Brilliance of the Moon by Lian Hearn (2/5 stars)

This is the third (and final) book in the Tales of the Otori by Lian Hearn. This books continues where the second book left off. Takeo and Kaede move to claim Kaede's inheritance so that Takeo has enough strength to take his rightful place as head of the Otori clan. Of course their rash actions at the end of the second book have angered a number of very powerful people and their plans are dashed by treachery a number of times over.

This book has a lot more action and violence than the previous two. For the most part though it follows in the same style as the first two books; and for people who really liked those books this one should please them.

Unfortunately there were a number of things I didn't like about it. I thought many of Takeo's and Kaede's actions were juvenile and poorly thought through. I was disappointed that Kaede lost most of her power in Takeo's presence. I was also irritated that, in general, when Kaede was allowed to make decisions she made them poorly. It was like justifying that all the male dominance at the time was there for a good reason. I was disappointed that the whole deal with the prophecy was so simple and straight-forward in a way that prophecies usually aren't. The number of people who killed themselves because "it was right" is also astounding. I understand some of this is part of the culture of feudal Japan, but still. By the end of the book I didn't really like Takeo or Kaede at all; I kind of wished they were on the losing side. Although to be fair everyone in this book was power hungry and selfish, so maybe it would have been more fitting for them all to lose.

The only bright spot in this book for me was the inclusion of storytelling from Shizuka's point of view. She is a much more interesting character than Kaede or Takeo and it was refreshing to have an interesting point of view in this book.

The other thing I find irritating is that this "trilogy" now has two more books out. The "Harsh Cry of the Heron" was released as the Last Tale of the Otori and a First Tale of the Otori has also been released. It always bothers me when an author promises a trilogy and then, when it sells well, adds onto it. It makes me think that maybe that author couldn't come up with a new world or a better story. The exception to this is The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy which sold itself as a trilogy as a joke of sorts.

Despite all my gripping the book was well-written and a good conclusion to the series. Although the hints at another book at the end of this trilogy were irritating; I suppose the people very dedicated to this series will be very happy.

Grass for His Pillow by Lian Hearn (3/5 stars)

This is the second book in the Tales of the Otori series by Lian Hearn. This book picks up where the first left off. Takeo leaves Kaede for training under the mysterious Tribe; whose supernatural abilities Takeo has inherited from his father. As his training concludes, and he is asked to take out certain missions, he must ask himself if his loyalties will lie with the Tribe or with the Otori? Kaede meanwhile is left on her own to return home and see what state her family is in. Kaede struggles to consolidate her power and claim the inheritance she was left in a world that is run by men.

This was a fitting second book for this series. It moved along at the steady, descriptive pace of the second book. Although for some reason I found myself getting bored while reading this book. The lush descriptions, while detailed, didn't bring the book to life in the way I hoped they would. I had a little trouble understanding some of the stupid decisions made by Kaede and Takeo along the way. Despite these misgivings, if you liked the first book you must read the second book. It is very much in the same style of the first book and continues the story of Kaede and Takeo. This book definitely builds to a climax preparing you for the war and conflict of the third novel.

Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn (4/5 stars)

This is the first book in the Tales of the Otori series by Lian Hearn. Originally I believe this was supposed to be a trilogy; with the addition of the Last Tale of the Otori and the First Tale of the Otori there are now 5 books that deal with the subject matter presented in this book.

This book tells the story of Takeo and Kaede. Takeo is a orphaned son of a tribe of the Hidden. After the decimation of his tribe he is found and taken into custody by the Lord of the Otori. Kaede is a young girl who has been held as a hostage at a lord’s estate for many years as assurance for her father’s cooperation. Their stories start out separately and are expertly woven in and out of each other throughout the book.

This is the second time I have read this book. The book is full of beautiful descriptions and the action scenes are fun to read. The world of the Otori is complex and dangerous, as well as full of intrigue.

While this is a well-written book I found that at times it got a little slow to read. At the end of the book there are many plotlines left unresolved. I remember being irritated with that the first time I read this book. The second time through I am just glad that I have the other books in the series on hand.

Overall this is a good book, well-written, and interesting. I am not sure how accurate it is to Japanese culture and history but some effort appears to have been made to make that as accurate as possible. I look forward to reading the second book.