Heaven's Net is Wide is the new first volume of the now complete Tales of the Otori--the prequel to Across the Nightingale Floor, the book that first introduced Hearn's mythical, medieval Japanese world. This is the story of Lord Otori Shigeru--who has presided over the entire series as a sort of spiritual warrior-godfather—-the man who saved Takeo and raised him as his own and heir to the Otori clan. This sweeping novel expands on what has been only hinted at before: Shigeru’s training in the ways of the warrior and feudal lord, his relationship with the Tribe of mysteriously powerful assassins, the battles that tested his skills and talents, and his fateful meeting with Lady Maruyama.
Heaven’s Net Is Wide is an epic tale of warfare, loyalty, love, and heartbreak. This book leaves off where Across the Nightingale Floor begins, finally bringing the Otori series full circle. And while it both completes and introduces the Tales of the Otori, it also stands on its own as a satisfying, epic novel of feudal Japan.
Early praise for Heaven's Net is Wide:
"The graceful, understated climax brings the sprawling strands of this epic together in a resoundingly satisfying manner. As impressive an ending as it is a beginning."
Kirkus Reviews
"Set in a brutal and breathtaking feudal Japan, this lyrical and moving prequel to Hearn's Tales of the Otori and also the fifth and final entry in this epic chronicle of ruthless warlords and ill-fated love focuses on the early life of Otori Sherigeru, the young heir to the Otori clan...Equal parts historical fiction, high fantasy and revelatory Taoist fable, the now complete Tales of the Otori is a saga to be treasured."
Publishers Weekly
Praise for The Tales of the Otori:
"Satisfyingly rich in incident yet admirably spare in the telling . . . Lian Hearn has created a world I anticipate returning to with pleasure."
The New York Times Book Review
"Part Shogun, part Lord of the Rings, and entirely enchanting."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinal
"Blood-splashed combat alternates with contemplative stillness, and the writing is extraordinary."
The Evening Standard (UK)
"Seizes you from start to finish."
The Washington Post
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