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)

Still loving the story

I agree with the other reviewers that the readers are not nearly as good as the ones for the original trilogy. I also agree that Kaede has totally changed and that is a real disappointment. Still, I love the story. It brings history alive and makes me want to learn more about the time period. The male reader will sometimes put you to sleep, however.

Good story - not the right readers

Would you consider the audio edition of Harsh Cry of the Heron to be better than the print version?

The first three books in the Tales of the Otori series were read by Kevin Gray and Aiko Nakasone. Both were excellent in reading the narration and various character voices, with very good (as far as I could tell) pronunciation of the Japanese words (e.g., names, places). Aiko's voice made the female characters especially come to life because she made them sound very feminine in a way that I would expect from Japanese women of that time. When I started Harsh Cry of the Heron, I was immediately startled by the very different reader voices and never really settled into the characters. To the very end of this book I kept wishing for the original readers. Julia Fletcher (who sounds Irish), and Henri Lubatti are both good readers, but not for this story. Neither voice really suited the topic or the Japanese culture. Obviously I wanted to finish the series because I really enjoyed it as a whole, so I did listen to this final book, and I did enjoy it, but not to the degree that I did the first three books.

The story itself was good with lots of detail and compelling subplots that keep it moving.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

I'm not sure about the pace of the story - I suppose that was a match. There were times when I really felt that the voice inflection was wrong though. I would not avoid another book by either of these readers, they are both good readers but just not appropriate for this book when compared to the man and woman who read the first three books in the series.

Final Book of the Otori

I loved the first three books but the ending of the final book was so improbable when, taken in context of the prior three books, was unlikely and a huge disappointment. Read the first three then make up your own ending!

Best of the series

Of the books in the tales of the otori series. I found this to be the most compelling.

Less than expectations

I immensely enjoyed the series overall. The trilogy was wonderful and I loved the insight and depth of the prequel. But as others have said, this one is completely different. The story feels like the author had several ideas and directions it could have went and could never decide so he threw in a little of everything. No part of the story feels fleshed out. After the way the prequel makes the religion of The Hidden so important, this moves in the complete opposite direction with alomost a "religion is futile" type of message.

That having been said, there were a few redeeming parts of the story. Takeo's struggle to protect his children and guard their future is touching and something I can empathize with as a father. The narration, while not quite as good as the other books, is fine. It's certainly on par with what I expect from a professional book recording.

My overall feeling is that the book was okay. There were enough good parts to keep my interest even if the feeling of the other stories was lost. I think we're especially hard on this book because the other four were just so great!

Sorry that the readers were changed

What made the experience of listening to Harsh Cry of the Heron the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed the continuations of the characters, however I think mainly due to the different readers I almost don't recognize the characters and have a difficult time with it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I'm experiencing a disassociation with the characters because of the readers, this has never happened to me before. This is the fourth book in the series, I don't think I would have read more than a part of the first book (and no sequels) with Julia Fletcher. I don't think I would have gotten used to the readers.

What didn’t you like about Julia Fletcher and Henri Lubatti ’s performance?

Julia Fletcher may be an excellent reader for another book, however her attempts to put Japanese cadence into the readings really grates. I am not sure if I will be able to finish listening to the story, it is that bad. Aiko Nakasone was perfect for the story, as well as Kevin Gray.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I had wanted to listen to the book so badly and was looking forward to the continuation of the story, however because of the readers I don't think I will be able to finish it. I have listened to about 3 hours worth.

Another great part to a wonderful story.

I gave the performance 3 stars because I was highly disapointed that the narrators had changed from the first 3 books. I loved the original narrators, but I grew to appreciate the new ones as well. Although disapointment was my first thought, I was soon just as engrossed with this part of the story as I had been with the others. The plot is magnificent, and the characters continued to impress me, if not because of their honor and truth, because of their wicked and hateful ways. All characters in the series are dynamic and fantastic. I enjoyed this entire series very much. I'm looking forward to the prequel now! Although I'm not finished with the series, I can confidently recommend it. Superb.

Beautiful language, setting, plot, characters

This is a fantastic book - amazing sense of time and place. It's obvious that the author cares about her language, and the writing is highly sensory and full of atmosphere. The plot is engaging and the characters interesting and fully-realized. I highly recommend this book.

Story continues to be great; narration diminished

If you could sum up Harsh Cry of the Heron in three words, what would they be?

I continue to enjoy the Tales of the Otori and really enjoyed the 4th book. However, the narration was disappointing. The pronunciation of the Japanese words and names are unsatisfactory, and the male narration is soft, gentle, and without impact. I will the earlier narrators could have been used. The story, however, continues to be fascinating.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Harsh Cry of the Heron?

The challange with Lord Saga

Would you be willing to try another one of Julia Fletcher and Henri Lubatti ’s performances?

no

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.