Wednesday 6 August 2008

Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn


Tomasau is a small and shy child that belongs to a religious group called the Hidden. They are a completely war free race and devote their time to their god. But the tribe's tranquil existance is shattered when the evil warlord, Iida Sadamu, massacres everyone in Tomasau's villiage. Everyone except Tomasau, who is saved by the mysterious Lord Otori Shigeru. Tomasau is told to change his name and becomes Takeo.

His quest for revenge takes him to places he has only thought of in his wildist dreams. He learns of magic powers he swore couldn't exist. Also he discovers more about his unique abilities such as: preternatural hearing, invisibility, and the ability to be in two places at once. Ultimately, though, it is a journey that will lead Takeo to true love, revenge in Sadamu's Black Castle and his destiny witin the walls of Inuyama.

A fantastic piece of Japanese influenced literature with an exquisite story and relatable characters. Be warned though, as it is also filled with adult laanguage, gore and, shall we say, rather raunchy scenes!!! A brilliant book by Lian Hearn.

Question: What is your view on war/adventure stories like this one and how does it compare?

Next time: I do a review on Grass for His Pillow, the second book in the Otori chronicles.

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