Harsh Cry of the Heron

The Last Tale of the Otori

By: Lian Hearn

Narrated by: Julia Fletcher, Henri Lubatti

Length: 19 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

An epic fantasy set in a mythical, medieval Japan, Lian Hearn's Tales of the Otori series has crossed genres, generations, and genders. Grand and complex in its themes, elegantly written, each book in the original trilogy has become a worldwide best seller. This surprise fourth installment (and real conclusion), The Harsh Cry of the Heron, achieves new heights of drama and action.

16 years of peace and prosperity have passed since Lord Otori Takeo united the Three Countries. Takeo and his beloved consort, Kaede, have three daughters and a happy family life. Their success has attracted the attention of the distant Emperor and his general, the warlord Saga Hideki, who covet the wealth of the Countries. Meanwhile, the violent acts and betrayals of the past will not lie buried, and other secrets will not stay hidden. Everything that Takeo and Kaede have achieved is threatened.

In full ninja versus samurai fashion, Hearn delivers a kinetic, heartbreaking, and uplifting resolution to a thoroughly gripping saga.

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

©2006 Lian Hearn (P)2006 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"Seizes you from start to finish." (The Washington Post)
"Hearn seamlessly fuses fact and fantasy to create a sprawling, bewitching realm of magic." (Publishers Weekly)
"The Otori saga gets better with each book, and this is the most absorbing entry in the series, complete with intrigue, magic, romance, and action. A perfect final chapter." (Booklist)

The best in an already excellent series!

Masterfully picked up 16 years later and wrapped up the storyline in a brilliant fashion!

Loved It!

I loved all 4 books of the Tales of the Otori series. I have been an audible customer for 4 years and these are by far my favorite books. The narration is excellent. Hearn is able to set each scene with beautiful description without going overboard. I am sad this is the last chapter. If you have trouble keeping up with all of the characters, check Hearn's website. I do recommend that you read them in order, I think you would be lost if you did not. ENJOY!

Great saga and conclusion to series

Great story telling of the saga of Warlord Takeo Otori. The audio voices were so soothing but also allowed the listener to see, feel and experience the joy, sadness, longing and despair.

Happy ending kind of spoils the story

One does not read Japanese period historical dramas for happy endings. With Madam Butterfly in mind, I was a little disappointed in the last paragraph. But 5 stars for the previous 19 hours and 52 minutes; except for the giraffe (really?!). Intrigue, honor, revenge and debt always trumps sentimentality in this locale, which may seem irrational to the gaijin. Henri is a great improvement in the narration, but I did miss Aiko Nakasone. As I reflected about there series afterward, one thing that came to mind is that the world described in the story is one in which I definitely would not want to live in; in contrast to Japan today.

Excellent!

Great Saga!!! The first book started slowly but the others were great and I thought the last book, "Harsh Cry of the Heron" was the best. It was very well done and the only negative remark I could make would be the narrators. But getting past that, I find myself longing for another Saga from this author.

Masterpiece

Where does Harsh Cry of the Heron rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

To my surprise last book in the Tales of the Otori wasn't just obligatory read to finalize series - it made new planes of story lines and at some point I even suspected this might be new beginning until the end of book made quiet coda to the lives of main characters and their heritage.

What other book might you compare Harsh Cry of the Heron to and why?

Comparing to other tales of Otori this one brings up more about spiritual believes of medieval Japan and mostly it reminded me Rashomon by Akutagawa Ryunosuke.

Which character – as performed by Julia Fletcher and Henri Lubatti – was your favorite?

Maya

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Last chapter, - it was very sincere, sad, powerful and logical at the same time.

Any additional comments?

Will be reading this one in paper - just listening was not enough. I think all books of those series will end up on my bookshelf (or kindle-shelf) enetualy;).

Enjoyable although previous narrators were better

As with the other novels in this series, I enjoyed this one and had fun listening to it, although the change in narrators was unfortunate-they aren't bad but not as good and enjoyable as the previous narrators.

Superb conclusion to the Tales of the Otori

Excellent story and excellent narration from both of the narrators. This last volume seemed deeper and more complex than the previous books of the series, but that made the book even more enjoyable. The conclusion of the series is well developed and plausible and does not disappoint in any way. Highly recommended - btw, the books should be read in their series order to provide the best understanding and enjoyment.

Tragic sequel to a near perfect trilogy

I missed the original narrators through the entire audio book.

Part of me wishes I never listened to part 4 as it was heartbreaking seeing beloved characters fall. Part of me enjoyed the bittersweet conclusion to this saga.

The story in book four did not seem as dynamic as the previous trilogy. Both hero's and villians did not seem to follow the thematic conclusions I had hoped for.

4th is one too many

This book isn't in the same league as the first three. Convoluted and fluid plots are difficult to keep straight; I could have used a map, genealogical and organizational charts

However, the real problem is with the narration. Appalling. Thank goodness the first books were presented better.