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Across the Nightingale Floor (Tales of the Otori, Book 1)




  • 023 4  I enjoyed this book , its characters and its setting . I enjoyed the main characters journey through different moral codes and his struggle to satisfy his conscience . I was attached to th characterts and found myself stopping to tell my wife what was going on every time something happened . Its good enough for me to tell my friends to read it .
    • 094 4  This book was awesome . I was biting my nails waiting for the second one to come out . I can't wait to read it now that it is out . I have to buy it off of Amazon because the stores never seem to have it . I hope you enjoy it as much as I did .
    • 127 4  This book is among my favorite books that I've ever read . The characters are interesting , most with some form of torn loyalty . The action in the book is very well written and paced , and the story seems to simply draw the reader more and more into it as events happen . I really can't wait for the next one to come out .

  • 033 4  I found that I became an avid fantasy enthusiast after reading the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit . There was an endless search I went through for a book with a similar appeal Tolkien was able to generate through his style of writing . I never thought I would enjoy that kind of adventure again . But I did ! I think everyone can agree that authors who take on such a project will have many difficulties building the proper atmosphere and characters a fantasy book / series should have . This is ofcourse what I beleive either makes or breaks the story . Lian Hearn has accomplished that and made this story into an exciting and fun fantasy where the characters lives become your own . I truly enjoyed this book and I am anxious to read the next two books Hearn plans on releasing . If you enjoy a great fantasy book that takes you off to places your eyes will never see , then buying this book will be the right choice .
    • 008 4  Seriously , you need to buy two copies ; one to read and one to keep very , very safe because this book is the start of something big . Lian Hearn has crafted a story so artfully woven it will leave you breathless . She blends the epic scope of Tolkien , the coming of age of Harry Potter , and the heartstopping adventure of Crouching Tiger , Hidden Dragon . Oh , and just for good measure there's a touch of romance . This is one of the most remarkable books I've read in a long time and to think , theres still two more coming . . . .
    • 054 4  This book is great ! I started it one night and it was so good I could not put it down until I was finished . If you want a book that leaved you yearning to read the rest in the series this is the one . With all the movies and books coming out lately this one gives a great mix of ancient times as well with the powerful ways of war . Even though it is set long ago , you can see how some of these concepts can be seen in today's world . I would recommend this book for anyone at least in middle school to adults .
    • 088 4  I listened to the Audio CD versions of the Tales of the Ortori series in my car on my slow and tedious commutes to and from work . Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the story , but the narrators did such a beautiful job of telling the story , that I was completely enthralled by the tale . I found myself late for work on more than one occasion because I was unable to pull myself from my car . I highly recommend the series !
    • 089 4  This is not really my type of book , so I thought , but I was engrossed ! Something like Harry Potter meets Knights of the Round Table , with a bit of Miyazaki's Howls Moving Castle thrown in . I recommend for teens and adults of all ages . I am a librarian and have purchased copies for others & recommended this title to many , go ahead , try it !
    • 120 4  If you do decide to read this book make sure to set aside enough time to finish it in one sitting . This book draws you in . However , it also seemed rushed to me , there was not as much characterization and plot detail as I would have liked . To put it simply I wish the story had been longer . Aside from that it is an enchanting story and a good read .
    • 123 4  Having visited Japan recently , and having walked across the real Nightingale floors I found this book hard to put down . The author has come out of no where with a great piece of work . A must for anyone who is looking for a different sort of novel.Cant wait for the sequal .

  • 038 4  Read the prequel Heavens Net is Wide first , I enjoyed this first in the series and first novel by the author very much . Some of the reviewers had some problems with it's flaws . And other than nit picking , really , there are some favorite spots that each of us wish Lian Hearn had spent a little more time developing to please our personal tastes . But it still rates a 5 stars as a very enjoyable read and I do find myself reading straight thru the series and appreciating the authors increasing skill .
    • 070 4  I love the book and wanted to praise the audio book presentation . Both are equally exceptional ! The use of male and female readers for the appropriate chapters just works out brilliantly . Both are very talented and are a perfect match for each other for telling their character's story . Listening may be even better for me than trying to keep up with the character names since I am not familiar with Japanese names and that would interfere with my enjoyment . This book is pure enjoyment ! Some books that I tolerate on breezing through them , don't turn into a audiobook I can actually enjoy . This is right up there with these other audiobook series / authors : The Harry Potter series by J.K . Rowling , Michael Crichton , Tom Clancy , John Grisham . And while some of those can bog down , this keeps up a nice pace that goes almost too quickly . It is a surprisingly enjoyable story , with a light touch of fantasy , and it is especially enjoyable as an audiobook .
    • 147 4  I loved this book which is set in ancient Japan . It combines the elements of fantasy , magic , martial arts and the Japanese culture to create a wholly engrossing read that is impossible to put down . Do yourself a favor and buy the second book too because you'll find yourself enjoying Lian Hearn's world too much to want to leave it behind .
    • 151 4  This book was such a wonderful read , I could not put it down . A very magical story about a boy , reminisant of harry potter . You'll follow him through all sorts of trials , and be left wanting more . Great book for anyone into magical stories , fantasy , or even just japenese culture .

  • 051 4  I've now seen several mentions of this book which refer to it as young adult - seems accurate only in the sense that any interesting book might appeal to adults , young or old . There has also been much mention of magic and fantasy , and while the main character does develop abilities outside of the ordinary , the story relies less on magical thinking than good storytelling , a compelling setting in feudal Japan and a visually evocative writing style . It's clear through this writing style that the book is meant to translate readily to film . As the first of a trilogy , it comes to a satisfying conclusion while leaving the implications for the next installment clear - and just in case , there's a preview of book 2 at the end . This is an elegant and entertaining read , and will undoubtedly become a gorgeous film with impressive special effects .
    • 013 4  I picked this book up on a whim , without really thinking much other than it might be amusing . The story itself from the inner sleeve seemed like a nice little story , hopefully intriguing at best . I was in for quite a shock when I finished it in under 1 / 2 a days reading , a page turner like few others I've ever read . The Japan that Hearn paints is a very vivid one , with it's own unique style to it . A whole world created without having to spend an unnecessary amount of time describing it , and enthralling characters that don't need the same . You grow to care for all the characters in the book , and by the last 40 pages you're riveted and won't be able to set the book down . I'd recommend this to anyone .

  • 058 4  Those of us who appreciate fantasy , and are fed up waiting for either George RR Martin to complete the next installment of ASOI & F or the dross that passes for it today ( witches , dragons , nasty people and a journey through blah , blah blah ) can breathe a sigh of relief . Lian Hearn has composed a beautiful , poignant fable of love , honour , betrayel , bravery & loyalty . A fantasy story set in a not quite japan , though exquisitely detailed and reproduced . A cast of characters as good as anything created by Martin , Hobb , or dare i say it Tolkein . ( gasp ) . The tale starts off slow but you find yourself unable to stop , suddenly you are are treading the singing floor , Jato sings in our hands and tears threaten to flow like rain down Shigeru's face . As satisfying read as i have had all year , a story that lingers in the memory , like a first kiss . OJNE FINAL POINT I disagree with some of the reviews here , ( romance ! . . . Clavell ! . . . ) if you need a comparison try Martin crossed with John Irving .

    • 062 4  this book is the best book i have read in years . i couldnt put it down and was reading it well in 2 the early hours of the morning . amazing storyline and fantasticly well written . you will regret not reading this book.a must .
      • 095 4  This book was great and it gets much better in book 2 . You will not be disappointed in this book . Lian Hearn has a beautiful way of writing . Also recommended : David Gemmell-Hero In the Shadows and Waylander

    • 075 4  Agree with all the other reviewers who gave positive reviews . Highly recommended - one of the best novels I've ever read . Great action and beautiful writing , and there's no dull part in the book .
      • 050 4  Very absorbing , impossible to put down , but it has been done before , and done better . Great beach read .

    • 108 4  Having lived in Japan for 3 years and teaching Japanese now in London , I was delighted to find this book in the school library short listed for the Carnegie Medal awarded for an outstanding book for children . I enjoyed the book immensely and although some of the characters may seem unapproachable to some , they are authentically Japanese and mysterious . It was very hard to put down ! It is fantastic to be able to recommend such a well written book to my students who are interested in Japan and studying Japanese . It gives accurate insight into the way of the Samurai , honour , and essential Japanese culture that is otherwise inaccessible and seemingly strange .
      • 084 4  This is a perfectly magical book . Sparsely told , the action unfolds quickly , with a style that is engaging and witty . I look forward to reading the next in the series . I confess that I had rolled my eyes a bit , figuring it would be fairly formulaic , but Hern creates characters that are wonderful , passionate , and of course at times doomed . A lovely example of the genre , and a fine work .
      • 097 4  This book was an enjoyable read . The story was interesting , was filled with Japanese cultural idiosyncracies and mythical personalities . Hearn did a decent job telling the story and provided a nice distinction between chapters . I recommend the book .
      • 113 4  I just loved this book . It keeps you interested from page one on . I was not able to put this book down and ended up reading it all in one day . It is a wonderful tale of a teenager just trying to fit in . He was raised one way and finds out that he is not at all who he thinks that he is . This fantasy book set in ancient Japan.I am off to buy book two of this series . I would highly recommend this book for people of all ages .
      • 135 4  This book was just amazing . I got it from the library and could not put it down until I finished it . I have always been taken by Japanese culture and a good fantasy story , and this book has all of that . I look forward to seeing how Takeo and Kaeda grow up into adults and how they can find themselves reunited once more .

    • 131 4  I moved swiftly , my feet knowing where to step and with how much pressure . The birds remained silent . I felt the deep pleasure , no kin to elation , that acquiring the skills of the Tribe brings , until I heard the sound of breathing , and turned to see Lord Shigeru watching me . ' You heard me , ' I said , disappointed . ' No , I was already awake . Can you do it again ? ' I stayed crouched where I was for a moment , retreating into myself in the way of the Tribe , letting everything drain from me except my awareness of the noises of the night . Then I ran back across the nightingale floor . The birds slept on . Across the Nightingale Floor is set in an imaginary land very much like feudal Japan . In a short note at the front of the book the author assures us that nightingale floors ( uguisubari ) are real inventions and the most famous examples can be seen in Kyoto at Nijo Castle and Chion'In . The one in this book was specially built to surround the entire house of the evil , murderous warlord , Iida Sadamu , to protect him from possible assassins , for no one can walk across it unheard . No one except a strange young man known to Iida as Takeo . . . Takeo's real name is Tomasu . When his village is burned by order of Iida , and all its people killed , Tomasu is saved ( certainly not by chance ) by the mysterious Lord Otori Shigeru . Shigeru gives him the name Takeo because Tomasu is too common among the Hidden . Raised among this reclusive and spiritual people , Takeo knows only the ways of peace . But he must forget all that and become not only an Otori - - adopted son of Shigeru - - but also an assassin , and his victim is to be Iida . Takeo discovers he has the supernatural skills of the Tribe - - preternatural hearing , the ability to be in two places at once , to become invisible - - and Lian Hearn has woven this magic into an absorbing tale full of action , heroism and ( in the form of the bewitching Lady Shirakawa , interest in whom has brought about the death of several men ) romance . There is a reasonable amount of gruesome and bloody violence , but the author doesn't dwell on it and I didn't find it particularly disturbing . How it will come across if anyone makes a film of the book is quite another matter . I'm still wondering why Gillian Rubenstein felt obliged to take a male pseudonym for this trilogy , especially since the identity of Lian Hearn was discovered almost as soon as the book was published . It seems pointless to me for a well-known writer , still writing for the same audience , to pretend to be a new one . I'm also bemused as to how a floor constructed to deliberately squeak could sound the least like a nightingale , or indeed any songbird . Certainly my own squeaking floors sound anything but musical . Their noise is more akin to rusty door hinges than the song of a bird , and If I wanted to imagine they sounded like birds the birds would have to be the most raucous-voiced breed of parrots - - whatever breed that might be ! Hmm . I've just walked over the floorboards that squeak and perhaps I exaggerate rather too much . But the noise still isn't pleasant . I expect the builders of the nightingale floors in Japan had a special technique unknown to the builders of my modern home . I notice my copy of this book is a 2002 reprint . It obviously sold better than the publisher expected . and that's very welcome news .
      • 001 4  Across the Nightingale Floor is a well-paced and orchestrated historical fantasy set in an imaginary feudal Japan-like setting . Teenage Tomasu lives in a remote mountain village among a people called The Hidden who are a secretive and persecuted caste . One night his village is massacred by the chief warlord , Iida . Tomasu pulls a trick and escapes into the mountains and is saved by another warrior lord , Otori Shigeru . Otori takes Tomasu in as his son , renames him Takeo , and the young man begins to learn the way of the warrior . It soon becomes apparent that he possesses the skills of the assassin class known as The Tribe which include superior hearing , stealth , invisibility and the ability to leave a second self behind . Later , he learns to put people to sleep . Meanwhile , a second plot told in the third person involves Kaede , a young woman who is the daughter of a lord but held hostage to keep her family from considering an uprising . The warlords are to use Kaede as a pawn in an arranged marriage with Otori . Things get complicated because of a certain Lady Maruyama , and then Takeo's feelings toward Kaede . A little Shakespearean tragedy within a Japanese setting makes for plenty of intrigue . Takeo makes an interesting and likable protagonist , and I found myself cheering for him and all the challenges he had to face . The side characters were also colorful , with heroic Otori Shigeru , the mysterious teacher Kenji , the doomed Lady Maruyama , jinxed Kaede , and more . You know some of them will play larger roles in the following two books . I wondered about this book being a young adult novel , because while the language and sentence construction read fairly simply , there is graphic violence and some sex that should be for a more mature audience . The dialogue was sometimes stilted and overly formal , but that's the way it is in Japan , and for the most part Hearn makes this work . I also liked the author's choice of pseudonym , presumably after the great Japan historian Lafcadio Hearn . I came away wanting to know more about The Hidden and The Tribe , and hope the subsequent books reveal more , because I'm eager to continue this series . I thought the first book came to a satisfying resolution , while setting us up for things to come . Across the Nightingale Floor is an enjoyable read and definitely for those interested in Japan .
      • 002 4  If you like books about feudal Japan , this book is for you . It's a fascinating story that follows a young man as he grows up in the clans of Japan . This book has everything you need for a great experience , action , adventure , love , and betrayal . I picked this book up on a whim and read four pages in and was hooked . It grabs a hold of you and you can't put it down . Not only are the characters great , with all kinds of individual plots , they all contribute to they main plot of the book . The young boy , Takeo , is taken under the protection of Lord Otori , a leader of one of the clans in Japan . Takeo joins Lord Otori after a rival clan kills his parents . From the second Takeo runs into Lord Otori in the woods the action doesn't stop . With all the twists and individual plots the end of this book leaves you wanting more . This book is also a surprisingly easy read , most of the books that I've read that are set in this time are usually hard to follow , but this book is well written and even with all the Japanese terms its easy to follow and a great read . I highly recommend this book , not only to fans of fantasy , but also to anyone who wants to read a good book . This is one of the best books I've ever read and I am anxiously waiting for the rest of the trilogy .
      • 003 4  Unusually for a book with so many characters , several with strange-sounding names , Across The Nightingale Floor is remarkably easy to follow . The main narrative is rich and eventful and I for one was attracted by the incident and intrigue that was delivered early on in the opening few pages . The setting is authentic and beautiful , familiar in many ways , yet new and mysterious in others . It's a fascinating landscape and the story quite riveting . It's genuinely very difficult to put down once you've started it . The writing is exceptional , with very few words out of place . Smooth and easy to read , the author's style is generous enough to paint the characters and scenery very well , yet clipped enough to keep the plot moving along at a steady pace . Importantly , there are no slow patches ! The book does not flinch from adult content and is certainly a mature read . It appears pitched at an adult and young adult audience simultaneously . There are numerous deaths - several beheadings , torture , cruelty and other violence . All , however , are within context and not out of place . The strong story , appealing characters and Japanesesque setting combine incredibly strongly within Across The Nightingale Floor to produce a highly readable book that should appeal to many different-aged readers .
      • 004 4  It was good , but light . For one thing , the author , who uses a pseudonym , claims she was trying to represent a fantasy world that was Japan-like without actually referring to the classes of people involved by their Japanese names and titles . So , while it was obvious that she was referring to ninja and samurai , she never used those terms , but instead used vague descriptions or descriptive words . To me , it seemed a little forced sometimes . Also , I felt as if the book was written for someone in about the 8th Grade . Of course , USA Today is written at that level , so maybe I'm just biased towards the more well read . In any case , those two small issues aside , it was a good book . The story focuses on an orphan who is taken in first by a great lord in exile or disgrace , depending on your point of view , and , later , by a clan of enigmatic mystics who are basically ninja . There are numerous plot twists of varying degree , though none are too surprising to the well-read . The themes are classically Japanese and the author is unabashedly enamored with Japanese culture . In fact , on her website , she cites a trip to Japan as the inspiration for the novel . Well , series , actually . This is the first book in the Tales of the Otori series and the last has just recently been published . As a fantasy book goes , Across the Nightingale Floor is rather similar to any of a number of others , but as a novel about a fantasy Japan , which is not historical fiction , it stands virtually alone . In fact , I haven't seen a book similar since I read Barry Hughart's Bridge of Birds , which is about an Ancient China that never really was . And , though I have to admit Lian Hearn could have done more with her work , I still liked the first book enough to buy , and read , the rest of the series .
      • 005 4  Nicely done and fast moving , this tale conjures up an imaginary medieval Japanese world that is both convincing and absorbing . . . even if it never really existed . Recounting the coming of age of young Tomasu , renamed Takeo by his heroic protector Otori Shigeru , it takes our young hero from the idyllic life of a secret religious cult hidden deep in the mountains , a group eerily reminiscent of early Japanese Christians , into a much larger world of samurai , assassins , and political intrigue as Takeo discovers his special talents , the legacy of a mysterious father . Induced to develop his skills as a tool for his mentor , the kindly if stern Shigeru , young Takeo learns to control his special abilities and to love the samurai Otori clan which has adopted him . But the world is quaking all around him as his deadly enemy , the warlord Iida , closes a trap designed to complete his conquest of the three lands . Only Shigeru and his allies stand in Iida's way , but Iida forces Shigeru to step into a deadly trap . Joined by Takeo , Shigeru advances with eyes open into the jaws of Iida's waiting lion , all the while planning the enemy warlord's undoing . But there are other claims on Takeo , claims which may yank him away from Shigeru at the moment he's most needed . The story was a bit predicable but compelling nonetheless , even when you can guess where the next turn will be . At the same time , the ambience of old Japan felt remarkably right . As Takeo struggles with the need to avenge the slaughter of his own clan ( the mysterious group known as the Hidden ) by Iida's minions , and the demands on his loyalty from his newly adopted clan ( the Otori ) vs . his blood ties to the mysterious Tribe ( a group of families with special , almost magical skills ) , he must make a decision to risk all and save Shigeru and the young woman he has come to love or accept the Tribe's apparently unreasonable demands on him . Although the final outcome is never in much doubt , how we get there is . And it's fascinating to watch it all unfold . In the end , this is an action tale set in an exotic world . . . nothing more . But it is enjoyable for that . SWM author of The King of Vinland's Saga
      • 006 4  Not in several years have I read a book this good , and I have read most fantasy-type books out there . To tell you the truth , I have read so many books that are trash that I have grown used to , perhaps even expecting , poor quality when I read a fantasy novel . Pure drivel like Robert Newcomb's The Fifth Sorceress or Terry Goodkind's The Naked Empire are popping up like weeds these days . But amidst the piles and piles of rubble , sometimes you find that rose of exceptional beauty . And Across the Nightingale Floor is that rose . It's vastly different than the usual run-of-the-mill fantasy novels , unique even . The setting of the book takes place in a mythical Japanese-like society , though it's not a direct allusion to actual history , and it features a smattering of magic . It's a coming of age story , but not in the usual Robert Jordan type of way . Perhaps the best way to describe it is as a recipe : Take the majestic backdrop of Shogun , mix it with the cool assassin factor of Stoover's brilliant Hero's Die , imbue it with the oriental mysticism of Eric Lustbader's Ninja , then toss in a fabulous plot , superlative characterization , a good dose of pathos , a chunk of romance and you have what I consider to be one of the best books , ever . If you have read A Song of Fire of Ice fifteen times , spun through the Wheel of Time more times than Nynaeve pulls her braid , consumed every Hobb novel , then give this book a shot ; it won't disappoint . It's a sweeping epic of love , betrayal , loyalty , magic , and a high quest for revenge , and so damn fine a read you will want to lick the cover when you're done . I HIGHLY recommend you check this book out .
      • 007 4  Across The Nightingale Floor is a young-adult crossover novel with some fantasy , but the supernatural is used with a VERY deft & sparing hand . A young man ( Takeo ) whose entire village is wiped out by feudal warlord finds out that there is more to his parentage , and his talents , than he could have guessed . The writing is lush , the story set in feudal Japan , and the characters are both charming & believable . Best of all , it doesn't fall into the common trap of historical non-Western people behaving just like 21st century Western characters . Takeo has a strong sense of honor and obligation that makes you admire him even when he's making hasty or frighteningly selfless decisions . There is a very strong sense of both place and time , and beauty in the middle of horror and violence . The action doesn't stop in this book ; it will completely draw you in . As I said , I'm in love . This is not a story for very young children , as it contains many scenes of violent death , descriptions of torture , and also a couple of very tastefully done sex scenes . Nothing is superfluous or sensationalistic , but the reader is not shielded from the realities of feudal life and war . Although this book is the first in a series , it ends satisfyingly enough . I believe that with the quality of both writing and storytelling , this book & its sequels will become young-adult favorites , like The Earthsea books or His Dark Materials .
      • 009 4  Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn . 2002 by Riverhead Books ( PenguinPutnam ) . ISBN 1 - 57322 - 225 - 9 . This is a thoroughly entertaining and beautifully written novel . It was first brought to my attention by a review in Book magazine . Classified as either young adult or fantasy ( depending on the reviews ) , I thought it was neither . I am far from my ` young adult ' years and there are no trolls , dragons , wizards or witches ; no hobbits nor elves ; not even , as the September 2002 issue of Locus magazine review of the book may suggest , magic . It is an adventure ; a coming of age story taking place in the likes of feudal Japan . As is the author's name , Across the Nightingale Floor is simply fiction . Perhaps borderline Speculative Fiction , and perhaps not so simple . The only magiks are those of the Tribe , a secret sect who now hire themselves out assassins to the highest bidder . This is a wonderful read . Hearn's prose is compact yet extremely visual . You can set the book aside , reluctantly , for a few days , return to it and the entire story leaps back to mind and imagination . There is hardly a single paragraph that does not elicit a dramatic image . I marveled at Hearn's ability as a writer to conjure such images so vividly . I will not reveal any of the storyline , but suffice it to say Across the Nightingale Floor was very satisfying . The conclusion was complete , though surprising , and enough ` loose ends ' remain to make me wait for the next installment as soon as it comes out . R.D.Kedd . A.B.Normal Books .
      • 010 4  This is an amazing book ! The language is simple but lyrical , the story is captivating , and the pace is riveting . I could hardly put it down and I hated to finish it . I don't know if you can say more about a book than that . I have bought it for a friend for Christmas and I am recommending it to everyone I know . It is a rare book that does that to me . It starts with beautiful language and develops characters that you come to really care about . Read this book and then go sell it to your friends !
      • 011 4  Duty and Honour are the two main themes in this book ; as expected of Japanese folklore . We're introduced to a peasant boy who's realising that he's got some special gifts ; such as the ability to be invisible . We're also introduced to factors that influence everyday life in feudal Japan , such as the absolute power a warlord like Sadamu possesses . Though I've said duty and honour are the two main themes , there's also Love . Although there're situations where love influences decisions , duty and honour are never abandoned or forgotten . Some parts of this tale are downright tragic , especially when regarded from a western point of view . Other parts leave you elated . Lian Hearn has a good understanding of the Japanese way of life and the tale is masterfully told . If you've ever taken an interest in Japanese feudal history , then the two major groupings of individuals are Samurai ( the lords , landowners etc ) and Ninjas ( the Tribe ) . In history , the Ninjas are employed as assasins by the Samurai class against their enemies , while the Samurai keep their honour intact . All in all , this book will make you run back to the bookshops to buy the next one ; which I'm halfway thru .
      • 012 4  Across the Nightingale Floor is an original , intoxicating read . Lian Hearn is a skilled writer that has done enough research on ancient Japanese customs and systems to present an original world that mirrors that of ancient Japan's . Although there is a tiny bit of magic , which never overpowers the novel and its characters , this story reads like a historic adventure with many interesting characters and events . In fact , the customs , people , and story of this novel are very realistic and the author writes as if everything that is being told could have happened . Furthermore , since many things are based on ancient Japan , what's to say that events that are similar to the book's couldn't have happened ? The book is told mostly in the first person by the young boy Takeo , though some chapters are about a different character , Kaede . The story opens up with Takeo's village being sacked and he is an orphan . Takeo is rescued by Lord Otori Shigeru and is taught many things . The Otori are one of the clans of the world that are in this book . Kaede is a young beauty that is being held hostage and is leading a sad life . As the book progresses we learn how Kaede is going to be married with Lord Otori so two houses will be allies , leaving only one for the conqueror Iida to have to fight . Will eveything go as planned ? Read the book and you'll see . The novel is a treat to the imagination as it opens up new thoughts in your head . In this novel Hearn develops mostly rich characters , especially the two main characters , Takeo and Kaede . Each of these characters receive their own chapters to tell about what's going on at certain points . Since Takeo's part of the story is told as a first person narrative we experience more of a likeability for him . Through each of the character's personal feats and / or defeats the reader will feel more for the character . Other side characters are interesting to read about as well , such as Lord Otori , Kenji , and many of the mysterious servants , such as Shizuka . One of the great aspects about this novel is the sense of wonder that you will develop . Not everything is told to you so a lot is left for you to think about and decide for yourself . The world that the story takes place in is obviously very similar to Japan , but not many minute details are described . This is one of the downfalls to the book for those readers that enjoy lush , exotic details . Another downside to the book is that some of the chapters can be quite long to readers that enjoy quick little chapters . This didn't bother me , though , as there was a lot going on in each of the chapters . Lian Hearn's writing is simple to read and flows quickly , making for a very quick read . Despite the flaws of the book this is still a fun and fast paced adventure . For fans of historical fiction , adventure , or a good read will find Across the Nightingale Floor a lot of fun . I am eagerly looking forward to Hearn's next novel in the Tales of the Otori series . Happy Reading !
      • 014 4  Just finished the book last night . I liked it a lot . There is a lot to be said for being able to write a coherent story and have strong characters who evolve before you and not spend 600 pages doing it . However , my own personal taste is to immerse myself in the world that I'm reading . I like a lot of detail . This book , by its simple length , couldn't offer that , so if you're looking for world-building , look elsewhere . This is about the characters and only the characters . In some markets , it is being billed as YA . I think that is clearly wrong . It was too gritty with too much violence . The author didn't pull any punches about how gruesome life in feudal Japan or a Japan-like nation would have been for the vast majority of people . Or the flaws of cruelty and brutality that infused the samurai . And of course , the temporary place of women , who lived at the whim of their masters , the men . All in all , a fine read .
      • 015 4  What a great book ! I'm so pleased to have discovered a new Sci-Fi Fantasy author . If you're into the heavy version of the Fantasy genre , this book may not be for you , as there's not a lot of fantasy , but there's enough that it can't be classified as just fiction . I'd say it's rather like a King Arthur novel in that sense . The story is set in feudal Japan , but there's not much historical background in the book . There really doesn't need to be , as the story could have been set in feudal anywhere , but some of the details work best in Japan ( such as the Nightingale Floor ) . Our hero , Takeo , is found living quietly in a remote mountain village . After the villagers are massacred by Lord Iida ` s men , Takeo ( Tomasu at this point ) meets up with Shigeru , Lord of the Otori clan . Takeo goes to live with Shigeru , takes lessons in many subjects ( including writing , art and swordplay among other things ) , learns of his true background and the abilities he has because of his background , and is eventually adopted by Shigeru as his heir . In the meantime , a lovely young woman named Kaede is being held by Lord Noguchi as a hostage . She is being treated badly , even though she is nobility . Noguchi is allied with Lord Iida , the most evil guy around . Eventually , Noguchi decides that Kaede would be most useful as a pawn and she is betrothed to Shigeru . Sadly , Shigeru is in love with Lady Maruyama . It's a nice underlying love story to go with the adventure . Takeo , it turns out , is a member of the Tribe . The Tribe has magical abilities that are passed on genetically . Takeo's father was of the Tribe . In Takeo , the powers are strong ( Does this surprise anyone ? If they were weak , we probably wouldn't have much of a story . . . Luke I am your Father . . . but I digress ) . The Tribe's abilities include super hearing , invisibility , and splitting into two , among other things . Everyone in the story seems to feel that all the world's problems would be solved if only Lord Iida were dead . Trouble is that he's quite powerful and pretty paranoid . He's had a Nightingale Floor built in his quarters . The floor has been built to be extra squeaky , so that no one can walk across it without making noise . But , perhaps Takeo , with his magical abilities can take care of this for us . . . All in all , I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the two sequels .
      • 016 4  The good news about Across the Nightingale Floor is that it is a wonderful fantasy novel set in an imaginative ( as opposed to historical ) feudal Japan . Its setting , sparse language , quick pace , relatively slim length , and lack of cookie-cutter fantasy races ( dwarves , dragons , horse people , etc . ) set it apart from much of the genre . Young Takeo , one of two main characters , lives with his family , sans father , in a quiet village . They are all Hidden , members of a persecuted early Christianity and the book starts out at a full dark pace as the village is quickly overrun by a local warlord Iida , with Takeo the only survivor . Rescued seemingly through random luck by Otori Shigeru , another warlord who holds Iida his enemy , Takeo follows Shigeru to his far-off home where he becomes his ward and is educated in the way of the upper class and the warrior . It also becomes clear as he ages that he has somehow inherited some of the skills of the Tribe , a secret group of assassins who can go invisible for short periods of time , put people to sleep , hear sounds from far off , and so on . As his unknown past becomes unraveled , Takeo becomes increasingly embroiled in the area's current political and social upheavals and finds himself conflicted within as well , torn by the obligations of family , religion , duty , class , and love to name just a few . The book shifts between Takeo and Kaede , the other main character - - a young beautiful girl held hostage in Iida's castle . Kaede resists being used as a pawn in the world of men and must fight her own battles ( sometimes literally ) . Eventually , as one expects , Takeo and Kaede's paths merge and a love story develops . As mentioned , the story is fast-paced and the language sparse , making for a quick read . The language is beautiful in many places and its style and tone are perfect for the setting . The minimal style isn't quite so positive at times with regard to plot , as sometimes things skim by a bit too quickly , such as Takeo's training which turns him seemingly overnight ( a slight exaggeration ) into an amazingly effective assassin . And sometimes the world creation seems a bit thin . Despite the book's brevity , the characterization is mostly well-done - - the two main characters have a sense of fullness to them and the side characters , if anything , are even better . The style , language , setting , plot , and characters are all above average and combine to create an excellent first book in the series . The only complaint is that it is by far the best book in the series . Luckily , it doesn't rely on a cliffhanger ending so one can read it on its own with a sense of resolution . Strongly recommended , with fair warning that books two and three suffer greatly in comparison , being nowhere near as interesting , slower paced , a bit repetitive , and overall lacking the spark of the first .
      • 017 4  I try to find fantasy books that I can put on my top shelf to reread in the near future . Across the Nightingale Floor is one of those , and has me itching to read the next two in the series . Takeo grows up in a group of people who call themselves the Hidden . The believe in one God and the equality of every person . This incites the lord of the Three Countries , Lord Iida , because he does not want to think of himself as an equal to a farmer , so he seeks to destroy all who believe these teachings . One of those towns is where Takeo resides , and so his whole family and village are destroyed . He is able to narrowly escape because of the help of Lord Shigeru , who interestingly happens to be at that place during that time . While under Lord Shigeru , Takeo finds out that he is also a member of the Tribe , a group of families with special abilities . With this knowledge , Takeo is given two things , training to hone his skills and the ability to avenge his family and village . Throughout Takeo's journey for revenge he has many obstacles , but all of them pale in comparison to that of Kaede . She is the woman he loves and who is arranged to marry Lord Shigeru . This and his revenge of Lord Iida are intricately weaved into this story , and kept me up all night reading . I can't wait to read the second installment of the Tales of the Otori .
      • 018 4  I truly enjoyed this first book in the Tales of the Otori . The story pulled me in and wouldn't let me go until I finished it in a relatively short time . I immediately started the second in the series and have just pre-ordered the third . It was enjoyable , engrossing and I thought the pacing of the story to be nearly perfect .
      • 019 4  I just finished reading Across the Nightingale Floor - Tales of the Otori ( Book 1 ) and am left wanting more - can't wait for the next release ! I mistakingly expected the book to be very Harry Potterish with mystical creatures and magic , but found it to be much more - with true romance , much adventure , and a good amount of mystery , as well - always leaving you wondering what's coming up next or what just happened , making you suspicious of characters that you had previously grown to trust and adore . I found all of the pages filled with details that enabled me to totally visualize the setting - like I was a part of the events rather than just reading about them . Her depth and imagery was incredible - I could close my eyes and see the story unfolding in my imagination . Great book - a touch of Romeo Juliet with a Castles , Lords Ladies twist . P.S . - I thought it was cool that at the end of the book the author , Lion Hearn , gives you a preview of the upcoming book Grass for His Pillow due to be released in August !
      • 020 4  I really liked this novel . When I bought it , I was afraid it might be over-the-top or very forced . After reading the first three chapters I realized I had nothing to fear - the book is a very good read . The environment and setting of the book is gently and thoroughly developed without the heavy blatant descriptiveness that some authors use . The characters are vivid and interesting . The book , as you may already know , resembles historical Japan . But if you know nothing of Japan you won't miss anything in the book . There are allusions to the samurai / ninja / ruling classes , but if you are looking for any in-depth historical accuracy , you probably will be disappointed . The Japanese-style names are fun and not too difficult to differentiate between . A lot of Japanese writing has elements of the tragic in it and this book nicely captures that particular aspect . Subtle and interwoven , it isn't overdone or melodramatic in any way . The reader will develop fondness for several of the main characters and the choices that Takeo faces will probably give the reader something to ponder . The so-called fantasy element in the book is barely there . There is hardly more fantasy than in your general novel . I guess what purports to be the ninja class involves the fantasy aspect , but then . . . ninjas are supposed to be mystical and magical to others . I recommend this book to folks who enjoy Laura Joh Rowland's novels and those who enjoy watching Avatar and Naruto .
      • 021 4  Note : title of this book is Across The Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn Back in 2002 I began ordering these books by Lian Hearn as they became available from the Science Fiction Book Club , and now have the 4th and latest on order right now . I've only started reading the original trilogy recently , so imagine my pleasant surprise finding over 150 reviews for this book . With that number of listed reviews I will not bore you with much detail , others have far exceeded anything I could say , I'm sure . During the early 1960 ' s I lived on the island of Honshu , on the Kanto Plain , between Tokyo and Yokohama ; these were the years leading up to the XVIII Olympiad in Tokyo . Everything in this first book seems very familiar , and I'm surprised I don't find mention of The Tokaido Road which ran in medieval Japan from Kyoto to Edo ( Tokyo ) on the Kanto Plain . I notice he mentions the island of Honshu in his back notes and possibly he too is thinking of that island as his setting , especially around Odawara , Hakone , and Mount Fujuyama . The only item missing from this first book is a map , something I was happy to see included in both books 2 and 3 . I've traveled in Japan but for one who has not , I feel this map even in a work of fantasy fiction , is essential . And the area of which he writes , closely identical to the area in which I lived and traveled for 26 months , can be in places very mountainous and wild . These books along with JAPANESE INN by Oliver Statler , and the popular SHOGUN by James Clavell , will offer interested readers good introduction to both the Japanese culture and language . Of all these mentioned books , however , my favorites are these recent ones from Lian Hearn . Other than a little bit of fantasy , the books offer good historical perspectives on these interesting people and their entrancing island . Domo Arigato Gozaimasu , Lian Hearn . Tanoshimu . Motto . ( Thank you very much ) ( enjoyable ) ( give us more ) Semper Fi .
      • 022 4  I love books with a Japanese setting , and Hearn's Otori trilogy are some of the best I've read . Her prose is simple , often sparse , but as beautiful as haiku . She evokes the atmosphere of feudal Japan with a minimum of words and with great skill . The best part about Hearn's writing is that it moves so quickly . There are no boring parts ! Across the Nightingale Floor gripped me from the first page , not only because it was so beautifully written and interesting but because I really cared about the characters , who are all struggling to to the best they can in a harsh and demanding world . The following two books , Grass for His Pillow and Brilliance of the Moon are just as compelling and well-written as this book . I highly recommend the entire trilogy . If you like reading about traditional Japanese culture , you'll love these books !
      • 024 4  Across the Nightingale floor is by far one of the best pieces of literature I have come across . I have read the book three times , and each time I journey back into Hearn's mythical Japan I am awe-inspired by the depth of character , the detailed setting , and the intricate plot design . This is a book for the ages , a true tale of love , loss , and adventure . Journey with Takeo and Kaede as they survive the harsh realities of their worlds . Bear witness to the various warlords who try to claim Japan as their own . Watch and listen as ruthless assassins kill without a second thought , and find out where love is woven into such a story . Across the Nightingale floor is sure to become an epic for all time .
      • 025 4  Across the Nightingale Floor reads largely like historical fiction set in feudal Japan . All the elements are seemingly present , from the samurai-ninja-peasant-monk caste system to the rigid codes of honor ( including ritual suicide ) to the fantastic art and architecture to the very land of the tale ( the Three Countries sure look like Japan to me ) . But author Lian Hearn ( pseudonym ) has injected a slight bit of fantasy into the mix . The narrator of about two-thirds of the book is young Takeo , an orphan and ( at first ) unwitting descendant of The Tribe , a mystical clan of ninjas who are blessed with various supernatural gifts , including invisibility , incredible hearing , and even the ability to split in two . Young Takeo receives his education after coming across the massacre of his village by the evil Lord Iida , and is miraculously saved by Lord Otori , master swordsman and sworn enemy of Lord Iida . Like many first novels in a series , much of Across the Nightingale Floor is spent on the education of young Takeo . Not only must Takeo learn how to harness his magical gifts , he must come to grips with the fact that he is , despite his gentle nature , a born assassin . His clan wishes to whisk him away to a lifetime of murder for hire , but Takeo wishes to serve his beloved savior , Lord Otori in his clash with Lord Iida . Obviously , these two desires cannot mesh for the long-term - - but perhaps Takeo could stay with Otori long enough to bump off Iida . . . ? The title comes from the protective floor that shields Lord Iida from assassination - - the floor is designed to chirp and squeal if anyone sets foot on it , and Iida will be alerted to the presence of the assassin . Can Takeo's mysterious gifts allow him to overcome this fantastic obstacle and take the evil Lord Iida's head ? Desire clashing with reality is a recurring theme in this book , as forbidden love , the code of honor , and the power of a sworn oath all play strong roles . At many points , the melancholy of the characters becomes almost overwhelming , but this only serves to highlight their triumphs . . . although some of these are bittersweet . Like most novels that revolve around the maturation of a young person , this novel proceeds slowly in places , so it is helpful to view it in the context of a larger series . Assuming that Hearn kicks up the action a few notches in later installments , this should be one thrilling trilogy , becuase he has created several promising plot-lines that I look forward to pursuing . While not as epic as the works of James Clavell or as poetic ( or as violent ) as Takashi Matsuoka's Cloud of Sparrows , Across the Nightingale Floor is nevertheless an entertaining book and one to be enjoyed . Check it out .
      • 026 4  The first book in the Otori series : Across the Nightingale Floor , by Lian Hearn , is a work of fantasy : It takes place in a semi-realistic world , somewhat like feudal Japan . The main character is Takeo : an adopted lord , and son of an assassin . When Takeo's town is attacked , he is saved by Lord Shigeru . He later adopts Takeo after the village is completely decimated . At Shigeru's home , Takeo is visited by a stranger who turns out to be an assassin named Kenji . Kenji used to work with Takeo's father , and he came to teach Takeo the skills of an assassin . Both Takeo's new teacher and Lord Shigeru have different plans for Takeo . And while all this is going on , Lord Shigeru's bitter enemy Iida , is becoming more powerful . When wars erupt between Shigeru and Iida , Shigeru wants Takeo to assassinate Iida , much to the displeasure of Kenji . In this book Takeo is forced to choose between following either the man who saved him , or the man who taught him all his skills . He finally must decide whether to inherit his adopted father's place and become an important lord or follow his family roots and become a powerful assassin . I thought Across the Nightingale Floor was a good book with a few flaws . The characters where really stereotypical , especially the villain Iida , Lord Shigeru , and the princes Kaede . The story itself was interesting and I loved the setting . The story takes place in an imaginary world with its own countries , laws , religions , class systems etc . This is what made the book worth reading .
      • 027 4  This is the story about a young boys destiny , his claiming of his heritage and the discovery of his identity . I really enjoyed this book , set in a medieval Japan-ish world . It's disturbing , agonizing and in my opinion very well written . Takeo , as our main character is called , becomes involved in politics , and conflicts involving warlords , religion and love . He desperately tries to find out , where his loyalties and sympathies lie , but a mysterious past and friends and enemies who's motives are veiled , makes this a rather difficult task ! The rigidness some reviewers criticize - I think is due to the myth-like nature of the story . I however find this very much in accordance with it's subject / style . This is an epic tale , written as a legend . If you like legendary tales , and books like Clavells Shogun , this is a book for you !
      • 028 4  Across the Nightingale Floor is the first book in the Otori Trilogy which is set in a world much like that of Japan in the middle ages . Aristocratic warrior clans vie for control of territories through war and by paying for the services of The Tribe , a band of ninja-like assassins with magical powers that have their own concealed interest in who rules . One leader , Lord Iida plans to take over all the different lands and unite them under his rule of tyranny and fear . One group he particularly hates is a clan called The Hidden . Ironically , this is a clan of pacifists who are against war and the taking of life . Iida sets out to exterminate them , putting to death all those he finds . The 16 year old Takeo , a young man of the Hidden , comes back from a day of wandering among the mountains to find his whole village has been executed by Iida and his men . After an escape that dishonors Iida , Takeo runs into a man who also has cause to want revenge on him , the mysterious Lord Shigeru . Shigeru was defeated years earlier by Iida and treachery and vows to protect Takeo and even adopt him . In a weird turn of events it turns out that Takeo has some of the skills of the Tribe . The question is not if , but when he will use them to try to kill Iida ? And is Shigeru operating from a urge to protect him or is he just using Takeo as a pawn ? This book was great . For some reason when I read the reviews for it a long time ago I was under the impression that it was a young adult book but it's definately not that . There's doses of graphic blood and snatches of sex . What we have here is an example of literary fantasy that I would compare to the Lord of the Rings in that the author is trying to write something serious and not just entertain , even though he does that too . The author , by the way , is unknown . Lian Hearn is a pseudonym . Hearn , I am sure comes from Lafcadio Hearn , a Western writer who wrote many tales about Japan . This book was beautiful . There are relationships aplenty after the book starts up , love stories , I mean , which form subplots to the revenge story . I was fixing to write that you got a feel for the politics of the middle ages reading this book , but actually those policies continue to this day . People are still killed by leaders for their beliefs . Leaders of countries hold grudges and take revenge on other countries , be it political or military . I just ordered the second book , Grass For His Pillow . The third book comes out later this year . If you like this book , I would recommend any Samurai movie by Akira Kurosawa , also Samurai I , II , and III directed by Jiroshi Inagaki , all starring Toshiro Mifune .
      • 029 4  I have been a fan of the fantasy genre since I first read the Hobbit some 20 years back . The one problem I have found over the years is that there is not enough originality in most of the books I read . The magic user finds the reluctant hero who must find the special item that will defeat the ultimate evil , all in front of a back drop of a thinly disguised Europe . As a student of martial arts and Eastern philosophy , I am thrilled anytime I can find a good story that uses Asia for its stage , and this may be the finest book of this kind I have found . The story is familiar in that we begin with an average person who evolves into an extraordinary hero by the end of the tale , but not simply by finding the magic ring or sword . Instead , latent abilities are brought to the service through training and self discovery . Magic , although present , is much more subtle than the average fireball slinging mage or demon conjuring sorcerer . The narration is done in beautiful , simple prose , very true to the Asian ideal , with a wonderful focus on all things natural . The characters are well developed and never over the top . Even the heroes are subject to personal flaws and setbacks . The action builds steadily culminating in a climax that holds more than a few surprises . All in all , a very enjoyable read . Simple , yet with a profound depth much like a haiku .
      • 031 4  One of the most entertaining novels I've read in a long time . Beautifully evocative of a magical time and place - a stunning fusion of Crouching Tiger , Hidden Dragon and James Clavell's Shogun . It's refreshing to read an adventure story where the female characters are just as strong and capable as their male counterparts . I very much look forward to reading the next book in the series .
      • 032 4  Lian Hearn's work is certainly worth a read . I just finished Across the Nightingale Floor , which is the first of a trilogy called Tales of the Otori . I think that the freedom with the setting and inclusion of magic makes it fantastical . It has a setting in Imperial Japan , or something like it . There is enough in the book that will keep you engaged and interested . The writing is subtle , elegant , and concise . The author claims that the book was written to sound like it was translated from Japanese into English . This is what I would call a light epic - - the plot has grand scope , but the author seems to be more concerned with the development of characters than with major world-building . Even so , this is the sweet little novel that some of you have been looking for .
      • 034 4  I just finished reading Nightingale and although I was not disappointed with the work as a whole I found there are some problems I feel that Hearn could have improved on . Although the plot flows seamlessly , if somewhat predictably , towards its conclusion it does leave many things undeveloped ; many of Hearn's characters start out interestingly enough , such as the female character Kaede , but then fall into stereotypical roles such as the helpless female and the typical arch-villain of the Tohan Lord who is drunk on his own power . These characters at first seem to break the stereotypical , purely white vs . black mode , except for Tohan lord who of course never breaks it , but then Hearn steers the characters back into familiar roles that are at this point a little cliché . Hearn does well enough exploring the traditional Kabuki-esque theme of tragic love , but I feel if he is going to go with the traditional Japanese samurai tale than he should have used feudal Japan as his world seems two-dimensional due to a lack of depth , or he should at least develop his world more . Hearn's writing style however is excellent and by far the best thing about the work , and in fact Hearn uses words very well to illustrate the severity of a situation , but it is the lack of detail and character development that leaves the book standard instead of excellent .
      • 035 4  Just because an idea is good doesn't mean that it will be handled well . Lian Hearn , in Across The Nightingale Floor , is clearly brimming over with wonderful ideas , but the characters are pretty cold and the dramatic tension is nil . In the Three Countries , a young boy named Tomasu discovers that his family has been cruelly slaughtered by Lord Iida ; he's only saved by the semi-mysterious Lord of the Otori , Shigeru . Given the name of Takeo , he becomes Otori's ward , and learns that he is a member of the Tribe , a people with mysterious powers and abilities . As he learns his new skills , he learns more of his past . But Shigeru has problems of his own when he's betrothed to Kaede , a beautiful young girl who is said to bring death to any guy who falls for her . To make things worse , Shigeru is in love with Lady Maruyama , a powerful relative of Kaede's . At the center of the betrothal is more political plotting and devious scheming , that will put Takeo to the test as he tries to kill Iida , who sleeps every night in the Nightingale Floor . . . Japanese history and folklore are a much-underused fantasy source , compared to Anglo or Celtic fantasy , which is used in every other fantasy novel you come across . Hearn has definitely done his research , and he seamlessly integrates fantasy elements into a medieval Japanese setting . Concepts such as the Tribe , the complicated political strife and the Nightingale Floor ( a floor that squeaks loudly at the slightest touch ) are fantastic . What's wrong with the book ? The writing . While Hearn has the basic descriptions down , nothing comes alive . Tense , dramatic , action-filled scenes are flat and rather slow ; one scene has Takeo creeping along to some dying condemned men , but there's no sense of urgency . The sudden passion Kaede and Takeo have is laughable . And when two major characters die tragic deaths , I felt completely unmoved . The good guys are utterly noble in all things , while the bad guys are evil through ' n ' through . Takeo in particular seems passionless and kinda dull . He goes through all sorts of harrowing experiences , but doesn't seem to feel anything . Shigeru was so noble and distant that I found it hard to care much about him . Kaede alone , with her growing sense of desperation , was a compelling character . While the idea itself is twisty and intriguing to watch unfold , the execution is definitely lacking . Those hoping for a sort of Japanese Lord of the Rings won't find the richness they were looking for .
      • 036 4  The Tales of the Otori ( of which this is volume 1 ) is a terrific fantasy series set in a ancient Japan like place . After all four books were published the author went back and wrote a prequel , Heaven's Net is Wide and I think if you want to pick up the series you should start there . I re-read Across the Nightingale Floor after reading Heaven's Net and I think its great to read them in order . THis is an action packed , romance and adventure book written in a terrific style . The whole series is greatly recommended and I can't wait for more work from this author .
      • 037 4  The hero of this excellent fantasy is Takeo , which is the name Lord Otori gives him after rescuing him from the men who have killed his mother and step-father . Lord Otori , grief-stricken from the death of his heir and younger brother , soon adopts Takeo . The two have a mutual hatred of Lord Iida who is the man who ordered the destruction of Takeo's village as well as the Otori's great political rival . Takeo discovers that he has exceptionally sharp hearing and mysterious powers of invisibility and Lord Otori hints that perhaps Takeo's father was a member of the secretive clan called the Tribe - - five families with magical powers who serve the nobles in the capacity of spies and assassins . When an old friend of Lord Otori's appears at the gates one day , Takeo learns the truth about his ancestry and acquires a teacher in the black arts of the magical ninjas . Lian Hearn has created a world of magical , shimmering beauty where violence and betrayal lie just beneath the surface . The wise man keeps his innermost thoughts hidden . Secrets are power . This is like medieval Japan without being from any specific historical period and is the first book of a trilogy that also has two other books that link to it to form a fantasy cycle . Enchanting , absorbing and highly original - - I'm looking forward to the rest of the series .
      • 039 4  This is an excellent book - - beautiful , concise writing style , good characterization , fast pace , interesting plot . I didn't think I'd like the unusual fantasy setting , but I really did and I plan to read the rest of the series . Warning about the audiobook : I listened to this book on CD . There are two readers - - a man for the voice of Takeo , and a woman for the voice of Kaede . The man is an excellent reader with a lovely voice ( he's got the oriental speech sounds just right ) . I think his reading made me sympathize with Takeo more than I would have if I had read the book . But the woman was terrible - - she speaks slowly and too distinctly , as if she's reading to kindergarteners . This was extremely annoying ! Fortunately , most of the book is written with Takeo's narration . Also , I think , as an American reader , I might have benefited from actually seeing the oriental names , rather than only hearing them . It took me a while to distinguish between some of the names because they were all unfamiliar to me .
      • 040 4  The audio book of this is exceptional in my opinion . It was so well read , the story came to life and took root in my mind easily . It is a story of honor , love , betrayal and deceit bound together in adventure . The characters are captivating - each expressive and unique in their roles . And the conflicts are realistic , nothing seems too far fetched . It's a great story if your into ancient times and old traditions . I thoroughly enjoyed it . I think Hearn has done a wonderful job .
      • 041 4  Lian Hearn's Across the Nightingale Floor is a good start to Hearn's Tales of the Otori saga . The world that Hearn creates which resembles Fuedal Japan is well drawn and believable , even when Hearn delves into Takeo and the Tribes superhuman powers . The book's double narrative is split between Takeo , a young man who is saved by the kind and noble lord Shigeru after his entire village is massacared ; and the Lady Kaede who has been held as a hostage in an enemy court for most of her life . I particularly like Hearn's decision to tell Takeo's story in first person which allows the reader to really get to know him and see the change that he goes through from the meek and mild young boy with gifts he doesnt quite understand , to the young man who accepts his role as an assassin in training by the end of the novel . While Takeo's story is told from his perspective , Hearn's decision to tell Lady Kaede's in the third person allows for the reader to gather a greater perspective of her protagonist Takeo , while at the same time allowing her to paint a fascinating portrait of a young woman held hostage by an enemy court . where the novel falters somewhat is the intitial set-up of the romance between Takeo and Kaede , but Hearn quickly recovers and the ending of the novel and what it means for the two lovers reaches a rather unexpectedly poignant and affecting conclusion .
      • 042 4  This is actually a fantasy novel , but , for marketing purposes it's being sold as fiction . Perhaps it's because the magical elements in this tale are very light and it focuses more on a Japan that never existed . Focus is on two character viewpoints only : a teenage boy in first person and a teenage girl in third person . The mix works and it's one of the first times I've seen such a viewpoint mix , though , I'm sure this author isn't the first to do it . The boy , Tomasau / Taeko , hops around with different names while he's trained by a SHOGUN style samurai in the use of weaponry but also in the use of his magical powers . These powers allow him to go invisible and create an illusionary double of himself . . . but only for short periods . He also has an uncanny hearing ability where he can walk into a house and exactly determine how many people are within . The girl , Kaede , is the political prisoner of another SHOGUN style family where she must suffer insults and pray that prosperity is returned to her family , who were on the losing side of a war . The boy's SHOGUN style savior / father figure is also from a losing side and he is playing a dangerous game : there are some within and outside of his family who want to see him dead . A more powerful SHOGUN style lord has invited him to come to his domain and marry Kaede . But it's all a setup , for they plan to murder him while he is there as well as several of his old supporters , including an old female flame . The boy , of course , is the one hope in saving not only his savior , but , also Kaede , who becomes his love interest by the end of the tale . Look for simple elegances in the writing style , straight forward SHOGUN style politics ( though not nearly as complicated as SHOGUN ) , bloody combat and lots of water symbolism .
      • 043 4  In Book one , the reader meets Tomasu , a young man who must leave his true identity behind when his village is overrun by an evil warlord named Iida . Tomasu is found and adopted by Lord Shigeru who changes the the boy's name to Takeo and provides him with an education and instruction in the martial arts . The story line shifts to another castle where a lovely young woman , Kaede is being held as a hostage in the political wars of the feudal Japanese type era . Takeo and Kaede's paths cross when she is betrothed to Shigeru in exchange for peace with the nasty Iida . There are several subplots that come into play including the truth of Takeo's parentage , a secret Christian-like religion whose followers called the Hidden are persecuted for their beliefs , and a clan called the Tribe who have amazing fighting skills as well as the ability to become invisible . The paperback versions are beautiful little editions , ( only 6 inches high ) that fit in my hand perfectly . The story is a page turner . I would certainly recommend these books to high schoolers who are interested in Japan as well as readers of historical fiction . Though the story is fantasy this is NOT Lord of the Rings à la japonais . I enjoyed the story and am anxious to see what happens next to these young people .
      • 044 4  . . . because you won't want to put this book down . OK , so maybe it was just the right book at the right time but I read this in one sitting which is a very rare feat for me . Very much a book you will not want to end , and good news ! It doesn't , books two and three are available right now . . . I've just ordered them both ! A fast paced easy read , but if you are not a student of fuedal Japan , or at least have read Shogun or something similar , you may find yourself not enjoying the book as much as you might have otherwise .
      • 045 4  Always enjoyed a good bit of escapist reading . Lian Hearn's Across the Nightingale Floor is a particularly stylish choice , set in a mythical representation of ancient Japan . I'll tell you a little something in advance , too : it's the best of the trilogy . The book's story is split between its main characters , with the two points of view alternating throughout . One half is told through the eyes of the boy Tomasu , whose village is burned by the vicious warlord Iida at the start of the book , and who becomes Takeo after his rescue by the mysterious Lord Shigeru . This side of the story dominates the book , and Takeo's ambition to take revenge on Iida is probably the main force driving it towards its conclusion . Along the way Takeo must surmount challenges and learn various new things , not least to curb his sense of morality in a world of deceit and murder . The other half of the story belongs to Kaede , a girl in a castle being held hostage by her scheming lords , who are more than ready to marry her off as a sop to political diplomacy . A few unfortunate incidents later , and Kaede too is brought into the dangerous reality of the world she must learn to live in . This plot is by far the less eventful of the two , but can be said to be more subtle in its portrayal of Kaede's powerlessness amidst the intrigues of the lords . Inevitably , the two halves of the story cross paths somewhere along the way . Admittedly this is all fairly average stuff , and the storyline is not really the book's strongest point . Other aspects are somewhat relied upon to elevate this fantasy : one of them being the prose through which it is conveyed , which combines some excellent and evocative descriptions with a spare directness that still manages to sound as though it means business . The setting , too , is an underused one , and while Hearn takes liberties with the ancient Japanese , she never delves into the common over-romanticised cliches or ( God forbid ) tries to psychoanalyse them . I have two main criticisms . The first is the general weakness and lack of presence of the villains : while Lord Iida may work best away from the action in his fortress , characters like Ando ( an embittered and vengeful soldier from the start of the book ) could have been given so much more to do . A second weak point is the ending : the fate of a character comes across as a halfhearted attempt to put a twist on an outcome we always knew was obvious , and the whole thing is wrapped up too quickly and neatly for my taste . Still , don't get me wrong : these complaints do not take too much away from this tale , and provided you take the book as the light read it is ( rather than the sterling work some have made it out to be ) , it shouldn't disappoint .
      • 046 4  Over the years , the legend A New York Times notable book on the cover of any book has guaranteed a small but devoted following . Across the Nightingale Floor is the first fantasy of any kind I can remember since the Lord of the Rings trilogy that deserves that label , although I don't think the Times had developed such a list in Tolkien's era . In an author's note prefacing this book , Lian Hearn explicitly states that this story is set in an imaginary country . If it isn't feudal Japan , it's the closest thing possible , and despite the indication in the author's note I prefer to assume that it is Japan . The story reminds me in some ways of the plots and themes of some of Kurosawa's films . The main plot and the various sub-plots are far too involved to go into here . Suffice it to say that this is a book that is well worth your time if you are a lover of fantasy or of things Oriental , and if this is any indication of Hearn's talent I look forward to the next book in the series . There does seem to be a mystery of sorts surrounding the author . I went to the websites mentioned in the book ( http : / / www.theotori.com and and what little those sites told about the author has me very intrigued . I'm not even sure whether Hearn is a man or a woman , but I do know that s / he has a great deal of talent . Hopefully this is not the last I will hear about the Otori .
      • 047 4  Across the Nightingale Floor is a well-paced and well-orchestrated historical fantasy set in an imaginary feudal Japanese setting . Teenage Tomasu lives in a remote mountain village among a people called the Hidden who are a secretive and persecuted caste of pacifists . One night his village is massacred by the chief warlord , Iida . Tomasu pulls a trick and escapes into the mountains and is saved by another warrior lord , Otori Shigeru . Otori takes Tomasu in as his adopted son , renames him Takeo ( after Otori's late brother ) , and the young man begins to learn the way of the warrior . It soon becomes apparent that he possesses the skills of the assassin class known as the Tribe which include superior hearing , stealth , invisibility and the ability to leave a second self behind . Meanwhile , a second plot told involves Kaede , a young woman who is the daughter of a lord but held hostage to keep her family from considering an uprising . The warlords are to use Kaede as a pawn in an arranged marriage with Otori . Things get complicated because of a certain Lady Maruyama , and then Takeo's feelings toward Kaede . A little Shakespearean tragedy within a Japanese setting makes for plenty of intrigue . Takeo makes an interesting and likable protagonist , and I found myself cheering for him and all the challenges he had to face . The side characters were also colorful , with heroic Otori Shigeru , the mysterious teacher Kenji , the doomed Lady Maruyama , jinxed Kaede , and more . Some of them will play larger roles in the following two books . While the language and sentence construction read fairly simple , there is graphic violence and some sex that should be for a more mature audience . The dialogue was sometimes stilted but appropriately formal to fit into the way it is in Japan . For the most part , Hearn makes this story work .
      • 048 4  yeah , it may have been written by a woman ( someone seems to have a problem with that ) , but this book is great ! There is also , of course , lots of action . The character development throughout the book is wonderful . You really feel like you know these people . Pick it up . No matter what , you will be entertained .
      • 049 4  The ancient Japanese setting is a far cry from the humdrum western medieval fantasy , and Lian Hearn has captured the essence of her locale in the simplicity of the language and the exotic descriptions of herons and rolling countryside . In fact the book is rather like a Zen garden at times with it peaceful imagery . This of course is contrasted with a reasonable amount of bloodshed , as the plot is essentially a tale of revenge . Takeo is the name of the protagonist . At the book's outset he is a young man living in a mountain village where the Hidden , a non-violent religious sect , try to escape persecution . But when a cruel warlord and his troops massacre the villagers and Takeo flees his home , his feet are set on the path that will lead him across the Nightingale Floor and into an inheritance that will shape the rest of his life . For Takeo is also born of the Tribe , and has inherited the special abilities which allow them to turn out the country's most formidable spies and assassins . Many themes and ideas run through this novel . The question of ethics is addressed in the conflict Takeo feels between his Tribe heritage which requires him to kill and his Hidden upbringing , which denounces violence . Women's rights play a part , as do themes of honour , promises , compassion and of course vengeance . There are obvious similarities between the fictional setting and that of the real Japan , as the persecution of the Hidden in the Three Countries parallels the real life persecution of Christians in Japan in the 18th and 19th centuries . Essentially however it is the original setting and refreshing approach that make this a book to be remembered . As for the author , who would have guessed that Lian Hearn is our ( Australia's ) very own Gillian Rubenstein ? There is barely any similarity between this work and her previous creations for young teens . And this new style for a new name is set to continue with the other two books in the trilogy : Grass For His Pillow , which has just been released and Brilliance of the Moon due out in September next year . No doubt they , like Across the Nightingale Floor , will be two more original books that any reader of fantasy , and any Australian reader of fantasy at that , will be proud to have as ambassadors for their genre .
      • 052 4  Across the Nightingale Floor is the first book in the fantastic Tales of The Otori trilogy by Lian Hearn . It is set in a time and place much like medieval Japan . Hearn borrows heavily from the geography and language of Japan , but the Three Countries is also unique , filled with magic and clans of families yielding supernatural powers . The main character , Takeo , part of one of these families . He is torn from his peaceful family life to learn that he possesses amazing powers , including supernaturally good hearing and the ability to become invisible . However , Takeo learns this only after his family is brutally murdered by the evil Lord Iida . Takeo is rescued by the arch-enemy Lord Iida , Lord Otori , who adopts him . Takeo is forced to choose between his adoptive father , the Lord Otori and his real family , the Tribe ( who yield magical powers ) , although they are strangers to him . At the same time , Takeo falls dramatically in love for the first time . The themes of the book are quite mature , appropriate for the mid-to-late teens . Across the Nightingale Floor is fascinating and fast-paced . It's visual impact is so strong , it was just picked up by Universal Studios ! At the same time the language is beautiful , poetic , and easy to read . The only drawback is that the second book Grass for His Pillow hasn't been released yet !
      • 053 4  Across the Nightingale Floor , by Lian Hearn , takes place in a fictional country that represents a feudal Japan of the past . The protagonist is Takeo , the adopted son of a feudal lord . As Takeo grows and learns , he dreams of seeking revenge on the lord who killed his family . These ambitions are fueled by his discovery and exploration of unusual physical gifts that make him well-suited to the life of an assassin ( who are referred to as the Tribe in this novel ) . The story starts slowly , and is hindered by terse , flat writing at the beginning . However , as the story develops , and focuses on the strength of the characters , it becomes powerful and moving . The introduction of a second main character , Kaede , fuels dramatic improvement in the quality of the book . Kaede , a 15 year old girl coming into her adulthood as a political hostage in the hands of a powerful family , makes an immediate impact . Her character is believable and moving , and for a time is far stronger a character than Takeo . However , as the story progresses , both characters become powerful , and the story will suck the reader in and hold his attention . Overall , the book is quite well-conceived and well-written , especially later in the story . The writing is simple and approachable for all readers , and emphasizes the characters and their Eastern context ahead of strong prose . This is a good book ; I rated it four stars for its simple but compelling approach and its strong characters .
      • 055 4  I loved this book ! At first , I found it a bit hard to get into and I thought it might be weighed down with description , but it became captivating later on . I often forgot it wasn't really ancient Japan , the author's descriptions felt so real . I loved the intrigue and delicate balance of politics going on behind the scenes . I also liked the fact that it was a tasteful ending to the first book , not a complete cliffhanger . I can't wait for the conclusions to the trilogy !
      • 056 4  I read Across the Nightingale Floor and fell in love with all the characters . I found myself an involved reader . I took part in the action and suspense with the characters . Fell in love and was worried to death for the hero . Being the first in a trilogy I am truely hooked and cannot wait for the second book . I haven't read a series in a long time and I am anxiously waiting .
      • 057 4  This wonderful book will make you very unhappy until the remaining volumes in the trilogy are published - - it's that good , the characters are that real , the insight into feudal Japan is that perceptive . Action-packed , yet affecting .
      • 059 4  This is a very pleasent book to read , it brings you to a totally fictional world of fictional acient time . Although as the author clearly announced , all the characters , locations in this book are fictional , the plots are convincing and intriging . The language is flowy and exotic . I didn't want to put it down after the first page , and couldn't wait to get hold of the sequels after I finished this book . If you want to give your brain a rest from your daily burdens , this book is a wonderful vacation spa .
      • 060 4  Once in a while you come across a book that has everything , love , revenge , feminism and subtle erotica . . True drama . . . You find yourself curious about the tribe , Crying when shigeru dies and rooting for Takeo and kaede . I have read the second book as well and was upset that it was released so late . After reading the second I assure you that you will be truly hooked and hoping that a movie will be made one day on the lines of crouching tiger hidden dragon . if you have ever seen that movie , the book transports you there and for a few hours you live in a completely differant world . . . the imagery is exquisite and can't wait for the final book .
      • 061 4  Basically , this book is a fantasy set in a Japanese-type world , dealing with warring between clans and a mysterious people called ' The Hidden ' . It is told through the eyes of Takeo in first-person narration , and also includes chapters in third-person narrative about Kaede , a young girl . To begin , I have to say I didn't think this book was the sensation that most people seem to . It was better than most of the fantasy books I have read , but then , most of them were pretty bad . The way the book is written is indeed good , fitting the setting of the book and including many interesting images and descriptions . I was fascinated by the idea of a ' nightingale floor . ' But that leads me onto one of my main problems with this book . The whole narrative appeared to be building up to Takeo crossing the nightingale floor , as would be implied by the title . Personally , I love challenges like that , so I was really looking forward to it . But when he finally did , he just ran across it easily and it was hardly even mentioned . I also found the many clans and their rivalries very confusing and couldn't keep them straight , which meant I didn't enjoy the book as much . But my main problem has to be the characterisation . It wasn't so much flat as it was very hard to identify with the characters . I didn't find Takeo or Kaede's love story moving as I simply didn't identify very much with either of them . Takeo's character could have been explored more deeply through the first-person narrative , while Kaede's felt a bit shallow and she had several very fast changes of mind . The book didn't make me think and seemed to be almost all action and plot , which is fine for some people but I would like to see more depth in the characters and more interesting ideas . Overall , it's quite a good read but only if you already like fantasy , it won't win anyone over to the genre in my opinion , and certainly isn't up to the standard of someone like Philip Pullman yet .
      • 063 4  I was anxiously awaiting the release of this book for several months , being quite the enthusiast for feudal Japan . However , my expectations of an intense enmity between shrewd warlords soared far above the actual text . The story plods along at a decent pace , and the insight into Japanese culture and mythology ( at least what little the author actually delved into ) is fairly accurate , but the character development is plainly dull and the only reason I continued reading was to reach the epic climax of revenge , which itself didn't really live up to its own pretense . If you're looking for some hardcore samurai action interspersed with bits of philisophy and battle hardened wisdom , I suggest picking up Cloud of Sparrows by Takashi Matsuoka .
      • 064 4  This review is from : Across the Nightingale Floor ( Tales of the Otori , Book 1 ) ( Paperback ) When someone asked me what the Lian Hearn trilogy was like , I said it was like Harry Potter meets Buffy in medieval Japan , and that still seems to be the best description I can come up with . Young Takeo , like young Harry , has remarkable abilities that he learns about almost by accident , and the lovely Kaede seems helpless but has a reputation of bringing death to any man who tries to possess her . Naturally they're meant for each other - - but must go through many trials and separations , discoveries and adventures . Terrific books , all three .
      • 065 4  When someone asked me what the Lian Hearn trilogy was like , I said it was like Harry Potter meets Buffy in medieval Japan , and that still seems to be the best description I can come up with . Young Takeo , like young Harry , has remarkable abilities that he learns about almost by accident , and the lovely Kaede seems helpless but has a reputation of bringing death to any man who tries to possess her . Naturally they're meant for each other - - but must go through many trials and separations , discoveries and adventures . Terrific books , all three .
      • 066 4  Across the Nightingale Floor is a fantastic read . Take any preconceptions you have about sword sorcery books , or samurai-style adventures , and throw them away . This is a literate , historically based novel that appeals to readers of all ages . My wife and daughter both read it and loved it as much as I did . Here's hoping that the author will get the second book in the series out soon - we can't wait .
      • 067 4  As a child Tomasu was raised by the Hidden , a persecuted Christian like sect in a country that existed a long time ago . In many ways it resembles Japan and one has the sense reading through the book that we are reading about Samurai and Ninja , but I digress . The Hidden are wiped out by Lord Iida and the evil Tohan clan , but Tomasu is rescued by Lord Otori , who adopts him . Lord Otori knows that Tomasu is actually one of a secret group called the Tribe , whose people have the ability to see and hear beyond the abilities of normal men . They can also split into two selves and they are very , very good at the art of assassination . Lord Otori suggests that Tomasu not use his hidden name and Tomasu takes the name Takeo Otori . Takeo is conflicted , the faith he was raised by has taught him never to take life , but he has come to learn that he had been born with talents he didn't ask for and although he is to live his live with a succession of masters , he has adopted another master on the night the Tohan clan slaughtered the Hidden and that master is Revenge . As he grows he learns the ways of the occult . He learns the martial arts too . Lord Otori names Takeo as heir and Takeo uses his talents and courage to wreak his vengeance and to win the heart of the beautiful Lady Kaede Shirakawa , but he is not able to live happily ever after , because the Tribe comes to him with prior claims that he cannot turn away from . This is a very exciting story , it's setting is exotic , a country much like Medieval Japan , but not Japan , more like a country that existed far , far away and a long time ago . A fascinating place , peopled with fascinating people . This is a story of love and loyalty , of betrayal and revenge . This is a story about good and evil , triumph and tragedy . This is a story not to be missed . I can't praise it highly enough . Ms . Hearn is truly a genius .
      • 068 4  This review is from : Across the Nightingale Floor ( Tales of the Otori , Book 1 ) ( Paperback ) The Otori series are an unforgetable story of a magical clan and their impact on society . A boy with family background issues comes of age in a horrific time of warring clans , foreign traders and beautiful women . There are no broomsticks here , just riveting action and well-developed characters . My 14 - yr . old grandaghter is enjoying them very much also , says she can't put them down .
      • 071 4  In a country that might be Japan , long ago , a boy named Tomasu lives in a remote mountain village , among a community of peaceful , spiritual people called The Hidden . One day he returns from gathering mushrooms to find that the entire village has been massacred , and he barely escapes from the evil warlord Iida with the help of a warrior who coincidentally was traveling in the forest . In shock , Tomasu travels with the warrior , who turns out to be the beloved Lord Otori , enemy of Iida . Tomasu learns that he is actually the son of a famous assassin and a member of The Tribe , and that he possesses the same skills . He trains relentlessly and dreams of revenge . Iida is consolidating power and crushing resistance , and Lord Otori is dragged into his deadly web . Tomasu's journey will ultimately lead him across the nightingale floor , the beautiful wooden flooring in Iida's residence , which sings loudly when anyone treads on it , and which is designed to assure Iida of safety from assassins . Loyalty and honor , love and treachery , history and fantasy . Excellent .
      • 072 4  Across the Nightingale Floor ( Tales of the Otori , Book 1 ) by Lian Hearn is likely one of the best books I have read in recent memory . I can't begin to touch the power of what these pages contain . The story is excellent and full of intrigue . The characters are human beyond belief . They have the sorrows and the joys we all have . The Oriental culture is captured perfectly in a very respectful manner . The fantasy elements are believable and in no way have an absurd feeling . The reader is able to believe the events taking place on the page . These issues are great strengths of the book ; however , the greatest trait of the novel is its prose . The descriptions in this story are so rich that they have to be described as almost poetic . Quite honesty , it is some of the most beautiful writing I have experienced in a long time . It is majestic in scope with a simple delivery . The achingly gorgeous writing is almost to the point of art . This book is a rare find and should be read by anyone who enjoys a good story , but it should be savored by those who love literature . This is one of the most stunning books that I have read in the last 20 years . It takes a lot to unseat a book in my top five list . This book has done just that . It sits on a throne of its own as a shining example of what fine literature can be . I am still reeling from the story and most of all the power of the prose . There is not one wasted word , nor is there a single description that does not take the reader's breath away . I will be reading this entire series and anything else I can get my hands on by Lian Hearn . I look forward to being spirited away to that ancient land full of fantasy , but mostly I just want the words of the works to wash over me renewing my faith that writing of this caliber still indeed exists .
      • 073 4  Set in an era similar to the period directly following the battle of Sekighara , this book follows the tragic existence of one Otori Takeo as he finds out more about himself than he would like to know . The descriptions are not overly wordy , the characters are wonderfully multidimensional , and the world is beautiful and varied . As a fan of the fantasy genre as well as a mild japanophile I highly recommend this book .
      • 074 4  When I first heard about this series I just had to read it . After all with my studies and deep interest in Japanese culture , language , and what have you , how could I not ? It didn't help that it has an absolutely GORGEOUS cover , and AWESOME title . In fact , everything about this book is aesthetically pleasing . Even the layout of the book is wonderful . Oh , I forgot to mention , Across the Nightingale Floor is the first book in the Tales of the Otori trilogy . When I started reading it , I thought pah , this is just some wannabe trying too hard to make this seem Japanese-y . I mean , when I came across the name Tomasu , which basically equates to Thomas , only in katakana-ed forn ( katakana is a writing system in Japanese used for foreign / loan words ) I let out a big scoff of disbelief . But as I continued , I was thoroughly engrossed in the world she created . A sort of alternate feudal Japan based on and incorporating real places that can be found there . The writing was a bit sparse in some places , and the dialogue felt a bit unnatural at times , but overall it was pretty good . I especially loved the metaphors and descriptions that used lots of Japanese symbolism . The only real issue I had was that some times the author would tend to use those adverbs a bit too much . The book is written in the first pov , but when you switch over to the other main female character , Kaede , her chapters are written in third . I didn't really care for Takeo at first , and enjoyed reading Kaede's sections more , but as the book went on I empathized with both . The plot was fantastic , after you reach the halfway point it just races forward in a suspenseful rush for the finish . There were quite a few surprises at the end that left me in shock and going I so didn't expect that . Her world building was fantastic and I now totally want to read more stories like this . You even get to read a snippet of the first chapter for the next book ! If you want to test out the waters of Asian fantasy , or want a quick read , this is definitely the book for you . And , if you aren't that big of a fantasy nut , this book would be perfect for you too , since the main components that make up fantasy ( ie : magic , swords and sorcery , and all the other stuff ) aren't that prevalent in this book . I am so going to read the rest of the books in this series now !
      • 077 4  This book was very intriguing . I am a big fan of Feudal Japan , with all of the traditions . I thought this book was well thought out and well written . It was good enough for me to buy the rest of the series !
      • 078 4  I like the Tales of the Otori books . They were a book club selection for my local club and I have since purchased the rest and read most of them . If you are a fan of adolescent fantasy books , you will probably enjoy these books . They are full of magic , but a different type of magic than in the Harry Potter stories , which I also love .
      • 080 4  A teenage boy named Takeo is chased out of his peaceful village as it is attacked by a local warlord . He escapes pursuit with the help of a strange man , who then takes him in and adopts him as his son . As they get to know each other the man tells Takeo more and more and soon he realizes that their meeting was not random , nor was the attack on his village . Takeo , unbeknownst to him , is from a long line of assassins . They are a race of people with extraordinary abilities , and his father was the best of them all . And now Takeo's fate has come to meet him as he is asked to do that for which he was born to do . I picked this book up off the shelf having never heard of it , but I read the synopsis on the back and became very interested . I love feudal Japan and the idea of a young man born with specially-heightened senses to facilitate his fate as the world's next great assassin sounded great . And the book was good , I just believe it missed it's mark . It had everything I described above , but what I didn't like was the disparity between the assassin race and everyone else . I was hoping that the advantages wouldn't be so extraordinary . I afford sci-fi / fantasy authors a lot of creative license , but at some point it goes too far . And I felt like that happened , to an extent , in Across the Nightingale Floor . But , at least for now , I am not so turned off that I am unwilling to give this series another shot . I do plan to read Grass for His Pillow , which is the second book in the Tales of the Otori series , but I'm not sure when I will get to it .
      • 081 4  Hearn builds an interesting world , a feudal Japan with just enough elements of magic to make it a fantasy novel . The characters are interesting and I found myself ready to read the second book immediately after I finished Nightingale Floor . The plot moves quickly and there is little filler . These books are quick and easy reads so don't expect something overly complex and challenging . Otherwise , you will probably enjoy it .
      • 082 4  This is the first book in the Tales of the Otori series by Lian Hearn . Originally I believe this was supposed to be a trilogy ; with the addition of the Last Tale of the Otori and the First Tale of the Otori there are now 5 books that deal with the subject matter presented in this book . This book tells the story of Takeo and Kaede . Takeo is a orphaned son of a tribe of the Hidden . After the decimation of his tribe he is found and taken into custody by the Lord of the Otori . Kaede is a young girl who has been held as a hostage at a lord's estate for many years as assurance for her father's cooperation . Their stories start out separately and are expertly woven in and out of each other throughout the book . This is the second time I have read this book . The book is full of beautiful descriptions and the action scenes are fun to read . The world of the Otori is complex and dangerous , as well as full of intrigue . While this is a well-written book I found that at times it got a little slow to read . At the end of the book there are many plotlines left unresolved . I remember being irritated with that the first time I read this book . The second time through I am just glad that I have the other books in the series on hand . Overall this is a good book , well-written , and interesting . I am not sure how accurate it is to Japanese culture and history but some effort appears to have been made to make that as accurate as possible . I look forward to reading the second book .
      • 083 4  This is one of the best fantasy novels i've read in the past 10 years . I read as many as forty or fifty per year so to say this is one of the 25 best in that time is saying a lot . This book is set in a feudal pseudo Asian setting . There are a lot of points of similarity between the setting and real world Asian places , most obviously Japan , but it _ is not _ a straight 1 to 1 translation . Takeo is taken under the wing of a local , ambitious lord . Not just because he's been rescued by that lord , but because of what he is . Seen almost exclusively through Takeo's eyes we get a good look at the various stratas of his society without ever getting buried under the world building . Truly a fantastic work of art .
      • 085 4  Tomasu is a young man of the Hidden People , who loves nothing more than to take solitary walks in the mountains . This is until the day he returns to the village and discovers the body of his murdered stepfather and other community members . They are victims of a merciless massacre by the Tohan Clan and their warlord Iida Sadamu , and when Tomasu flees into the forests he is rescued from pursuers by Otori Shigeru , a lord of the Otori Clan that opposes the rule of the Tohan . Taking him under his wing , Shigeru renames the young man Takeo , and together the two return to his home in the city of Hagi . But what does Shigeru really want from Takeo ? Was their meeting and Takeo's rescue an accident ? As previously dormant abilities in Takeo gradually emerge ( such as keen hearing , invisibility and supernatural agility ) , he begins to suspect that Shigeru is grooming him for a secret mission . When he hears about Iida's nightingale floor - a floor specially rigged to make noise when trod upon , he begins to realize where his training is leading him . . . Takeo's chapters are told in first-person narrative , but they are alternated with third-person narration that recounts the activities of Shirakawa Kaede , a young woman who has lived most of her life as a hostage in a hostile fief . After she attacks a soldier who attempts to molest her , the family suddenly takes notice of her beauty and organize an arranged marriage for her . Naturally , these two lives are soon to be intertwined - and from there flows a story of intrigue , betrayals , alliances , assassinations , treachery and revenge - well paced and packed full of good ideas and vivid descriptions . Particularly interesting is the way Takeo is torn between opposing clans and tribes : the Hidden ( his mother's people who raised him ) who were pacifists , the Tribe ( his father's people ) who are hired assassins from who he inherits his particular talents , and the Otori Clan into which he's adopted by Shigeru . Trying to figure out exactly where he belongs is the main crux of Takeo's character , and his divided loyalties are played out reasonably well throughout the text . However , on the whole Across the Nightingale Floor is a good example of how a very good story is told in the wrong way . Often Hearn has characters with secret identities and hidden motives , but he ( she ? ) gives them away too soon and without any sense of suspense or revelation ( for an early example , there is the character of Shizuka : she's introduced as a flirty , flighty servant girl , though we are quickly told that she's a highly skilled agent for the Tribe . Instead of building our suspicions with clues and foreshadowing , Hearn gives the game away too quickly , not giving us the opportunity of being impressed with an established and carefully constructed plot-twist ) . There are many other situations when I was frustrated with Hearn's handling of his own story : he has good material here , but constantly fails to present it in a compelling way . As well as this , I felt that the love story between Takeo and Kaede is mishandled . Here's a passage from the chapter in which Kaede first becomes aware of Takeo ( and keep in mind that she hates and fears all males ) : She had been dreaming vividly , but the moment she opened her eyes the dream vanished , leaving her only with the lucid knowledge that what she felt was love . She was astonished , then elated , then dismayed . At first she thought she would die if she saw him , then that she would die if she didn't . At this stage , Kaede hasn't even spoken to Takeo - simply seen him through a window . A love affair based on love at first sight ( or alternatively , lust ) in which there is very little interaction or conversation between the couple cannot help but be void of all emotion or resonance . Due to these twin problems ( the mishandling of the plot and the lack of emotional resonance in the characters ) make this a novel full of potential , but frustratingly lacking in form . Drawing inspiration from Japanese culture , Hearn creates a world that is refreshingly different from the typical medieval-fantasy world , though in saying that , there is surprisingly little in the way of fantasy elements throughout the course of the story , with the minor exception of the paranormal gifts of the Tribe . How accurate it all is , I'll leave to someone more knowledgeable on the subject to comment on , but there is plenty of fascinating world-building at work throughout the story ( okay , I'll admit I've been watching a lot of Avatar The Last Airbender - The Complete Book 1 Collection lately , and it reminded me of that ! ) Although there are some serious discrepancies in the writing , I've invested myself in these characters and their situation , so I'll be continuing the journey in Grass for His Pillow ( Tales of the Otori , Book 2 ) , the next installment .
      • 086 4  most likely the best book in the series due to Lian Hearn's style of writing . . . an incredible amount of action occurs yet a ' completitive stillness ' is achieved by the end . a good transformation in the character of Takeo from a country boy named Tomasu to a boy beckoned quickly to manhood by circumstances . well developed characters . . . Kaede , Takeo's lover , adds to the urgency of the story and isn't just a romantic article but a key component to the plot . interesting plot filled with action . . . sure to be devoured by fantasy lovers . leaves off for a sequel perfectly by keeping pace throughout and hinting at things to come . all in all , a definite read for those interested in a new type of fantasy .
      • 087 4  i read this story for the first time as a senior in high school 3 years ago for a class assignment and couldn't stop reading until i was through with the following 2 books . then , a month and a half ago i discovered a 4th and final novel to the series . after finally getting to the end of the story , Across The Nightingale Floor and the following 2 books were made even more incredable . the whole story ~ the characters , the plot , the descriptions , the temples , the terrain , the setting . . . the story makes me want to cry every time i pick it up . i went and continue to go through periods of both hating and loving the characters , but in the end the books filled me with such a . . . well , a sadness . i was sad the series was over , but i was also sad for the people in the story and for the things they had to endure . the books are so well-written , well-paced , and engaging , and the characters are Spot On . as i read , i accepted them as real people , and the portrayal of the extremely complex japanese traditional culture and etiquettes that rule the characters are so wonderfully executed , honestly , i could accept the Tales of the Otori as a chunk right out of japanese history . the whole read was an emotional roller coaster ~ i often felt i was right beside Takeo , Shigeru , Kaede , and the others . i cried for them , i cheered for them , i hoped for them , and wished for revenge with them . you want to know these characters , you want to hate them , and most of all you want to read more about them . when the series ended , i wasn't ready to say goodbye yet , and THAT is the sign of a good book . READ IT . for anyone with even the smallest knowledge of japanese traditional culture , READ.IT . i repeat , READ IT . you will not regret it . Hearn is incredable . the story . is . perfect .
      • 091 4  If you liked Memories of a Geisha ( a 5 star book ) you'll probably enjoy the Tales of the Ortori series . Something for everyone - war / violence , love , internal moral struggles all set in ancient Japan . The story telling is vivid without being sentimental / corny . It surprised me that I liked the series ( the books were a gift ) I expected something more inline with a serial author , just cranking out trash for money .
      • 092 4  Across the Nightingale floor is about a boy around fourteen whose village gets destroyed when an evil war lord comes and takes over . He accidentally knocks him off of his horse and is perused . Only to be found by a member of the Otori clan , he is adopted him and mysteries and his past begin to unfold . He gets excellent hearing and can count how many people are in a house at a time even if it is totally silent . One time he does this and saves the life of his adopted father because an assign was out side and was about to jump in and kill him . He wakes him up and kills the man by making him swallow some poison pellets he had in his mouth that he used to kill the dogs . It was because he killed the dogs that he knew there was something wrong for it was silent . Within the first couple of pages there is killing , and still through out the book there is gruesome details . For example it talks about people getting their eyes plucked out by Crows . It is a very good semi difficult read and I strongly recommend it for Teens who Like Sword fighting with a lot of killing . If you don't like that type of stuff I strongly suggest you don't read this book .
      • 093 4  Enjoyed very much . Can't wait to start Book #2 ( Grass for his Pillow ) , which I have already purchased ( along with Book #3 ) .
      • 096 4  As other's have said before , this story is told in a very beautiful way , much like Japanese paintings . So far there are three books in the Tales of the Otori series : - Book 1 : Across the Nightingale Floor , - Book 2 : Grass for His Pillow , and - Book 3 : Brilliance of the Moon There is a fourth ( Book 4 ) on it's way that's titled , Harsh Cry of the Heron , which is due out in early September , I believe . Though sooner for those who have the proof copy ( jumps up and down ; me ! me ! ) . It's basically set 16 years after the third book ( but now I'm getting ahead of the original review of book 1 ) . Across the Nightingale Floor , as the rest of her books ( yes , Lian Hearn is a ' she ' if some of you were unaware ) , was written with the intention of reflecting the Japanese culture , not to set her story / in / said culture . There are lots of references to what is in Japanese society today but also many , many aspects of a surreal , fantastical place that was created within the author's mind . The series is set in an imginary world of Japanese life with dangerous , secret societies of assassins known as the Tribe , feuding warlords , rival territories , the innocence and passion of first loves , death , betrayal and everything else inbetween . The main characters are Lord Otori Shigeru , Otori Takeo , Lady Maruyama and Kaede Shirakawa , who are all destined to play out their roles in Fate's mysterious and sometimes cruel web . Each character developes from the beginning of the series ( book 1 ) and evolves tremendously until ( but not limited to ) book 3 . You grow , you learn , you feel betrayed , and you rejoice with the characters as they're tested throughout the story's progression . There really is no other way to feel when reading this book ; it grips you from the beginning and you stay hooked and as loyal as what the characters expect from their subordinates . Lian Hearn is truly a master novelist .
      • 098 4  Across the Nightingale Floor is a mystical fantasy tale replete with warriors , Royalty , secret brotherhoods , mysterious , almost magical powers and the search for love . It is like a medieval romance novel , but instead of taking place in Europe , it all takes place against the amazing mythic backdrop of Japan . The battles are fierce , the strategies and tactics are carefully designed , the rituals and customs must all be observed . . . . but the human heart has a spirit of it's own and sometimes it soars in the face of what is expected . This is a gorgeously told story , full of lush backdrop , raw emotion , cold betrayal , unbridled love and characters that can carefully conceal their true feelings in order to accomplish what must be done . This is a story not to be just read , but to be immersed in ! ! !
      • 099 4  This review is from : Across the Nightingale Floor ( Tales of the Otori , Book 1 ) ( Paperback ) This book was a quick , enjoyable read . Although it creates a medieval Japanese world and story reminiscent of James Clavell's Shogun ( some of it seems directly copied from Clavell ) , this world contains magic and the story is a much lighter work . At times I really enjoyed the characters and the story . At other times I found it childish and simplistic . Unlike many American books ( and movies / TV ) , many of the good-guys die so I liked that she included equal parts sacrifice , sorrow , and heroics . I enjoyed the story but not sure I would recommend it to adults or read more .
      • 100 4  This book was a quick , enjoyable read . Although it creates a medieval Japanese world and story reminiscent of James Clavell's Shogun ( some of it seems directly copied from Clavell ) , this world contains magic and the story is a much lighter work . At times I really enjoyed the characters and the story . At other times I found it childish and simplistic . Unlike many American books ( and movies / TV ) , many of the good-guys die so I liked that she included equal parts sacrifice , sorrow , and heroics . I enjoyed the story but not sure I would recommend it to adults or read more .
      • 102 4  Your whole village has just been massacred and you are the only known survivor . You walk into town and the sounds of screams and the blood running down the road as the rain drops on the mud . This is the image of the opening pages of Across the Nightingale Floor . Lian Hearn , the author of the book creates an amazingly realistic picture of what is strikingly similar to ancient Japanese history with a twist of mysterious powers . This story is told from two perspectives . One is told from the perspective of the boy whose village was massacred , Takeo , and the other is told from the point of view of a little girl who has been dumped on another family by her father . The first story leads of after his village is massacred . He is chased through the village by three soldiers of Lord Iida's army . Lord Iida is an evil man whose wish is to rid the countryside of all heathen people . Takeo is chased up a mountain until he runs into a young man who refuses to hand the boy over to the men . There is an argument and the young man and three soldiers are drawn into a fight . The young man kills two of the soldiers and cuts the arm off the other . They then leave in a hurry . Later on in the book the man that saved Takeo turns out to be a Lord of noble stature , his name is Lord Otori . He takes Takeo as his own and begins to train him , treating him as a son . Later on in the story , Takeo comes to have mysterious powers and with those powers avenges the people of his village by helping to kill Iida . The girl , Keade , is of noble decent but is treated as a peasant . She later becomes more respected and is to marry into a family where Takeo and she are well acquainted . I think this is a great book ! I honestly have to admit that I don't usually read much , and when I do I don't normally enjoy the books I read . Honestly I thoroughly enjoyed this book . I thought it was amazing . The references to Japan and its ancient Samurai really draw me into it and really add to the plot , making it something I can relate to , to make it seem a little more realistic . However , the only thing that I think deserved a little editing was the special powers Takeo seemed to have . I'm partial to a thoroughly accurate and realistic story , but I can understand its appeal to others . That being the only thing I think needed revising I will say once again that this book is awesome . I recommend this book to people seeking a very enjoyable story that includes realistic references to ancient Japan . I would recommend this even if you don't like a book with special powers . This is because the quality of the book exceeds the problems one hundred times over and is very easily dismissed .
      • 103 4  Tomasu's family were members of a persecuted religion , the hidden . When he is fifteen , his village is attacked and wiped out , but he is saved by Lord Otari Shigeru , who adopts him , renaming him Takeo . . At the same time , certain unusual abilities , heretofore latent in him , appear , and it is discovered that his true birth was to the Tribe , a people with preternatural hearing , the ability to split themselves in two , to become invisible . These skills have stood them in good stead as assassins . It is not the future Takeo envisions for himself , especially after he lays eyes on the beautiful Lady Shirakawa Kaede . He meets her as he is accompanying Shigeru , who is to marry her to cement an alliance between his clan , the Otori , and the Tohan clan , led by Iida Sadamu , the man who attacked Takeo's village and against whom he swore vengeance . Shigeru , for his part , is in love with Lady Murayama , who returns his love . He has agreed to marry Kaede in exchange for being allowed to adopt Takeo , and with the intent of using the marriage as a pretext for getting into Lord Iida's stronghold . Another lord , Arai , is massing an army to attack Iida's castle , and Takeo will use his skill to cross the nightingale floor in silence , and kill Iida . But things go badly awry when Takeo is kidnapped by members of the Tribe . Lady Murayama and her daughter are killed trying to escape the castle , Shigeru is captured and tortured and left to die . Takeo manages to retrieve him , and help him to an honorable death , and Kaede kills Iida when he tries to rape her . She and Takeo consummate their love , and the citadel falls to Arai , but Takeo must leave Kaede and join the Tribe , in fulfillment of a promise . While set in an imaginary country , and with elements of fantasy , this book is nevertheless a beautifully written evocation of ancient Japan , its clan wars , its social structure , its arts , its religion . It is the first of a trilogy , Tales of the Otori , and I will definitely be looking out for the next volume .
      • 104 4  This book has been highly praised in professional reviews , and deservingly so . In Across the Nightingale Floor , Lian Hearn creates an imaginary world set in feudal Japan to create a work of fantasy that is so realistic that it would be easy to believe the story recounts a legend instead of relating fiction . As the first of the Tales of the Otori , the story follows young Takeo who , when his family and village fall prey to Iida and his men , is rescued by Shigeru Otori . He accompanies Shigeru back to his home , meeting some interesting people along the way , whose importance Takeo only realizes later on . Once at Shigeru's home , Takeo learns the ways of the Otori household , is trained in reading and writing and sword fighting skills , and eventually adopted as a son by Shigeru . Meanwhile , far away , a young girl , Kaede , is held hostage and treated like a servant by the enemy , even though her own family is rich and powerful . That way , alliances and cooperation of the family are ensured . Kaede becomes too much of a handful , however , when she is the cause of the death of a man , and then almost immediately , a second . It is decided she will be sent away to marry to further alliances for Iida . Her marriage is to be to Shigeru Otori . But her reputation precedes her . Shigeru , although agreeing to the marriage , sees this as an opportunity to force his enemy's hand , and the story follows the twists and turns of plotting and counterplotting between the Otori Clan and its enemies . And , as Takeo grows up , it becomes clear that his talents lie in another direction altogether . Nightingale is simply astonishing . It is skillful in its simplicity of prose , and intrigue of plot . It captures the feeling of feudal Japan exquisitely , through the creation of realistic characters and beautiful settings . The tone of the book is somewhat similar to that of Memoirs of a Geisha in its Japanese-ness . This work stands out from both fiction and fantasy , and deserves every credit it has been given .
      • 105 4  Across the Nightingale Floor is a great , gripping , thrilling book . Much like Luke Skywalker , our young hero returns home to find his entire family wiped out and then learns that he is not who he thought he was - - that he has magical powers and needs to learn how to use them to fight evil . But here's the intriguing twist that takes the story out of the ordinary - - Takeo our hero , comes from a group called The Hidden who are clearly persecuted Christians - - he is constantly fighting against his Hidden ( Christian ) belief in the sanctity of life - - the commandment is even mentioned - - and what is the sign traced in his palm by another character but the sign of the cross ? And this brings me to the other somewhat shocking revelation - - Takeo , our hero , is clearly and actively bi-sexual ! After the big payoff love scene with beautiful teenage princess Kaede , what does our hero do next ? He seeks comfort in the muscular arms of a hunky Buddhist monk ( ! ) . For those readers who didn't quite read between the lines , go back and reread that section - - we're talking about gay sex people ! These elements don't bother me at all , in fact , they make the story even more interesting , and I'm looking forward to reading books 2 & 3 to see how they play out in the larger picture . I'm not gay or Christian , but I think it takes the story out of the ordinary samurai warrior genre ( along with the fantasy / magic elements ) and takes it to a different place . I would highly recommend this book to those who love fantasy , action and romance and who aren't prudish about sexual orientation .
      • 106 4  The first book in a trilogy , Across The Nightingale Floor takes place in a feudal country modeled very closely on Japan . The hero is a young boy who is taken in by the Otori clan and thrown into a complicated bit of political intrigue . The boy takes the name of Takeo and under the tutelage of a mysterious friend of Lord Otori , learns the art of swordfighting and more . Across The Nightingale Floor has plenty of swordplay , assassinations , romance , and double-crosses . What's more , Takeo learns that he has some nascent powers like a preternatural hearing ability . He is just beginning to realize his potential when he finds himself deep in enemy territory . The last third of this exciting book has many surprises in store and I finished it in a rush of reading . I'm eagerly looking forward to the the second book in this trilogy , Grass For His Pillow . Good stuff . ( By the way , this is first book I've taken out of a library in quite some time . They let me borrow it for free ! Can you imagine ? )
      • 107 4  This novel offers an novel of a feudal Japan reimagined by a skilled writer and student of Japanese culture . By creating two polarities , the tribe ( ninja ) and the hidden ( pacifist ) , Hearn adds interest and dimension to what might be a routine novel of intrigue in post-Tokugawa Japan . The protagonists are well-drawn and likeable and the antagonists are well-realized enough to be interesting . This is a suspenseful introduction to what should be a highly enjoyable series .
      • 109 4  If you did not enjoy the complexities of shogun , this book might be for you . Much less character and plot development . It also deals with small levels of magic . Still a very enjoyable read .
      • 110 4  This is the first book of three and it is a great book that will appeal to both guys and girls of all ages . It is mainly told from the first person view through the eyes of a boy named Takeo . Takeo is an orphan and is rescued by Lord Otori Shigeru , who basically becomes his teacher in many ways . Kaede is another character in this book . She is young and beautiful , but also has a horrible life . She is being held hostage and is set to marry Lord Otori simply to aide in the making of an allied force . This book includes many different elements to heighten the plot . There is magic , heroes , villians and of course love . It opens up your imagination to an era of Japan that is fictional , but appealing enough to be real .
      • 111 4  I won't re-hash all that's bben said . The reason to read this book is that it tells the story as the characters experience it , not from the omniscient , western viewpoint that's usual in historical fiction dealing with feudal Japan . If you like this genre you should also read Tale of Murasaki , which is about Lady Murasaki who wrote Tale of Genji .
      • 114 4  This was a really awesome book . I picked it up when I was looking for something different ( I usually read Tom Clancy , Robert Ludlum ) and while I waited for the new Harry Potter . Once I picked it up , I couldn't put it down . I nearly stayed up all night because I couldn't stop . It has action and magic with an incredibly real setting . I can't wait for the next book in the series ( I already pre ordered it ) and I can't wait to see the movie . If you like Harry Potter but are looking for something a little more adult oriented - - this is the book for you .
      • 115 4  I started this book on a Friday evening and had it finished on Saturday - I could not stop reading ! This book , the first in a trilogy ( can't wait for the next one ) , begins the story of Takeo an oprphaned member of a secret religious group persecuted by the powerful and ruthless warlord Iida whose goal is to either form alliances with or simply beat down all other lords until he rules all of Japan . Takeo is adopted by Shigeru of the clan Otori after being found by him in the woods after his family is killed . He later finds out he's also part of another , more mysterious group with special powers . Everyone seems to have plans for him , but he must decide what he wants as well . It is also the story of Kaede , the youngest daughter of another Lord who was sent to live with one of Iida's allies . As she grows older and more beautiful , she is betrothed to Shigeru - whom she has never met . She also is trying to find her place in the world , as a woman and a warrior for what is right . The character development in this book is amazing and the plot is fantastic . Just a few pages in , I was already committed to helping Takeo revenge his parents murder and shortly thereafter , I was completely invested in seeing Takeo and Kaede together forever , regardless of what Iida or anyone else wanted . It is a coming of age story , but so much more than that , it is a story of Japan but it is international .
      • 117 4  This book is great . It's not from my usual genre and if it had not been recommended to me I wouldn't have read it , but I'm so glad I did . I almost felt like I was there in Japan and I could hardly put the book down .
      • 118 4  I found this book VERY fun to read ! I was drawn into it within the first couple of pages and I found it extremely difficult to put down . I thought that the author created some enchanting scenes with his words describing the various settings . I also enjoyed how , just when he's let you in on the undercurrent of what's going on , you next find out that it was not the actual underlying scheme of what was happening . I thought that was very interesting . With summer here , it would be a good paperback to have for a day of reading and relaxing so that you can have it done in one day and not have to put it down !
      • 119 4  I'm not sure if there is such a category - but this is the most believable fantasy book I've ever read . While waiting patiently for the next Harry Potter installment a friend suggested that I read Across the Nightingale Floor . Without giving anything away , the hero here has special abilities - could someone in real life actually possess these abilities ? Probably not . But the way that Hearn describes the abilities and their use is so subtle that they actually seem realistic ( compared to Harry Potter casting spells , for example ) . I was totally drawn in to this story because it is so believable ( besides having a compelling and fast-paced story ) . Once I got past hearing the Japanese names correctly in my head , the book went even faster ( I thought Hermione Granger was a bit tricky at first , too ) . The book does include a cool map showing the different regions in the story and who controls them - definitely helpful , but not really necessary to understanding the story . I've already placed my order here for Book 2 ( Grass for His Pillow ) coming out in August - I can't wait to see what happens next !
      • 121 4  This book was captivating . I was completely lost in the mountains of Japan , loving every moment reading . I recommend this to anyone who wants to be enveloped in a story . I loved it !
      • 122 4  In this review I'm not going to tell you what the book is about , because I want you to read it for yourself , and I think you will enjoy it more if you don't know what happens in the book . What I am going to tell you is that it is the first book I have ever realy enjoyed . I found it extremely exciting . The aspect of the book I particularly enjoyed were the relationships between the characters , as there was a great range of diversity between them . Between some was unmeasurable amounts of respect and trust . While between others there was mistrust and hatred . However the relationship that I especially like was that of Kaede's and Takeo's as it is brimming with passion , lust and desire . Ever since I finished this book ( which was 2 days after starting it ) I have never gone with out a book . It has really opened my eyes to all the excellent literature there is in the world today , just waiting to be discovered .
      • 124 4  This review is from : Across the Nightingale Floor ( Tales of the Otori , Book 1 ) ( Hardcover ) Five minutes ago I read the last page of this book and never have I been in love with a book such as this . It is utterly amazing . I honestly don't know how to express the emotions it raises . Even if the storyline was ignored , the use of language was masterful , I paused to simple admire the beauty of the sentence I just read and I have never been a person like that . Then the storyline itself is magic . I tried to slow my reading of the book because I knew I didn't want to say farewell to the characters before the second book of the trilogy came out , yet I could not prevent my self from reading it at any opportunity . Buy , borrow or beg but please read this book .
      • 125 4  Five minutes ago I read the last page of this book and never have I been in love with a book such as this . It is utterly amazing . I honestly don't know how to express the emotions it raises . Even if the storyline was ignored , the use of language was masterful , I paused to simple admire the beauty of the sentence I just read and I have never been a person like that . Then the storyline itself is magic . I tried to slow my reading of the book because I knew I didn't want to say farewell to the characters before the second book of the trilogy came out , yet I could not prevent my self from reading it at any opportunity . Buy , borrow or beg but please read this book .
      • 126 4  how wonderful to find a well crafted story , literary and entrancing while limning characters with grace and style . can't wait for the next in the series .
      • 128 4  While it's not necessarily a bad book , it doesn't even begin to live up to the hype surrounding it . Book magazine had a small and glowing review of the book as did the Book Sense 76 list for September and October . Several independent bookstores are giving it prominent shelf position - often with staff recommendations . I generally put a lot of stock in the reviews of these two publications , but I was very disappointed this time . The plot itself had a lot of promise , but none of the possibilities touched upon were ever fully fleshed out . The story was begging for a book three times as long with three times the detail . If some of the other reviewers are correct in their assertions that the author primarily writes children's books , it explains quite a bit about the simplistic ( and to be honest , quite bland ) prose . Buy it for your preteen kid ( s ) - or better yet , borrow it from the library .
      • 129 4  If you read the glowing review by Booklist in the beginning of the book it declares that this first in the trilogy , Across the Nightingale Floor is set in ancient Japan . It is not . It is a make-believe world , which the author freely acknowledges.I think perhaps Booklist ought to actually read the books prior to writing review.The book is a fantasy . it's characters seem to take on super-human attributes , characters that for some reason , share some of the same names and very similiar names from Matsouka's , Cloud of Sparrows . Although I liked it , I never felt it had the intrigue or oriental flavor of Cloud of Sparrows .
      • 130 4  A stunningly powerful story . . . I certainly agree with this . I am not a great reader but when i was given the task to read Across the Nightingale Floor , i was engulfed in one of the best stories i have read in a long time . It has everything - suspense , excitement , secrets , magic and passion . Throughout the book , you can see the historical background and hard work Lian Hearn has put in to create the best possible effects . Across the Nightingale Floor is based on myth between clans in Japan . One boy , Takeo who cannot be found out by his original clan , The Hidden gets adopted by Lord Otori who is one of The Tribe . There is lots of exploring and understanding having to be made by Takeo as he does not have his mother by his side any longer . He is taught to read , write and draw , but he has bigger talents to offer . . . As the story progresses Lian Hearn offers more development in the adventure . Within the opening chapters you feel involved as it is written in the first person , from Takeo and occasionally Kaede . There are mixed emotions from the characters and the reader really does get a sense of how they feel , dream and live . A brilliant read ! I cannot wait for the next books come out .
      • 132 4  Across the Nightgale Floor by Lian Hearn , is the first of three books in the Tales of the Otori trilogy , a fantasy epic placed in feudal Japan . Young Tomasu is rescued from a massacre of his village by Lord Otori Shigeru who gives him the name Takeo and adopts him into the Otori family . Takeo's village is destroyed by the evil warlord Iida because the villagers are members of a secret , peaceful Christian-like sect . Otori Shigeru , Iida's sworn enemy , discovers powerful ninja-like talents in young Takeo and together they plan to take revenge on Iida . Meanwhile , beautiful Shirakawa Kaede is held hostage by another warlord , an ally of Iida's . Betrothed to Otori Shigeru as a pretense for Iida to lure Shigeru into his castle , Kaede and Takeo meet and fall in love . Thus begins the Tales of the Otori - Harlequin romance novel meets Kurosawa's Seven Samurai , with a little Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon thrown in . Apart from some graphic sex and the ongoing violence , this series would be perfect for the teen market . It is a classic tale of heros and heroines , overcoming all odds to rescue the world from evil and to find true love . The writing is fluid , well paced , and beautifully descriptive of the Japanese landscape and customs . As a 20 year practitioner of a Japanese martial art , and someone who lived in Japan for a year , I loved every word . There is a famous castle in Kyoto that has a nightingale floor around the living quarters . It chirps with every step someone makes ; it was designed to warn the Shogun of an assassination attempt . As with the nightingale floor , many details of unique Japanese customs are delightfully woven into the story . If I can mention one shortfall of the books it is that they tend to teeter on the overly melodramatic . Our hero Takeo is no hyper macho samurai , but often filled with self-doubt . The book is obviously written by a woman ( Lian Hearn is a pseudonym ) and I suspect that more girls will like it than boys . That said , if you can bear through the melodramatic parts , and some slooooow tea serving scenes , there's quite enough action to keep most people glued to the story .
      • 134 4  As a martial artist and fan of Asian history and culture , I found myself totally captivated by this book . It teases and taunts the reader with the intricacies of Japanese culture , while sometimes throwing it right in your face . The development of the characters is wonderful . They have depth and breadth . I had to force myself to remember that the children were as young as they are - yet had to realize that this was realistic for this time and place . This is a wonderful story that captures the imagination and dares you to put it down .
      • 136 4  Despite all of the reviews , this book is not set in Japan . . . at least according to the author , who says that it is an imaginary country , in which some echoes of Japanese customs are found . Whatever ! This is a wonderful first book in a trilogy , and if the second is half as good , I'll do cartwheels . Buy this and read it ! ! ! ! !
      • 137 4  Across the Nightingale Floor tells the story of a young boy's journey into manhood in the setting of a mythical feudal Japan . The story begins with the murder of Tomasu's peaceful tribe and his own escape , which in turns leads to Tomasu's evolution into Takeo , the adopted son of Lord Otori . Together Takeo and Lord Otori embark on a quest for revenge on the warlord who destroyed both of their peaceful and happy worlds . The story itself is smoothly written and a pleasure to read . Indeed , it's difficult to put the book down , and when you do your head is full of the lush imagery filling the book's pages . Once you finish the book , your first task will be getting your hands on the sequel , Grass for His Pillow . To quote the New York Times Book Review , Lian Hearn has created a world I anticipate returning to with pleasure .
      • 138 4  It took me four months to read this book because it never excited me . The world Hearn creates is alluring and beautiful , yet the plot seems amateur and void of any intriguing insight . Some of it was very poorly written and difficult to understand , despite it being a novel for young adults . The idea is great , but it gave me nothing to grab onto . Emotions are glossed over , the long awaited love scene is disappointing . It's not a bad book-the scenes conjured up are fun to imagine which is the book's strength , but the writing is mediocre , and the book really never takes off .
      • 139 4  Anyone who says you need to be a fantasy reader to love this book is crazy . I've never read fantasy , unless you count LORD OF THE RINGS ( which I would call literature ) , and have no idea how this compares to fantasy . But I can say that it compares very well to the best books I've ever read . The writing is clean , elegant , not showy or flashy ( which is probably why people are calling it simple ) , and that makes for a fast , powerful read . You know the style is intentional because the only writer / artist referenced in the whole book is Sesshu , who could create the image of beauty and movement with a few deft strokes . That's exactly what Hearn is up to here . The characters are fully drawn , real people dealing with recognizable problems . And these problems are secondary to the larger whims of what's happening in the world . I cared about them , believed in them , and they are still with me months after reading the book - - a sign of quality indeed . All in all , I feel safe saying that this book will be around for decades or more . If the other volumes live up to its standard , we have , as with LORD OF THE RINGS , a true classic work of imagination - whether you want to call it fantasy or literature . And if fantasy really is this good , I suppose I ought to be reading more of it !
      • 142 4  Across the Nightingale Floor was a good quick read . However , it was not amazing in any stretch of the imagination . The story had some good qualities to it and some poor . I enjoyed the premise of the story : Orphaned boy destined to do great things blah blah . . . That is always a good start and has the opportunity for the readers to see some great character change and growth as our hero has to decide whether or not he will fulfill his destiny . I also think Hearn captured the inner struggle and turmoil of our young hero as he is thrust into a different society of becoming part of the Otori clan ( the warrior class during feudal Japan ) and also being part of the tribe ( the last of the ' magical ' warriors / ninjas / assassins of Japan , hidden and outside the social system of the time ) . With all this good story telling , I am left a bit hungry for more action in this book . There where some fights and some sneaking and stalking around , but I could have used some more . Other than the lack of action , this book is definitely worth checking out from your public library , but maybe not worth a buy . Check it out , you may find the lack of action is entirely o.k . for your taste . Just be informed this book is not the ' end all super-total-awesomeness-of-the-super-rad-ubber-pwning ' of assassin / feudal japan books out there . Just a good ' average ' read .
      • 143 4  Trolling through the bargain boxes at a local Borders a few weeks back I picked up a copy of the small half-edition version of book one of the Tales of the Otori , Across the Nightingale Floor , for $2 . Didn't think it would make much of a read , but for $2 , I was willing to take the chance . Once I started reading it , I was completely taken in , consumed by this fascinating fiction tale , and went out immediately to buy the full edition of book 1 , as well as book two . There's quite a lot of violence to this quasi-feudal Japan samurai-like fantasy epic , and also a blase reference to the conjugations of men and women that make this slightly salacious reading unsuitable for young teens . If someone gets there hand on screen rights , it'll adapt to the silver screen like a fish in water , I believe . Hearn has created intriquing major and minor characters , believable settings for protagonists and antagonists with unbelievable abilities , and a story that makes you want to turn the page faster . If you enjoy a good yarn , with all the elements of real life that we know exist , you'll find yourself consumed by The Tales of the Otori .
      • 144 4  Across the nightengale floor is a book about a young child tomasu Who lives among the hidden . The hidden are a religious people who vow never to kill . Tomasu lives in the Hidden town of Mino with his mother sisters and step father . his real father was killed before he was born.One day while tomasu is collecting mushrooms for supper he smells fire . When he returns his village is in flames and a lord on horseback is killing the rest of the peopla in the village . Tomasu runs away but the lord and his men see him and chase him . There is a man on the path he grabbs Tomasu and kills the lords men the lord rus off Tomasu gose off with his savior and his adventure begins . My favorite part is when Takeo ( tomasu's new name ) Finds out hi has secret abilities passed down rom his father . takeo can go invisible split into two people . these abilities proove usefull later on . This book was action packed and never got boreing . I reccomend this book for anyone that likes mistery and adventure . this is my favorit out of the 4 books and I hope you like it to .
      • 145 4  This story is a very tight arc , told in the style of Japanese painting : each brushstroke of a sentence has a purpose , and there are no superfluous details . It is Japanesque , rather than Japanese . Inspired by the culture , rather than being a dramatization of Samurai history . I enjoyed it greatly , as well as the two that follow !
      • 146 4  In this rivoting style feudal between action and love , takeo has many challenges ahead of him . The tribe the otori and of corse kaede are all part of his adventure through japan . After many encounters with the shadowy tribe Takeo discovers his true meaning , that he is a member of the tribe which is a deadly assain group who harness their powers for fighting mortal enemies , takeo then discovers his ability to turn invisibe , and make another replecar of him.The love of Takeo and kaede , was mislead and just not meant to be a love story but the twists and turns in his love set the perfect scene for two lovers . With a mixture of fantasy and gor , make this book a great tale for those who enjoy the suspense of a good action / fantasy thriller , if you like the mixture of good and evil then this book is worth purchaseing this book , across the nighingale floor and maybe the following cequils
      • 148 4  Although I usually read what can be classified as Chick Lit , I decided to branch out this summer , and I picked up a copy of Across the Nightingale Floor . I'm glad I did . It was beautifully written , one of those books that helps you see the scenes in your mind . The story included everything from power struggles to growing up to a love story . The writing is not so complicated that a young adult would miss things , but it is sophisticated enough to keep adults captivated . I'm anxiously anticipating both the sequel ( out in August ) and the movie version .
      • 149 4  Across the Nightingale Floor was one of the best books I've read in a long time . It's about a young boy who is adopted by a Lord of the Otori clan when his village is destroyed . He later finds that he is a member of an ancient tribe with extraordinary abilities . This book wasn't very long , and didn't take me very much time at all to read . It was hard to put down , in fact . I would definitely recommend this book to anyone !
      • 152 4  Not usually a fan of fantasy , I thoroughly enjoyed this story of feudal Japanese lords , battles for honor , love and loyalty . I was intrigued by the title as I visited Nijo Castle in Kyoto and walked across the nightingale floor designed to chirp to alert the lord to possible intruders . The period of Japanese history where feudal lords demanded tribute and battled each other for supremacy is the setting for this fantasy involving a 16 year old boy , rescued by Lord Shigeru , a member of the Otori family , when the boy's village is ransacked and plundered . Owing his life to his lord , the boy , now named Takeo after Shigeru's late brother , is adopted and works with his Lord to seek revenge for the death of both Shigeru's brother , and Takeo's murdered family . Takeo discovers he has mystical powers from his father , who was a member of the Tribe , and has unusual hearing and can make himself invisible , among other things . These gifts turn out to be invaluable when rescuing victims from the evil Lord Iida . Iida has also taken hostage Lady Kaede Shirakawa , the daughter of an enemy . Kaede has been treated as a servant for 8 years , since she was 7 . Kaede is betrothed to Shigeru but falls for young Takeo , who falls for her as well . Their love cannot be , as she is duty bound to honor the betrotha . Meanwhile , Lord Shigeru is also in love with Kaede's older cousin . I couldn't wait to find out what happened in the story which ended in a satisfying but in a to be continued way as this is book one of a trilogy . . . . I found the amount of detail just right and the book was just at 300 pages was an easy read . I look forward to resuming the story in Book 2 .
      • 153 4  Rating System : 1 star = abysmal ; some books deserve to be forgotten 2 star = poor ; a total waste of time 3 star = good ; worth the effort 4 star = very good ; what writing should be 5 star = fantastic ; must own it and share it with others STORY : In its simplest form this is a similar plot line of a fantasy book ( Anvil of Ice by Michael Scott Rohan ) that I just finished ( unintentional coincidence ) : A youth of lowly station gets taken in by a man of reputation , finds he personally has unbelievable ability , falls into a forbidden love , and tries to right a wrong while forces help and hinder him . MY FEEDBACK : Simply a magical and mystical feeling overtook me as I experienced this story of feudal Japan . Warriors , assassins and scheming clan lords fill this story of honor , friendship , love , loyalty and mystery . I can't compare this to Shogun ( which may be a bit of a different kind of story ) but as compared to the very enjoyable Cloud of Sparrows by Takashi Matsuoka , I enjoyed this one even more . This story builds up to a single climatic event and doesn't crap out through the process . This story is told from the first person , which allows you to really get into the inner person of Takeo . Takeo is a character you enjoy , sympathize with , empathize with , and you can't wait for him to explode upon the forces of evil . You walk in his footsteps and feel what he feels each step of the way . I can't better give any helpful details other than to say that even if this isn't your typical genre you will probably like this . I can't imagine this not appealing to all readers . Get it !

    • 133 4  This book was excellent . The way the story flowed was incredible . I liked the authinticity of the style of the story . The sence of honor , duty , and courage was unbelievably strong . I couldn't put the book down .
      • 116 4  This was a great read . It is well written and keeps the reader engaged . The author does a nice job of developing the characters and telling a great story . I can't wait for the next book !

    • 140 4  ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR by Lian Hearn Enter a fantasy world of ancient Samurai's , Shogun Lords and magical warriors in Lian Hearn's ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE , the first in the series of books titled THE TALES OF THE OTORI . The main character is young Tomasu , who is taken under the wing of Lord Shigeru Otori , one of the most powerful men in this fictional world of Feudal Japan . When Tomasu's village is pillaged and his family and other villagers are left for dead , Lord Otori saves young Tomasu's life and takes him away to his home in Hagi . He is given a new name , Takeo , and a new identity , and Lord Otori decides to adopt him , despite the fact that Takeo was raised by the Hidden , a group of people who worship a new god and have been persecuted for doing so . Lord Otori and Takeo develop a bond , and Takeo pledges his loyalty to Otori for saving his life . However , life does not get any easier under the protection of Lord Otori , for those who killed the people in Takeo's village are on the lookout for the young man , who had killed Lord Iida Sadamu's men while trying to protect himself . Lord Iida wants revenge . Takeo becomes mute after being witness to the massacre , and while his ability to speak is temporarily taken away from him , he notices that his hearing becomes very acute . He can hear the faintest of sounds that probably only a dog can hear . In fact , he is teased by one of Otori's friends , indicating his ears are as good as a dog's . Takeo is embarrassed by these accusations , but learns later that his unusual talents will come in handy . Lord Otori introduces Takeo to Kenji , who discovers Takeo's talents and learns right away that Takeo is not just a product of the Hidden People , but is in fact one of the Tribe , a group of warriors that have almost magical powers . The excellent hearing is just one of the traits that they carry , and Kenji helps Takeo learn other skills that are inherited by his father's people . Kenji is in fact training Takeo to become a warrior . This upsets Takeo , as he has learned while being part of the Hidden that killing is wrong , and nothing good will come of it . In the mean time , Lord Otori is betrothed to a young girl named Kaede . Her father's enemies many years ago had taken her hostage . In order to bring peace to several countries , she is commanded to marry Otori . What she does not know is that Otori is secretly in love with someone else , Lady Maruyama , who is the most powerful woman in Japan . Lady Maruyama's feelings for Lord Otori are mutual . However , due to political reasons , it is Lady Maruyama's duty to bring her cousin Lady Kaede to Lord Otori to be married . As one can already see , ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR takes on epic proportions , as Lord Otori and his entourage make the journey to Lord Iida's land where the wedding will take place . They encounter adventures along the way , and Takeo hones his skills of the master warriors of the Tribe , despite his abhorrence for killing . His main focus is his loyalty to Lord Otori , a loyalty that will be put to the test before their journey is completed . A story that compares to the likes of CROUCHING TIGER , HIDDEN DRAGON and LORD OF THE RINGS , ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR is a book that will be enjoyed by young adults as well as older readers who enjoy historical based fiction with a touch of fantasy .
      • 030 4  Lian Hearn is the nom de plume of Australian author Gillian Rubenstein who honed her craft on countless bestseller young adult novels . She brings this expertise to a startlingly different and far more ambitious project , a high-fantasy Japanese feudal world . It's a timely arrival on a fantasy scene becoming stale and gorged with endless medieval European carbon-copy fantasies , and has deservedly received high acclaim . ACROSS THE NIGTHINGALE FLOOR , the first volume in the OTORI trilogy , introduces two compelling young heroes , the reluctant assassin Takeo and the political hostage Kaede . Pawns in a political game looming over them and the ones they care for , these youths must move carefully to retain their own lives and are tragically unable yet to protect anyone else , including each other . The growth of this power is foreshadowed for the second volume , which encompasses Takeo's acceptance of training by his father's family , the magical and mysterious Tribe , and Kaede's struggle to wield power as a woman in a man's world . Hearn's meticulous consistency and detail give us a highly pleasurable reading experience - her prose is spare , but not sparse , rendered elegant by its simplicity , and the perfect accompaniment to the Japanese-inspired world she offers us . She has achieved a stylistic unity with her subject matter which even talented writers like Janny Wurts ( creator of the Japanese-inspired fantasy world of the Tsurani ) have fallen short of . It was utterly refreshing and I was disappointed only by the length of this novel , which was more appropriate to a young-adult novel . The material is however quite violent and sexually suggestive , so I would not recommend it for readers under twelve or thirteen . The film rights to this book have apparently been snapped up already , so I look forward to seeing what will come - the overriding importance of duty to the characters , the magic-realist portrayal of the supernatural , and the wonderful evocation of landscape and the martial-arts focus clearly lending themselves to a CROUCHING TIGER , HIDDEN DRAGON-style treatment .

    • Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn . I have to say that this is probably my favorite book that I was required to read for school , I even went on the read the sequel though it was not required . I really liked the characters in this novel , especially Otori Shigeru . Across the Nightingale Floor begins the Tales of Otori , introducing the main character Takeo . Takeo was born among a religious group known as the Hidden , who are despised by those in power but his world is shattered when Lord Iida , the leader of the Tohan , destroys his village and murders his people . Takeo alone is rescued by a mysterious Lord known as Otori Shigeru . This novel is fraught with revenge , passion , samurai , assassins , warring lords , and incredible secret powers . I enjoyed this book immensely and I would definitely recommend it !
      • 141 4  This was a different and entertaining read . it was also a Light read . the problems i had with this book was ; the story really did not get interesting for me until i was half way through the book . Most trilogies or series of books that i have read have slow starts . This is compensated by the development of characters and the world in which the story takes place . IMHO , the character development was poor and there was virtually no development of world that this book takes place in . that is why i gave it 2 out of 5 stars . Otherwise , i would have given it 4 out of 5 stars . This is an entertaining book . my suggestion is to wait for the paperback or go to the library .

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