Brilliance of the Moon: Tales of the Otori, Book Three

I have loved this three book epic for several years, and decided to revisit it through this audio addition. The story is told through the voices of two characters, one a man, one a woman. The author, Lian Hearn, has created a world with an amazing depth of imagination that rivals Middle Earth in terms of beauty, stark reality, and excitement. The Ninja-like skills of the male hero are not overdone at all, but add great interest.It takes place in an invented Japanese-like medieval land. The breadth of the story is magnificent and I consider it to be second only to Lord of the Rings. I am puzzled why Peter Jackson or equivalent movie maker has not yet taken this on, although it would take considerable skill to do it well, and in today's market they would probably make 6,7, or 8 movies out of what has been created as three.The audio addition is a great way to enter this story, because the voices chosen to tell the story are so good, so appropriate; but I also still love reading the books, which I have done at least three times. Suggestion. Skip the follow-up book; it does not live up to the main three. If you areenjoy fantasy novels, tails of warriors, a magnificent love story, or just amazingly good writing, I highly highly recommend Tales of the Otori.

Rating System:1 star = abysmal; some books deserve to be forgotten2 star = poor; a total waste of time3 star = good; worth the effort4 star = very good; what writing should be5 star = fantastic; must own it and share it with othersSTORY: The continuing adventures of Takeo and Kaede as they try to connect with each other at a time when the Tribe is trying to assassinate Takeo, Akida is trying to take over all the known kingdoms and the Otori lords have sent the clan armies to hunt and kill Takeo.MY FEEDBACK:1) First off, this was a fairly satisfactory ending to an epic storyline. It didn't have the same level of mystic elements as the first book nor the rising action of the 2nd, but it resolved all the necessary characters and sub-plots well2) I agree some of the other reviews that the author had an opportunity to exploit some battle scenes but decided in skirting the issue. The author decided to quickly resolve the battles instead of taking the reader through the mayhem and chaos of such events. A missed opportunity in my opinion3) The emotional bonds between the characters are believable and connecting with the reader4) I've read a lot of fantasy and whenever "prophecy" is introduced into the story it MAY add to the mystic elements or detract from the story by giving things away too early. I believe this happened here in that some opportunities to increase the suspense of a scene was lost due to me as the reader already knowing that Takeo should win based on the prophecyOVERALL: It still flows with the same feel as the previous two books. It was a must read to know how the story ends and made me feel like so much has happened since the first book that I'll soon need to go back and start the trilogy all over again.

I found this book to be a worthy addition to the series, following the intrigue and developments in the clans of 'Japan.' The writing is clear if a little poetic, at times, and the pace holds the attention well without feeling like an action movie.I would like to note that some reviews of the series mention that it clearly isn't Japan and that the series is insulting to Japanese history. My edition clearly states that this is not a historical novel; rather, it is inspired by Japanese culture and history without actually being part of it. I say that's clear enough for me, and that I welcome semi-historical fantasies based in Eastern traditions. Not every fantasy-fiction story has to take place in pseudo-Western Europe.

I found that this last book in the trilogy of books "The Tales of the Otori" satisfying because it brought to conclusion all of the story lines that threaded their way through the prior two books. It culminates the story line with hard lessons learned, some heavy personal losses, and the final attainment of the goals that had been sought through out the prior two books. I was sorry that the saga had ended, and wished that there was yet another book in the series depicting the very strong characters continuation of their lives.

I liked the book for what it was. Entertainment, period. It is not a historical novel, nor does it try. I like the picture it presents and I like it because it is not real. The book is a little slow in places, but I still purchased the next book in the series and the prequel also. If you want a factual history book, look elsewhere. If you want a story to entertain you, this series has done the trick for me. The first book "Across the Nightingale Floor" Across the Nightingale Floor (Tales of the Otori, Book 1)  was the most entertaining, but I found the entire series has something to offer as well.

The Tales of the Otori series are all excellent listening for long car trips - I found myself sitting in the car until the chapter finished even after a long trip, and that is saying something.Set in a fantasy realm that bears a LOT of similarities to Tokugawa era Japan.Wishing someone would make an assassin's creed style game set in the world described in these books, that would be spectacularly fun and beautiful.

Not unlike the sword yielded by Takeo, Kato (The Snake) the story is sharp and wonderfully surprising in it's twists and turns as well as it's beautifully descriptive setting of mood and scene at every turn. Truly the tale is engrossing in it's scope and depth.

When a fantasy author curses a character with a prophecy I get the overwhelming urge to put the book down and flee. Here it's used better than most I've read. A good book, the culture and place are well handled and there is an incredible sense of the minutiae of Japanese feudal society.Makes me feel sad to have to go back to European fantasy books.

I discovered the Otori series by sheer fluke - having picked up the 1st one in a charity shop. I've had all the others on Kindle. This 3rd book continues what is an absorbing and exciting saga - sort of in the vein of "Shogun". I have raced through and will order Book 1 on Kindle so that I can enjoy this saga in its completeness over and over again. Brilliant.

After the slightly turgid 2nd book things get a lot more exciting and ac5ion packed. It is a real return to form for the series as the young heroes of the previous books fight all the powers that oppose them. Pretty much start to fnish actiom adventure and intrigue

I found the otori trilogy when I was travelling and have read them all many times at this point. It always seems to be a book I return to every few years. Great writing and a brilliant story. It should be a movie!

I have read the whole series and it is epic .