Across the Nightingale Floor

Tales of the Otori, Book One

By: Lian Hearn

Narrated by: Kevin Gray, Aiko Nakasone

Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

A tour-de-force novel set in ancient Japan filled with passion, fantasy, and feuding warlords. The first volume in the highly anticipated Tales of the Otori trilogy.

Sixteen-year-old Takeo's village has been massacred by an evil warlord, and he is about to be slain by the men who murdered his parents and neighbors. At the last moment, his life is saved by a nobleman, who claims the boy as his kin and begins his education.

But nothing is as it seems. Takeo discovers that he has rare powers that are useful to those around him. As he grows into manhood, he must decide where his loyalties lie: with his noble master and adoptive father; with the Hidden, a secret, spiritual sect whose beliefs are forbidden; or with the Tribe, the assassins and spies who consider him one of their own.

A story of treachery, political intrigue, and the intensity of first love, set in a world ruled by formal ritual and codes of honor, Across the Nighingale Floor crosses genres, generations, and genders to captivate fans of all ages.

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

©2002 Lian Hearn (P)2003 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"The novel fills a unique niche that is at once period piece and fantasy novel." (Amazon.com)

Great Book

This was a great listen! The narrators are superb in capturing the characterics of each person so you feel you know them. After listening to this I got the 2nd and 3rd books together. If you know of a better trilogy, let me know!

Different and Intriguing

Any additional comments?

This is a Fantasy story based in feudal Japan. It is the best fantasy book I've read that has taken place in an Asian fantasy world. The story felt refreshingly different from the fantasy books I've been reading over the last few months. The dialogue was realistic, with little witty banter (I'm starting to get tired of every fantasy book having the main characters engage in witty banter, as with anything good, one can have too much of it).

The story focuses heavily on honor and other Japanese ideals, and in a way that fits what I know to be correct according to Japanese social customs and values.

The characters are fairly well flushed out, with the exception of the villains.

I recommend this book to fans of Fantasy.

Story line of a

The action-adventure thriller of a Clancy. The triangle love in a feudal setting of Camellot. The youthful tragic passion and romance of "Romeo et Julliet". Substance in the story line of a "Star Wars". This book has it all. It will be one of the great books of our time.

Something for everyone

I would have given all stars for narration if the female voice would have spoken at normal speed.
I listened to this series when they first became available with Audible. I loved these stories and the vivid descriptions of feudal times in Japan.

Good book.

It was good splitting male/female narrators. Male narrator was excellent, female pretty good. Great story, setting and characters. Due to being short in length, I'll probably read the next volumes but I am interested in continuing.

Totally immersing

I never tire of Ms Hearn's talent. I have the set on both audio and hardcover. Impossible to resist listening again and again! The delivery of the readers is flawless. Their portrayal of the characters
keep you involved. Highly recommend!

Wonderfully subtle

Would you consider the audio edition of Across the Nightingale Floor to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but I think the audio version, with the alternating voices giving a very distinct viewpoint change, makes it easy to keep track of all the interweaving issues of family and clan. If I read the book (and I do love to hold a book in my hands) I will probably use my memory of these two voices to do the same.

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

It's rather obvious, but I'd compare it to Shogun. Although more to the mini-series version, which moves forward at a faster pace. The induction of the unknowing outsider into the rigid structure of the high class and society where honor is supposed to be everything but isn't. I worry for Takeo in the sequels, hoping that he wins, but afraid that to do so means he will have to compromise his own honor.

What does Kevin Gray and Aiko Nakasone bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrators are perfect for their roles. Kevin Gray sounds like Takeo grew up in the hinter-lands without contact with the society he's about to enter. He knows the forms and gestures, but he's never really had to use them. Luckily, he learns quickly. Mostly. Aiko Nakasone, on the other hand, brings us a "well-brought-up" and obedient young Lady who has seen her society's "honor code" as the fraud it is. The other characters are created with subtle shadings of voice and tone. Conversations are nearly always clear as to who is speaking and I can also tell (mostly) who's on which side of the honor issue. There are a few fuzzy people, but Takeo and Keadearen't sure of them either.

A must read

What made the experience of listening to Across the Nightingale Floor the most enjoyable?

I could not stop listening to this story until it ended, but after that I had to get book 2.

Great

Would you consider the audio edition of Across the Nightingale Floor to be better than the print version?

I would say so.The two narrators do an amazing job of bringing the characters to life. It made the conflicts faced by the male and female leads more engaging than in the print version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Takeyo. I can really relate to this character.

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

The death of Shigeru Otori

over all, great!

dreaded listening to the female narrator, she didn't have any great skill, and read it like she was only concentrating on perfect pronunciation. (she did ok once she got into the story and seemed to forget what she was doing)