Elemente sind zurückgenommen und letztlich nur Fähigkeiten, die man in alten Zeiten Ninjas eh schon zugeschrieben hatte.

Besonders gefällt mir auch, dass die Autorin nicht an ihren Figuren klebt, sondern bereit ist, lange aufgebaute Protagonisten auch das Zeitliche segnen zu lassen; dadurch wirkt alles noch viel epischer.

Sehr unterhaltsam und trotzdem stilistisch edel geschrieben, gehört dieser Roman sicherlich zu den besten Japan-Romanen, die ich gelesen habe, auch wenn er eigentlich nicht in Japan spielt. Doch die Ausführung ist so gelungen, dass einem das gar nicht mehr auffällt.

[Shinysheensean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Episode two of the first novel, was written by Lian Hearn, it continues the story of the boy adopted by the Otori as they travel to Inuyama questing for vengence against the war lord, Iida. The main characters in the story are Lord Shigeru, Takeo, Iida, Kaede, and Kenji. The point of view is first person, and it is told through the perspective of Takeo. The setting is, on a grand scale, in the three countries where ancient japanese culture thrives, but takes place more specifically in the west and central location of the three countries. The tone captured from this novel can come off as mournful, anger, etc. A basic summary of the plot would be as following; Shigeru and Takeo have assembled the "chest pieces" and draw their final plan into being as they march towards Inuyama. Their task is to decimate The Tohan's iron fisted rule over the rest of the three countries by assinating their warlord, Iida. In a twisting storyline, readers discover just how far Takeo will go to accomplish this.

Compared to other pieces of fiction this, perhaps, has the most cultural presence in it. It's originality is the strongest value about it, however, there was no real flaw about the book. The one thing that readers may have been taken back about though was how much gore and violence was present in the novel. However, these series of books are one of a kind and are masterfully written. Lian Hearn very may well continue to entrance readers with his distinct style of writing.

[Ian Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the second book in the series I was already hooked on it. I carried them conveniently in my pockets since they were so small and read them evey chance I got. When I finished the first one I immediately jumped into the second. The second book had the same style, same decription, same power behind it. But I was starting to get a different feel for it. Especially when the two character perspectives that had been shared in the first were brought together into one place.

What I liked about these books is that each element is well planned out and works to bring you further and further into the narrative. With a love struggle now in place the story grew far much better than it had been before. The decriptions were still outstanding and with a change of cities and places came a better oppurtunity for Hearn to make me really want to see where I was reading about. You get everything from the descriptions, both the good sites and smells, and the bad ones as well. But as a reader you really don't care because your so immersed that it seems impossible to understand the notion of pulling yourself out of it.

By the time I was reading this book I was set on trying to better my use of description to achieve the same kind of effect. I also liked that the book is mature towards it's reader. It isn't afriad to say things and bring up subjects that most would not find acceptable to write about.

[María José · Rating 3 out of 5]

La segunda parte de "Across The Nightingale Floor" tiene las mismas buenas cualidades que la primera: un estilo económico pero muy vívido, personajes memorables y con una evolución interesante, sensación de realidad en un mundo inventado, etc.

Sin embargo, debato conmigo misma si no ha sido un error el haberse quitado de en medio a uno de los dos personajes a través de cuyo punto de vista se relata la historia, justo en el día crucial de su misión que hemos estado esperando con emoción durante todo el libro y parte del anterior. Una vez que el protagonista se reincorpora a la acción, todavía podemos asistir a escenas emocionantes y trágicas que forman parte del argumento principal, pero tengo la impresión de que el ritmo de la novela ya se ha visto truncado en ese punto. Entiendo que el paréntesis que sufre el protagonista es útil para sentar las bases del argumento de próximos libros, pero la inmersión del lector en su punto de vista durante casi todo el relato hace que su ausencia en el gran día sea difícil de aceptar.

Aún así, quedan muchas ganas para continuar la saga.

[JG (Introverted Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picking up exactly where Episode 1 left off, Episode 2 finds Takeo and Kaede en route to a marriage at Lord Iida's stronghold. Takeo is still bent on revenge and Kaede is just trying to survive this brutal world of men.

There's still a lot of potential in this series, it's just not getting places very fast. I must be losing my patience for series books as I get older!

Kaede is growing fast and I wish more of the story was told from her point of view. Takeo has stalled out a little. I do think he's going to get better throughout the series though. I like Kaede's heart.

I was very disappointed in the direction that Shigeru and Lady Maruyama's story went. I guess the Lady's actions make sense within the context of her culture, but I expected more from her.

And I think that's really all I have to say. Readers who like books set in Japan will probably be pretty happy with it. I don't have a huge need to continue with the series, but you never know.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This continuing series of "Tales of the Otori" is truly amazing. The adventures that the main character, Takeo travels through is hard and difficult. He travels along with Lady Maruyama, who would soon become Lord Shigeru's wife. Takeo was soon in danger once the Hidden clan discovered that Takeo was still alive. They plan to claim him or they will kill him. However, Takeo wanted to kill the Tohan clan's leader, Lord Iida for planing to kill Lord Shigeru. In the end it was Lady Maruyama who was able to kill Lord Iida with a needle, since he tried to rape her before she is executed tomorrow. Takeo entered the room and found him dead and claim his head to show that the Tohan leader is dead.

[Amy Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. It starts with a scared, young boy named Tomasu who becomes a man called Takeo. The scenery and the detailed characters are charming and a treat to read. I found it impressive that a female author wrote such a believable perspective from a young man and until I found out that Lian was a female I had always assumed it was written by a man. It has everything you could possibly want in an epic novel. A must read.

[Tocotin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this sequel because I'd heard it had a slashy subplot and I really hoped for some hot m/m action, but no, it was all hush-hush, mentioned only in passing. I didn't care for any of the characters, the action was slow anyway and I'm not THAT addicted to Japanese motifs in books I read, so I quit. Disappointing. Added 1 star for the m/m stuff anyway - I'm being generous.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tale set in medieval Japan about Otori Takeo, the lone survivor of a village massacre then adopted by Lor d Otori Shigeru. Takeo has inherited special abilties from a shadowy group called the Tribe and it helps him play a key role in the downfall of the region

[Imas sakuntala · Rating 3 out of 5]

err... a lil bit dissappointed but it's ok. i'm just curious about its ending :D

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

had to read this for school to i liked it too

[emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm loving this series so much so far; it's like Mulan meets the Karate Kid and it is *awesome*. Can't wait to keep on to the second book.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A-mazing!

[Charles · Rating 1 out of 5]

Less coherent than the weak #1.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great concept and enjoyable read.

[Seymour Hersh · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderful fairytale escape into ancient Japan.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

epic!

[Sevania · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this a lot.