Harsh Cry of the Heron

The Last Tale of the Otori

De: Lian Hearn

Narrado por: 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

Reseñas de la Crítica

"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.

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.