The Harsh Cry of the Heron: The Last Tale of the Otori


Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
26
Narrator
1
Release Date
September 2006
Duration
20 hours 3 minutes
Summary
An epic fantasy set in a mythical, medieval Japan, Lian Hearn's Tales of the Otori series has crossed genres, generations, and genders. Grand and complex in its themes, elegantly written, each book in the original trilogy has become a worldwide bestseller. The surprise fourth installment (and real conclusion), The Harsh Cry of the Heron achieves new heights of drama and action.

Sixteen years of peace and prosperity have passed since Lord Otori Takeo united the Three Countries. Takeo and his beloved consort Kaede have three daughters and a happy family life. Their success has attracted the attention of the distant Emperor and his general, the warlord Saga Hideki, who covet the wealth of the Countries. Meanwhile, the violent acts and betrayals of the past will not lie buried, and other secrets will not stay hidden. Everything that Takeo and Kaede have achieved is threatened.

In full ninja versus samurai fashion, Hearn delivers a kinetic, heartbreaking, and uplifting resolution to a thoroughly gripping saga.
Reviews
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Obi O.

Omg, I started growing concerned halfway through this fourth book as to how I would cope on its completion. As I suspected, I am lost. Over the course of the four books, I had come to know and love the characters. I laughed, cried, cheered and chastised. I truly loved the series. The author gave me great pleasure. Thank you Lian Hearn. I am sad that it all came to an end. Nothing wrong with either narrators, I just would have preferred if the ones from the first three had completed the fourth.

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Anonymous

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the Tales of the Otori and this one is no exception. I thought the narration was also wonderful. I kept thinking up excuses to run errands so I could be in my car listening. I can't wait to listen to the "pre-quel".

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Carol Meissner

OK, so I am a sucker for books that are intricate and intelligently written. This particular selection had both qualities - up until the 16th disc when it seems the author just ran out of steam. How annoying. The readers for these discs were excellent, calm and no extra intonations. The story memorable. A mixture of historical fiction with mythical qualities. Sigh. Great female leads except for the miserable ending disc. Such a waste...

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Jo Lindsey

I truly enjoyed this series. I enjoyed how it wove history with fantasy. I would have chosen a different end for some of the characters but it is rare for an author to take you to the end of a character's long life. I could have wished for a little more happiness at the end but most epics are short on happiness. I would happily read more books by this author.

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Christopher Weakley

The fourth and final book of the Otori Cycle that covers Takeo Otori and his wife was decent. I have enjoyed the story, but I think the author pushes to wrap it up too much. I think that he takes some liberties with the characters to bring about an ending. While some of it is fine, other parts seem hurried and contrived. All in all, I really enjoyed the series and even this story had some enough in it to make it interesting and a fun listen that made me want to sit in my car in the driveway.

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