Rating: 
Summary: good story
Review: I didn't think the writing of this novel was anything extraordinary. It had a kind of wishy washy undertone that reminded me of cheesy romance novels. The story was great though. It kept me ingaged and I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
Rating:
Summary: Anxiously Awaiting Book Two
Review: It is Harry Potter with sushi instead of bubble and squeak. It is Clavell's Shogun transported to a galaxy far, far away. It is the best new work of fantasy to appear this year, sure to become a major motion picture. And, yes, it even has a web site. Thoroughly entertaining with its feudal lords, loyal retainers, ninja assassins, and snow-falling-on-cedars settings, it is written in the terse style of traditional Japanese woodblock prints, where what is left out tells as much as what is shown. You will savor this book, and you will quickly realize that it is far from the first time out for its pseudonymous author: She has clearly done this before.
Rating: 
Summary: Start of a great new series
Review: Across the Nightingale Floor is a fantastic read. Take any preconceptions you have about sword & sorcery books, or samurai-style adventures, and throw them away. This is a literate, historically based novel that appeals to readers of all ages. My wife and daughter both read it and loved it as much as I did.
Here's hoping that the author will get the second book in the series out soon -we can't wait.
Rating:
Summary: Great Read
Review: "Across the Nightingale Floor" is an original, intoxicating read. Lian Hearn is a skilled writer that has done enough research on ancient Japanese customs and systems to present an original world that mirrors that of ancient Japan's. Although there is a tiny bit of magic, which never overpowers the novel and its characters, this story reads like a historic adventure with many interesting characters and events. In fact, the customs, people, and story of this novel are very realistic and the author writes as if everything that is being told could have happened. Furthermore, since many things are based on ancient Japan, what's to say that events that are similar to the book's couldn't have happened? The book is told mostly in the first person by the young boy Takeo, though some chapters are about a different character, Kaede. The story opens up with Takeo's village being sacked and he is an orphan. Takeo is rescued by Lord Otori Shigeru and is taught many things. The Otori are one of the clans of the world that are in this book. Kaede is a young beauty that is being held hostage and is leading a sad life. As the book progresses we learn how Kaede is going to be married with Lord Otori so two houses will be allies, leaving only one for the conqueror Iida to have to fight. Will eveything go as planned? Read the book and you'll see. The novel is a treat to the imagination as it opens up new thoughts in your head. In this novel Hearn develops mostly rich characters, especially the two main characters, Takeo and Kaede. Each of these characters receive their own chapters to tell about what's going on at certain points. Since Takeo's part of the story is told as a first person narrative we experience more of a likeability for him. Through each of the character's personal feats and/ or defeats the reader will feel more for the character. Other side characters are interesting to read about as well, such as Lord Otori, Kenji, and many of the mysterious servants, such as Shizuka. One of the great aspects about this novel is the sense of wonder that you will develop. Not everything is told to you so a lot is left for you to think about and decide for yourself. The world that the story takes place in is obviously very similar to Japan, but not many minute details are described. This is one of the downfalls to the book for those readers that enjoy lush, exotic details. Another downside to the book is that some of the chapters can be quite long to readers that enjoy quick little chapters. This didn't bother me, though, as there was a lot going on in each of the chapters. Lian Hearn's writing is simple to read and flows quickly, making for a very quick read. Despite the flaws of the book this is still a fun and fast paced adventure. For fans of historical fiction, adventure, or a good read will find "Across the Nightingale Floor" a lot of fun. I am eagerly looking forward to Hearn's next novel in the "Tales of the Otori" series. Happy Reading!
Rating: 
Summary: Neither fish nor fowl
Review: The next Harry Potter, huh? Let's see: boy from ordinary circumstances survives tragic incursion of evil in which his family is killed, and he begins a journey from obscurity to some reknown. It turns out his heritage gives him special abilities which he didn't know about, but which he discovers with the help of mentors as a young teenager. He battles the evil and uhm, triumphs? Is that what this ending feels like? Well, if Hagrid had been crucified outside of a London wall, and then beheaded. If Hogwarts had been raided and Dumbledore and McGonigle had been killed. If Hermoine's abilities were cloaked skills in assassination. Yeah, then this book would be the next Harry Potter. Look, this book is interesting and pretty well written. But the first tip off is that bookstores don't know whether to put this in young adult or in adult fiction, and with good reason. It is dark and violent and left me a bit depressed at the end. Ever see the TV miniseries Shogun, where people get boiled in water alive and others commit ritual suicide? It's that world. Not to my taste. I bought the book figuring my 14 yr old (voracious reader) daughter would read it next. I still might, but I suspect she'll throw it across the room before page 15.
Rating:
Summary: Be Prepared to be Amazed!
Review: Seriously, you need to buy two copies; one to read and one to keep very, very safe because this book is the start of something big. Lian Hearn has crafted a story so artfully woven it will leave you breathless. She blends the epic scope of Tolkien, the coming of age of Harry Potter, and the heartstopping adventure of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Oh, and just for good measure there's a touch of romance. This is one of the most remarkable books I've read in a long time and to think, theres still two more coming....
Rating:
Summary: A lovely, entertaining screenplay
Review: I've now seen several mentions of this book which refer to it as "young adult" - seems accurate only in the sense that any interesting book might appeal to adults, young or old. There has also been much mention of magic and fantasy, and while the main character does develop abilities outside of the ordinary, the story relies less on magical thinking than good storytelling, a compelling setting in feudal Japan and a visually evocative writing style. It's clear through this writing style that the book is meant to translate readily to film. As the first of a trilogy, it comes to a satisfying conclusion while leaving the implications for the next installment clear - and just in case, there's a preview of book 2 at the end. This is an elegant and entertaining read, and will undoubtedly become a gorgeous film with impressive special effects.
Rating:
Summary: Enraptured
Review: This book was just amazing. I got it from the library and could not put it down until I finished it. I have always been taken by Japanese culture and a good fantasy story, and this book has all of that. I look forward to seeing how Takeo and Kaeda grow up into adults and how they can find themselves reunited once more.
Rating:
Summary: A Tale of Duty and Honour
Review: Duty and Honour are the two main themes in this book; as expected of Japanese folklore. We're introduced to a peasant boy who's realising that he's got some special gifts; such as the ability to be invisible. We're also introduced to factors that influence everyday life in feudal Japan, such as the absolute power a warlord like Sadamu possesses. Though I've said duty and honour are the two main themes, there's also Love. Although there're situations where love influences decisions, duty and honour are never abandoned or forgotten. Some parts of this tale are downright tragic, especially when regarded from a western point of view. Other parts leave you elated. Lian Hearn has a good understanding of the Japanese way of life and the tale is masterfully told. If you've ever taken an interest in Japanese feudal history, then the two major groupings of individuals are Samurai (the lords, landowners etc) and Ninjas (the Tribe). In history, the Ninjas are employed as assasins by the Samurai class against their enemies, while the Samurai keep their honour intact. All in all, this book will make you run back to the bookshops to buy the next one; which I'm halfway thru.
Rating:
Summary: Nicely-written fantasy fare
Review: Always enjoyed a good bit of escapist reading. Lian Hearn's "Across the Nightingale Floor" is a particularly stylish choice, set in a mythical representation of ancient Japan. I'll tell you a little something in advance, too: it's the best of the trilogy.
The book's story is split between its main characters, with the two points of view alternating throughout. One half is told through the eyes of the boy Tomasu, whose village is burned by the vicious warlord Iida at the start of the book, and who becomes Takeo after his rescue by the mysterious Lord Shigeru. This side of the story dominates the book, and Takeo's ambition to take revenge on Iida is probably the main force driving it towards its conclusion. Along the way Takeo must surmount challenges and learn various new things, not least to curb his sense of morality in a world of deceit and murder.
The other half of the story belongs to Kaede, a girl in a castle being held hostage by her scheming lords, who are more than ready to marry her off as a sop to political diplomacy. A few unfortunate incidents later, and Kaede too is brought into the dangerous reality of the world she must learn to live in. This plot is by far the less eventful of the two, but can be said to be more subtle in its portrayal of Kaede's powerlessness amidst the intrigues of the lords. Inevitably, the two halves of the story cross paths somewhere along the way.
Admittedly this is all fairly average stuff, and the storyline is not really the book's strongest point. Other aspects are somewhat relied upon to elevate this fantasy: one of them being the prose through which it is conveyed, which combines some excellent and evocative descriptions with a spare directness that still manages to sound as though it means business. The setting, too, is an underused one, and while Hearn takes liberties with the ancient Japanese, she never delves into the common over-romanticised cliches or (God forbid) tries to psychoanalyse them.
I have two main criticisms. The first is the general weakness and lack of presence of the villains: while Lord Iida may work best away from the action in his fortress, characters like Ando (an embittered and vengeful soldier from the start of the book) could have been given so much more to do. A second weak point is the ending: the fate of a character comes across as a halfhearted attempt to put a twist on an outcome we always knew was obvious, and the whole thing is wrapped up too quickly and neatly for my taste. Still, don't get me wrong: these complaints do not take too much away from this tale, and provided you take the book as the light read it is (rather than the sterling work some have made it out to be), it shouldn't disappoint.
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