Tales of the Otori Series

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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)

Book 1
Book 1

Grass For His Pillow

The second book in the Tales of the Otori trilogy continues the epic story of Otori Takeo and Shirakawa Kaede, the young... MoreGrass For His Pillow

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Book 2
Book 2

Brilliance of the Moon

In the third volume of the phenomenal series that began with the best-selling ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR and then GRAS... MoreBrilliance of the Moon

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Book 3
Book 3

Across the Nightingale Floor

In his palace at Inuyama, Lord Iida Sadamu, warlord of the Tohan clan, surveys his famous nightingale floor. Its surface... MoreAcross the Nightingale Floor

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Book 4
Book 4

The Harsh Cry of the Heron

`Their realm is held in balance by their union . . . Break that union and the Three Countries will fall apart.' Otori Ta... MoreThe Harsh Cry of the Heron

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Book 5
Book 5

Heaven's Net is Wide

The Middle Country, home of the Otori clan is ruled by a benign but weak leader while in the East, the warrior-like Toha... MoreHeaven's Net is Wide

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