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 series

Would you listen to Across the Nightingale Floor again? Why?

Yes. Good narration and an excellent story.

What about Kevin Gray and Aiko Nakasone ’s performance did you like?

They brought the characters to life. I liked having a woman read the female part because it made each point of view distinctive.

Truly captivating

This book had an absolute captivating effect upon me, it actually made me wish that there would be traffic on the way home just so I could hear more. Then during the night I couldn't wait for the morning commute so that I could hear more of this great story. I was actually saddened when I finished reading this book because I didn??t want the tale to end, but this saddnes was lifted when I found out there were 2 more books in this epic tale.

Wonderfully crafted story!!!

I applaud Hearn for his ability to balance perspective, weaving from growing warrior to hardened princess and back. The story was both soft and thrilling and always put you at the heart of the character's thoughts. Pure awesomeness!

Story keeps moving

Great story with a good mix of mythology and adventure without getting lost in extraneous details.

The correct mix for men and women alike

My wife and I both enjoyed this book so much that we immediately downloaded the rest of the trilogy. This is the first Audible that we've both enjoyed enough to rate it level 5. Amazing!!!

one of my favorites

loved it. have listened to it 3 times. 20 words. 20 words. 20 words 29 words. 29 words.

Good book but a bit short for your credit

I enjoyed this book great performance and the story is good too. The only draw back is the length of the book for the credit it's too bad they couldn't have done a two fer on the first couple books. The whole series is enjoyable and luckily the last couple of books are a bit longer.

Like a good samurai flick.

A rousing tale that is not as predictable as the first few minutes may lead you to expect. Pretty well read and always exciting.

I've been waiting for a story like this

This book swept me up from the start. It is exactly what I hoped it would be. The characters are rich and the story telling kept me on edge. I looked forward to my commute to hear what was going to happen next.

Strong and beautiful traditional story

Knowing the traditions of the culture and the honor and respect, this story is ageless, and could be listen to over and over again, but subtleties