The first in a series set in an imaginary world based on feudal Japan and the chivalric Bushido code of conduct. It successfully takes you into that world of honor and loyalty, mastery of martial arts, married with simple living and appreciation of nature and art. Well -that's how the good guys aim to act - but at heart they are all warriors.

The three nations that make up this land are at war and Lord Iida wants it all. He lives in fear of being assassinated though, the nightingale floor of his palace sings - no assassin could cross it without being heard. So he schemes and plans on how to trap the Otori clan into alliance, using the kidnapped daughter of another subdued Lord as bait. Iida is also systematically trying to wipe out the Hidden, a psuedo-Christian sect that live in secrecy. At the start of the novel young Tomasu is the only survivor of a massacre of Hidden and is rescued by Lord Otori Shigeru before Iida can kill him too. Shigeru recognises something in the boy and decides to adopt him, and thus begins a life of adventure, romance and very hard work for the boy, rechristened Takeo. Unbeknown to him, another secret sect known as The Tribe, a sort of ninja assassin guild, also seek need him for their plans.

Hearn has produced a remarkably well realised world. Shigeru, in particular is a potent force for good, he was my favourite character by far. Takeo, whose life and career will develop in the subsequent volumes in this series, starts off as an empty shell, to be formed, like Kung-Fu's Grasshopper, into the warrior and more that is inside him. We are also introduced to young Lady Kaede, the hostage who is to be married to Shigeru, but predictably falls for Takeo. All are well fleshed out characters. Iida and his henchmen though are rather stereotypical baddies and sketchily drawn.

The novel is full of action, but takes its time. In between these scenes, there is much philosophy, talk of politics, and time for romance too. Also, Takeo, our grasshopper, has to learn many new skills and go on a voyage of self-discovery that leaves you at the end, desperate for more. Volumes two and three immediately go onto my wish list - Highly recommended. ( )

I really enjoyed this book. Lian Hearn blends an amazing tale with japanese historical points so well you would almost believe it wasnt a work of fiction.
A must read for anyone who enjoys reading. ( )

I did not love the first installment of the Tales of the Otori trilogy as much as I expected to. The characterization really shines in the other books of the series, but I felt it faltered here. The story focuses on Lord Otori Shigeru's attempt to use his adopted son Takeo to get vengeance on his long-time enemy, the cruel and oppressive Lord Iida Sadamu. But, although Takeo has reasons of his own for wanting to kill Sadamu, I was never quite comfortable with a plot centered around manipulating a teenage boy into becoming an assassin. It seemed particularly at odds with Lord Otori's previously established reputation for honor and justice. Moreover, the other characters seemed a bit wooden, moving more in response to the demands of the plot than their own human motivations. The plot was entertaining enough to propel me through the book quickly, but I never got as emotionally involved as I did with the other novels in the series. ( )

The book was very good, Lian really took you into the story and you just wanted to know what lies forward.
Anyway, like others say, there were kinda alot of description, but they were good so it doesnt really matter.
To sum up, the book was a very good one, maybe sometimes things are kinda little hard to understand because we don't understand perfectly this era(feudal japan). but Liad did a good job of taking us in this era and fascinate us to the story. ( )

Takes place in a fantasy world based on Japan during the time of the Samurai. It follows our Hero from humble boy to powerful Lord. Fantasy, but contains a spare amount of what I would call typical magic. It is mainly about the constant struggle for land and power and dominance between these powerful lords. So there are battles, beheadings and everything else you would expect ( )