Lian Hearn

This refers to the original Tales of the Otori trilogy, by Lian Hearn:
* Across the Nightingale Floor (2002)
* Grass for His Pillow (2003)
* Brilliance of the Moon (2004).

It's an excellent story, epic but also beautiful, tragic and lyric, well suited to the Japanese-inspired setting. For me, it was one of those series that demanded compulsive reading. I cared about the characters and what their fate would be. My complaint about the trilogy is that the ending had a deux ex machina component, but when the journey has been so enjoyable I'm willing to forgive the rushed ending.

Now I'm looking forward to reading The Harsh Cry of the Heron, which continues the story some years later. The last book in the series, Heaven's Net is Wide, is actually a prequel that tells Otori Shigeru's story. I will read it too, but thinking about it I feel a bit like the prequel Star Wars trilogy. Knowing what's going to happen takes part of the enjoyment out of it.… (meer)

Heaven's Net Is Wide is a prequel to the Tales of the Otori series based in a mythical, medieval Japanese world and tells the story of Lord Otori Shigeru.

This book was recommended and leant to me by my friend, Melissa. The hardcover version that I read is visually beautiful and I don't want to return it so I can stare at it on the shelf forever.

Initially, I was quite daunted by the 640 pages of a genre that I'm not familiar with but I quickly became emersed in the Otori world. The characters are quickly introduced but you also get a deep insight in to the many characters and their motivations.

The book explores various tribes and clans and the creeds they live by which can so easily lead to an evaluation of your own values and beliefs.

I really enjoyed the book. It didn't quite make it to my 4 star rated books but I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the series.… (meer)