About the Book:

In his black-walled fortress at Inuyama, the murderous warlord, Iida Sadamu, surveys his famous nightingale floor. Constructed with exquisite skill, it sings at the tread of each human foot. No assassin can cross it unheard.

Brought up in a remote mountain village among the Hidden, a reclusive and spiritual people, Takeo has learned only the ways of peace. Why, then, does he possess the deadly skills that make him so valuable to the sinister Tribe? These supernatural powers will lead him to his violent destiny within the walls of Inuyama – and to an impossible longing for a girl who can never be his. His journey is one of revenge and treachery, honor and loyalty, beauty and magic, and the passion of first love.

About the Book:  ★★★★★★

This book proved to be a real unexpected read, that is well worth the time.  Looking for something that was a break for all the textbooks I am currently having to read, as well as the reading requirements for my English Literature classes — I was looking for something that was more story, and less analysis and study.  So I picked this one up because it appeared to be as far away from the academic world as possible.  However, I wasn’t quite prepare to find another favorite book.

The Japanese culture is one that is rich, and full of fascinating nuances that provide an excellent backdrop for stories.  Their historical background gives us an interesting insight into the importance of honor, and respect that are such strong elements of this nation’s people.   Stories set in the Japanese culture provide insight into how these characteristics developed, as well as help us understand how the Samurai, and the various factions in the social structure developed, and manifested much of their influences over time.

This book also has excellent character development.  Takeo provides an interesting look into the divided nature of people — as he struggles to merge his divergent lives into one whole.  Torn between loyalties, and caught in a political power struggle, with abilities that are inherent to his biological nature, and a mental dedication to the commitments he has made, Takeo is a great look at the complexity of the human psyche.

Takeo also gives us a great look into the difficulties that people have growing up.  This is not an unusual struggle.  And when he finds himself torn between the peace loving, christian background, and the tribally torn political upheaval of the country around him — we find that coming of age is never an easy prospect.  Through Takeo we come to learn the importance of loyalty to family, dedication to friends and loved ones, and the power of first time love — all of which are important lessons that everyone has to learn in the course of life.

The book is written in alternating narration voices between Takeo, and that of Kaede — who is destined to become the love of Takeo’s life.  But they are faced with a tremendous number of barriers keeping them apart. The pending war between the Otori and other tribes, the “Tribe’s” impending claiming of Takeo as one of their own, his “Hidden” background, and the hunting down of the Hidden peoples — all of these combine for an in-depth plot, and develop into a fantastic story.

Tags: Family, Friendship, Government, Grief, Historical Fiction, Japanese Culture, Love, Romance, Suspense

Category: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Suspense/Thriller