Heaven's Net Is Wide
The new beginning – and the grand finale – to the beloved Tales of the Otori series.
Heaven's Net Is Wide is the new first volume of the now complete Tales of the Otori – prequel to Across the Nightingale Floor,
the book that first introduced Hearn's mythical, medieval Japanese
world. This is the story of Lord Otori Shigeru – who has presided over
the entire series as a sort of spiritual warrior-godfather – the man who
saved Takeo and raised him as his own and heir to the Otori clan. This
sweeping novel expands on what has been only hinted at before:
Shigeru's training in the ways of the warrior and feudal lord, his
relationship with the Tribe of mysteriously powerful assassins, the
battles that tested his skills and talents, and his fateful meeting
with Lady Maruyama.
Heaven's Net Is Wide is an epic tale of warfare, loyalty, love, and heartbreak. This book leaves off where Across the Nightingale Floor begins, finally bringing the Otori series full circle. And while it
both completes and introduces the Tales of the Otori, it also stands on
its own as a satisfying, dramatic novel of feudal Japan.
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Lian Hearn
Lian Hearn's real name is Gillian Rubinstein (born 1942 in England). Rubinstein studied modern languages at Oxford University and worked as a film critic and arts editor in London before settling in Australia. A lifelong interest in Japan led to the study of the Japanese language, many trips to Japan, and culminated in the Tales of the Otori series.
Tales of the Otori
Tales of the Otori consists of four primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
