Harsh Cry of the Heron: The Last Tale of the Otori

I loved the first 3 books. This one did not come close to the quality of the others. The main protagonists I had come to care about act completely out of character. There are too many loose ends and inexplicable actions. I was completely disgusted at how Kaede was portrayed in this story (though her part has been whittled down to almost nothing). The book dragged,and I found myself getting bored through long middle sections. This was not a fitting ending for the heroes of the initial trilogy. I wish I had not read it so I could keep the memory of the original characters as they were initially written.

I loved all 4 books of the Tales of the Otori series. I have been an audible customer for 4 years and these are by far my favorite books. The narration is excellent. Hearn is able to set each scene with beautiful description without going overboard. I am sad this is the last chapter. If you have trouble keeping up with all of the characters, check Hearn's website. I do recommend that you read them in order, I think you would be lost if you did not. ENJOY!

I was rather Disappointed with this one. I listened to the authors first 3 books though it had been almost a year. Since I had forgotten some of the charactors over that period of time, it was hard to remember names as charactors entered the story. Many of their names are very similar. What really disappointed me the most was the ending. I realize that not all stories end with everyone living "Happily Ever After" I got the impression that the author must have had a tragedy in their life as they were getting ready to write the ending of the book, and decided to share their depression.

I am a fan of this set of 4 Tales of the Otori books. The first 3 had excellent narriators and I was very dissapointed to see that they did not complete the fourth and last book of this excellent series. Because of the narriators, I had difficulty keeping focused on the book. But, as always, once I was able to focus on the story, it was a supurb ending to the series. If you listened to the first 3 and loved them, I would recommend reading the last book as to not ruin the characters for yourself.
I would have given this audible 5 stars, but the narriators were horrible. I couldnt bring myself to give this audible less than 4 stars however, as the story is very well written and complete.

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.

I enjoyed the readers in this one, though I did not think they were as strong as those who previously handled the series.

Hearn once again shows an ability to create a wonderful setting and story premise. However, she once again shows an inability to conclude a plot line consistently with either the characters or the plot lines she has developed. There are many equally fine places for a story to end and Hearn chose one of them. She just did not get us there in a way that was true to the characters (one in particular) or a logical plot line. I am reluctant to use more detail for fear of spoiling the story.

I really enjoyed the first 3 Tales of the Otori from the characters, their circumstances, and how they dealt with them. I grew to love the characters and I was left satisfied with the ending never dreaming there would be a fourth book. Imagine my surprise and elation when I discovered 'Harsh Cry of the Heron."

As the title suggests, the book is not a cheery one. In fact I'll go so far as to say it's thoroughly depressing from beginning to end. There are a few shining moments, but the ending completely negates them. I found myself trying to rationalize the story as it unfolded. The story of Camelot and Shakespeare's tragedies came to mind. However the ending seemed to contrived, too artificial, the character's actions too unreal as if the author had an end in mind, but no clear path to reach it.

As for the narrators, I didn't find them disagreeable.

If you enjoyed the first three Tales, my advice is to steer clear of this one.

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.

I really enjoyed the first 3 books and this one was not in the same mold. It starts very slow gets better for a while and the ending is a bust. Save yourself the trouble.

I listened to the other three books in a row and absolutely fell in love with the setting, the characters, and the narrators. When I saw there was a 4th book (much to my surprise) I was thrilled, but disappointed that the original narrators would not be returning. I bought it anyway and I can't say I was at all disappointed. Although the new narrators aren't quite as good as the one before them, they still bring the story to life and I didn't ever think that they weren't doing the words justice.

As well as following the story of Takeo and Kaede, a vibrant new cast of characters are introduced. I was enchanted from start to finish, and I believe any fan of the series will love this latest volume. I do hope it's not the end, but if that is to be, the ending her is heartwrenching and beautiful.