Lian Hearn's Tales of the Otori series is a beautiful and lyrical YA historical fantasy set in Japan during its years as a feudal system. The series has also expanded into a sequel series, Children of the Otori, and has sold millions of copies.
Told in a first-person narrative, the books follow the life of a young warrior named Takeo, spanning about 40 years of Japanese history. Takeo's main goal is to avenge his biological father, and along his journey, he frees himself from his adoptive father, falls in love and comes face to face with dangerous clan lords.
The books contain scenes of battle, blood and death, so we recommend them for readers aged 13+. For more mature fantasy series, do read our blog on the Best Magical and Fantasy Series for 13 and 14 year olds.
All the Tales of the Otori books in order:
Prequel: Heaven's Net is Wide (2002)
Book 1: Across the Nightingale Floor (2002)
Book 2: Grass for his Pillow (2003)
Book 3: Brilliance of the Moon (2004)
Book 4: The Harsh Cry of the Heron (2006)
Book 5: Orphan Warriors (2020)
Book 6: Sibling Assasin (2020)