Harsh Cry of the Heron

The Last Tale of the Otori

By: Lian Hearn

Narrated by: Julia Fletcher, Henri Lubatti

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)

Realistic

I loved the first three books, and thought that the tale was over.. Well, the first three books did not achieve a couple of things that needed to be achieved. I won't say, ( so not to ruin the story ), but, just like in real life, ( no matter how well things are going ) your past catches up with you. It ties up the remaining loose ends that were left from the first three. The story was incredible. Not nearly as much action as the last three. It would not have been apropriate if it had anyway. The characters were really well written. Some do make turns, but it only adds to the realism of the characters. An absolute marvel to listen to, if you like drama! Incredibly awesome if you like Fantasy, and yes, absolutely wicked if you favor the gothic.

Otori Clan - an excellent story

When I started the first book many months ago, I was captivated and enthralled. The main characters in the book were well developed. I found myself wrapped up in the lives of these people; much like the people who watch soap operas. I cheered for the good guys , booed the bad ones and kept coming back for more and more.
The book was billed as a trilogy. I devoured all three. At the end, I wondered - what happened? There is so much more that I need to know. This can't be the end of the trilogy.
With this final book, I am content. I know how everything worked out.
The political intrigues, the status and use of the "Ninja", the introduction of the foreigners in Japan all served as excellent background for the characters to develop.
It is a 4 book trilogy, but well worth the time and expense. You will not be disappointed.

Just as Good as previous titles

The last installment in the Otori saga is just as good as the previous three. The ending of this book is very emotional and different in tone from the other books. This is one of the best books I've read this year, if not ever. If you have not read the other novels, I would highly recommend them because they are some of the best books written in recent years. Fans of all genres should like all Hearn's books.

Beautifully written

Beautifully written, same deep character development and flowing story telling as the first 3 books. I have to echo other reviews as far as how the book ended. The author almost seemed to tire of writing and wrap everything up at once. I still enjoyed it and recommend it but was a little disappointed with the end.

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.