When I first bought these series, I had expected it to be a “japanese” novel – and while it was not set in actual Japan, its fictitious setting resembles it enough to satisfy my needs. I originally read it to fuel an rpg campaign I was preparing (L5R) and it really did help me out big time.
This book series by Lian Hearn is an epic journey through prophecy, forbidden love, politics, and betrayal. Oh, and did I mention there were ninjas?
The series is basically about Takeo, an adopted son of the Lord Shigeru – a highly respected and honorable lord of the Otori. In addition to this Takeo realizes his hidden talents (ninja talents mostly, but Hearn makes it sound more epic than I) However, due to tragedy, Shigeru was betrayed and killed by an evil man named Iida Sadamu. What follows is his journey, alongside his love Kaede, to avenge his adoptive father and escape his dark destiny.
Book one, Across the Nightingale Floor, was immensely satisfying. So much, that I delayed long before I read the other two novels. Across the Nightingale Floor is, for me, a stand-alone novel – and can be used as an ending in itself (albeit leaving a few threads unanswered.) In this novel, Takeo is left alone after a bloody sack of his poor village, rescued by a wandering swordsman that turned out to be a noble – after which he was adopted to a new world full of honor and goodwill. And later on, he meets the beautiful Kaede – who is rumoured to be the most beautiful woman in the land. Epic start, huh? And it just gets better – but I best not sspoil the rest of the story. Suffice it to say, the trilogy is well written and holds a few surprises on the way.
Lyrically written, Hearn is a master of the pen – although I found the writing a bit too “light” for my taste. But it will surely be a hit for those who likes light and relaxing reads. The books I had also had one of the best text sizes in any book I had, and I zoomed through the novel easily with little pain in my eyes. (My sister also zoomed through it, and loved it way more then I did… She is currently a hardcore fan. -_-) Takeo is a good protagonist, a bit stock, but still good. He is a silent, brooding (aye, he is emo – but most heroes in novels usually are) yet honorable hero – he fights destiny itself for his journey of vengeance, and to rescue the woman he loves. Kaede was, however, the more powerful ingredient in this novel. Kaede is the epitome of a strong woman, who may not be a swordswoman or a mystic – but through force of will and careful manipulation of the courts, is able to do her duties. She was an instant favorite for me, and to date is one of the best female characters I’ve read in any genre. A pity she’s fictional.
There is a surprise installment recently which I found in Powerbooks, which continued the already satisfying ending of the trilogy. “Harsh Cry of the Heron: the Last tale of the Otori” is set sixteen years after the third books end. It has new interesting characters – including three daughters of the Otoris, the first – Shigeko, who, for the lack of a male heir, was trained as a man (meaning swordsmanship, bow, etc) – and the two twins Maya and Miki, who seemed to exhibit the latent talents of their father. Magnificent follow-up so far… and it seems to be covering all the holes left from the previous installments… gearing up for a very epic end. Hopefully, it holds up well.
Nonsensical Rant:
I am unsure however what the story truly holds up (aside from a good epic story)… I suppose those three books were teaching us to forge our own destiny despite how the world works? Or to fight for love even if it looks impossible? Or to do ninja naruto moves and kill that evil SOB? I can’t help that I think I just read another pile of nonsense… But oh well, to the next one.
I’ve found myself looking at “Across the Nightingale Floor” far too often in the bookstore, honestly. Was always meaning to buy this book and you might just be the person to make me do so.
After I finish reading the copy of Legend you lent me
It’s pretty good, man. Quite unique, especially the way they handled the “ninja” talents. It’s a light read though, moves just like a movie would (in fact, I heard the rights were bought already :p)
A movie? Man, they’re really making movies out of Speculative Fiction more often now, aren’t they?