Across the Nightingale Floor

By: Lian Hearn

Narrated by: Tamblyn Lord, Anna Steen

Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's Summary

An international best seller, Across the Nightingale Floor is the first book in the Tales of the Otori series by Lian Hearn.

In his black-walled fortress at Inuyama, the warlord Iida Sadamu surveys his famous nightingale floor. Constructed with exquisite skill, it sings at the tread of each human foot. No assassin can cross it unheard.

The youth Takeo has been brought up in a remote mountain village among the Hidden, a reclusive and spiritual people who have taught him only the ways of peace. But unbeknownst to him, his father was a celebrated assassin and a member of the Tribe, an ancient network of families with extraordinary, preternatural skills.

When Takeo's village is pillaged, he is rescued and adopted by the mysterious Lord Otori Shigeru. Under the tutelage of Shigeru, he learns that he too possesses the skills of the Tribe. And, with this knowledge, he embarks on a journey that will lead him across the famed nightingale floor - and to his own unimaginable destiny....

©2002 Lian Hearn Associates Pty Ltd (P)2015 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Ruined by intrusive, loud music

I've read this book, and was looking forward to hearing the audiobook. And I have to say, the story was as engrossing as I remembered - and the two narrators did it justice.

HOWEVER, the music was really intrusive - cymbals crashing at almost random intervals, and instrumentals played over the top of narration! As someone that listens to audiobooks at night, while driftng off to sleep, I've always found musical interludes and sound effects annoying (they always seem much louder than the narrators!) This recording hit new lows...

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

by far a must read for anyone

never been so captivated by a book in all my life 10 out of 10

Pure magic

What did you like most about Across the Nightingale Floor?

The intriguing mixture of history, religion and magic. Every part of the story is described perfectly and draws you in.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I really loved all of them. Especially Takeo, Lord Shigeru and Kaede

Any additional comments?

I read these books as a child and the series was definitely among my favourites. I don't think I will ever get sick of re-listening.

Great captivating story!

Any additional comments?

This is a great story that I have read before but wanted to revisit on long car journeys. Well read and very captivating, but it is let down by the addition of inappropriate and unnecessary oriental music. At one point the climax is delayed by almost a minute of weird music and then a silence. Please get rid of this - it detracts from the listening experience.

One of the best books ever written

This book captured my heart when I read it on paper, and again now in spoken word. Hearing this story allows you to enter an entirely different world. It is a beautiful heartbreaking story and one of my favourites ever

Atnf

I loved this story. I also liked the reader because the voice was Australian. I found that strange but funny

the readers spoilt the book for me.

What did you like most about Across the Nightingale Floor?

The story & the characters are well written.

What other book might you compare Across the Nightingale Floor to, and why?

Lynn Flewelling trilogies spring to mind. Dale Furutani also writes a good tale about Japan around the same time.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Very much, I have copies of the audio by different readers and this is by far the worst.The music in-between chapters detracts from the flow of the story rather than enhances it.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, after all it is a story.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful