Across The Nightingale Floor
by Lian Hearn
Synopsis
An orphan, Takeo, is adopted by a nobleman and trained in the mysterious practices of The Tribe. Using his talents he save’s his ‘Uncle’ from an assasination attempt but is ultimately unable to protect him from a second murderous plot.
Revenge and a love story round out this feudal Japanese flavored fantasy.
Review
A friend of mine felt that this book and the whole series had been over-hyped, that it was ok, but nothing special. I cannot speak for the hype, since I am pretty sure I bought and read this before it was published in the US, but I would say it was something special.
Makes a great blend of characterization, plot, and fantastic worldbuilding. The writing is crisp and poetic without being unreadable.
Recommendation
I bought this book at a Whitcoulls’s in Queensland, NZ at the end of a two week vacation. I was drawn to the title.
The subtle inclusion of magic and the feudal asian-style setting are quite a refreshing difference from the typical hack and slash and dragon fantasy I cut my teeth on.
Go get it.
Enjoy!