The Harsh Cry Of The Heron (Tales Of The Otori #4)

Description

The world of the Otori has entranced readers since the first book in the Trilogy, Across the Nightingale Floor, was published in 2002. Now Lian Hearn again takes us back to a land that might be feudal Japan or may be another place altogether in the stunning sequel, The Harsh Cry of the Heron. Lord Otori Takeo and his consort, Kaede, have ruled for over sixteen years. The Three Countries are rich, peaceful and prosperous. The sacred birds, the houou, nest at Terayama and a fabled creature, the kirin, has appeared on their shores. Heaven seems to smile on them. Yet their very success has attracted the attention of the distant Emperor and his general, the warlord Saga Hideki, who covets all the wealth of the Three Countries, especially Takeo's heir, his eldest daughter, Shigeko, now of marriageable age. Find out who lives and dies, who conquers, and who is still loved. The story winds up to an unexpected and moving conclusion that will make you want to start reading the Trilogy all over again.

Author description

Lian Hearn's beloved Tales of the Otori series, set in an imagined feudal Japan, has sold more than four million copies worldwide and has been translated into nearly forty languages. It is comprised of five volumes: ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR, GRASS FOR HIS PILLOW, BRILLIANCE OF THE MOON, THE HARSH CRY OF THE HERON and HEAVEN'S NET IS WIDE. The series was followed by two standalone novels, BLOSSOMS AND SHADOWS and THE STORYTELLER AND HIS THREE DAUGHTERS, also set in Japan. EMPEROR OF THE EIGHT ISLANDS is Books 1 and 2 in The Tale of Shikanoko and is followed by LORD OF THE DARKWOOD (Books 3 and 4). Lian has made many trips to Japan and has studied Japanese. She read Modern Languages at Oxford and worked as an editor and film critic in England before emigrating to Australia. For the latest news from Lian, visit lianhearn.com, follow Lian on Twitter @LianHearn, or join the readers who have become Lian's friend on Facebook.