Description

Against a background of wild forest, elegant castles, hidden temples and savage battlefields, the adventure that began with Emperor of the Eight Islands draws to its thrilling conclusion, in Lian Hearn’s Lord of the Darkwood.

The rightful emperor is lost. Shikanoko is condemned to live, half-man and half-deer, an outlaw in the Darkwood. Yet the mighty lords who now rule the Eight Islands are prey to suspicion and illness, and drought and famine choke the realm. Only Shikanoko can bring healing, by restoring the preordained ruler to the Lotus Throne. And only one person can bring him back from the Darkwood . . .

Publisher Review

Across the Nightingale Floor was described to me by the young man in Borders bookshop as a "Japanese Harry Potter, only better". In fact, it's a different beast entirely. Much darker, much sharper, much less predictable -- Daily Telegraph on Tales of the Otori An original and exquisitely wrought adventure story -- Observer on Tales of the Otori Across the Nightingale Floor remains quite simply the best story of magic, love, sex, revenge and suspense to have come this way since Philip Pullman -- Independent on Sunday on Tales of Otori An enthralling and original work of fantasy -- The Times on Tales of the Otori The writing is extraordinary . . . Virtually pitch perfect -- Evening Standard on Tales of the Otori The plot is gripping and the writing is beautiful, packed with authentic, atmospheric detail -- Daily Mail on Tales of the Otori A thrilling tale of love, violence, loyalty and betrayal -- Guardian on Tales of the Otori Hearn continues to explore issues of fate, love, moral failure, and moral redemption through characters both archetypal and heartbreakingly believable. * Kirkus Reviews *