About the Author

Lian Hearn's beloved Tales of the Otori series, set in an imagined feudal Japan, has sold more than four million copies worldwide and has been translated into nearly forty languages. It is comprised of five volumes: ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR, GRASS FOR HIS PILLOW, BRILLIANCE OF THE MOON, THE HARSH CRY OF THE HERON and HEAVEN'S NET IS WIDE. The series was followed by two standalone novels, BLOSSOMS AND SHADOWS and THE STORYTELLER AND HIS THREE DAUGHTERS, also set in Japan. EMPEROR OF THE EIGHT ISLANDS is Books 1 and 2 in The Tale of Shikanoko and is followed by LORD OF THE DARKWOOD (Books 3 and 4). Lian has made many trips to Japan and has studied Japanese. She read Modern Languages at Oxford and worked as an editor and film critic in England before emigrating to Australia. For the latest news from Lian, visit lianhearn.com, follow Lian on Twitter @LianHearn, or join the readers who have become Lian's friend on Facebook.

Reviews

One of the most thrilling series of our time. - The Times on TALES OF THE OTORI The best story of magic, love, sex, revenge and suspense since Philip Pullman. - Independent On Sunday on TALES OF THE OTORI A classic in the making. - Sydney Morning Herald on GRASS FOR HIS PILLOW An engrossing fantasy saga of literary quality. - The Age on TALES OF THE OTORI An enthralling and original work of fantasy. - The Times on TALES OF THE OTORI Lian Hearn's marvellous storytelling talent makes reading these books a moment of pure bliss. - Le Monde on TALES OF THE OTORI A tour de force of pure storytelling. - Sydney Morning Herald on THE HARSH CRY OF THE HERON Rich with character and detail, yet effortless to read. - Sydney Morning Herald on HEAVEN'S NET IS WIDE