Lian Hearn, The Harsh Cry of the Heron

The Harsh Cry of the Heron

Lian Hearn

Riverhead, September 2006, $26.95

ISBN: 1594489238

Over fourteen years have passed since Otori Takeo defeated his enemies and united the Three Countries. Prosperity and harmony are everywhere, but underneath the surface calm, Takeo's foes rage, as they treacherously plan to avenge their previous defeat. Kikuta Akio and his assassin, followers of the Tribe, want a return to their notorious past that Takeo stopped; his brother-in-law Lord Zenko wants to usurp power; the Emperor wants to end Takeo's independence by dispatching deadly warlord Saga to do whatever it takes; and finally, the seer prophesizes that his unrecognized illegitimate son will one day kill him.

Akio raises Takeo's teenage son Hisao by training the lad to hate his father. Takeo has never told his beloved wife Kaede that he has one more offspring from a previous relationship; instead they raise their daughters in love, with Shigeko being his acknowledged heir. To reconcile with the emperor, keep his family safe, and to insure Shigeko inherits his legacy and rule, he offers to Saga his daughter in marriage, as he knows the forces of military, assassins, and magical destiny will soon converge on him.

The forth Otori tale is a terrific historical Feudal Japan thriller with some fantasy elements. The storyline is fast-paced and filled with action. However, it is the cast that makes the tale, and the full saga is one of the best of the decade, as the audience obtains a taste of political maneuvering to survive. Readers will want to read the quartet, but also know that THE HARSH CRY OF THE HERON can stand alone, a tribute to Lian Hearn's talent.