Brilliance of the Moon

Tales of the Otori, Book Three

By: Lian Hearn

Narrated by: Kevin Gray, Aiko Nakasone

Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

In the final installment of the Tales of the Otori, the young Takeo meets his destiny, fulfilling the prophesy: "You were born into the Hidden, but your life...is no longer your own."

The stage is set: Takeo and his new bride Kaede are on the brink of starting a war to reclaim the lands that are her rightful claim by birth, with a thousand loyal warriors by their side. But much more is at stake, with Takeo sworn to avenge the death of his adoptive father. Kaede, a not-at-all helpless damsel, has also cast a first stone by renouncing the powerful Lord Fujiwara, who considers her his first wife.

An imaginary feudal Japan is vividly reconstructed in this magical tale filled with clan rivalries, supernatural powers, shadowy tribes, and true love. Lian Hearn's epic fantasy of a conflict-ridden, mystical world has enraptured fans around the world, thanks to many complex mysteries, fascinating characters, and a riveting buildup to the dazzling finale.

Don't miss the rest of the Tales of the Otori series.

©2004 Lian Hearn (P)2004 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"A fragrant blend of romance and martial-arts action." (Publishers Weekly)
"A worthy conclusion to a genuinely thrilling epic saga." (Booklist)

great series

book 2 was a little weak, but this one was definitely more engaging. perhaps a bit too much back and forth and the characters felt a bit too depressive. nonetheless, fantastic writing and storyline.

Excellent performance of a great tale...

I have enjoyed this immensely. this trilogy is wonderful and thought provoking.... please.... read this!

Worth finishing the series

This book is the most predictable in the series, and certainly is designed to set up for a sequel or two. With the same characters and readers as the others, if you liked those you will like this one.

Too much introspection

A little disappointing end to a very good series. Narration was very good. The ending was as expected....predictable. I actually found it a little slow and boring.

Not bad, but underwhelming for a finale

overall, a very enjoyable Japanese historical fantasy with a distinct writing style and characters. however I must admit this last story fell somewhat flat failing expectations for the finale of the trilogy. it at times felt rushed and at the point in which I only had two chapters remaining made me wonder how the grand story of three books could be wrapped up so swiftly.

the lack of warfare in the finale of the series that dealt so largely with political factions, intrigue ideologies, and power struggle; left the conclusion feeling oddly lacking especially after the build-up of the second novel. battles were explained in a short few sentences at times.

Additionally the heavy-handed message about Christianity seems hypocritical at times and unnecessary for the story. I had already guessed that the hidden based on context were essentially an offshoot of Christianity, but directly linking the two seems unnecessary and puts the religion on an oddly High pedestal in this Japanese context. at times coming across as a conversion piece, but fortunately does not go too far.

negative aspects aside the characters are still wonderfully written and the storytelling is vivid and really comes alive as you listen. the word play gives the Otori series a distinct feel and character. you grow to know and appreciate or hate many of the characters within the text no matter how small the role they play.

as with the two previous novels, the Audible performance was exceptional with the two separate readers and helps one to feel for the main characters and get lost in their world.

Engaging and suspenseful - Really enjoy Lian Hearn

I've have listened to all of the audiobooks in this series, except the one that precedes this one, based on the reviews here. The characters of Takeo and Kaede -- all of the characters are extremely well fleshed out. Both Takeo and Kaede are also very likeable and you really want for them to succeed. However Lian Hearn keeps us hanging on for the next developments chapter after chapter. I could hardly stop listening to this. The narration is excellent.

Enjoyable and interesting, good narrators

As with the other novels in this series, I found this one enjoyable and fun, with very good narration.

An Asian Place

Such a beautifully written book. From the authors discriptions it is more like watching a movie in your mind than listening to a book.

A Fantastic End

This was a fantastic ending to the <i>Tales of the Otori</i> trilogy. From the minute the narrators began talking I was enthralled with the story. The author does a great job of tying together the various story points left hanging at the end of <i>Grass for His Pillow,</i> admittedly a little to easily with the help of a natural disaster, but still good. In between there is enough new story to capture the attention and keep it. Best of all, the last line leaves us with a tantalizing teaser that the story might continue. If the author maintains her great storytelling, then I'll definately be listening.

Immersion into old Japan and the intrigues of the people who lived then!

Great series! Intriguing story, well developed characters, and much intrigue. Loved losing myself in old Japan, and the characters that become like old friends! Keep writing Lian Hearn!