Across the Nightingale Floor: Tales of the Otori, Volume I

Great book, Good story. Well developed descriptions. Really enjoyed this book and it's sequals.

Not in several years have I read a book this good, and I have read most fantasy-type books out there. To tell you the truth, I have read so many books that are trash that I have grown used to, perhaps even expecting, poor quality when I read a fantasy novel. Pure drivel like Robert Newcomb's "The Fifth Sorceress" or Terry Goodkind's "The Naked Empire" are popping up like weeds these days. But amidst the piles and piles of rubble, sometimes you find that rose of exceptional beauty. And "Across the Nightingale Floor" is that rose. It's vastly different than the usual run-of-the-mill fantasy novels, unique even. The setting of the book takes place in a mythical Japanese-like society, though it's not a direct allusion to actual history, and it features a smattering of magic. It's a coming of age story, but not in the usual Robert Jordan type of way. Perhaps the best way to describe it is as a recipe: Take the majestic backdrop of "Shogun", mix it with the cool assassin factor of Stoover's brilliant "Hero's Die", imbue it with the oriental mysticism of Eric Lustbader's "Ninja", then toss in a fabulous plot, superlative characterization, a good dose of pathos, a chunk of romance and you have what I consider to be one of the best books, ever.If you have read "A Song of Fire of Ice" fifteen times, spun through the "Wheel of Time" more times than Nynaeve pulls her braid, consumed every Hobb novel, then give this book a shot; it won't disappoint.It's a sweeping epic of love, betrayal, loyalty, magic, and a high quest for revenge, and so damn fine a read you will want to lick the cover when you're done. I HIGHLY recommend you check this book out.

Across The Nightingale Floor is a young-adult crossover novel with some fantasy, but the supernatural is used with a VERY deft & sparing hand.A young man (Takeo) whose entire village is wiped out by feudal warlord finds out that there is more to his parentage, and his talents, than he could have guessed. The writing is lush, the story set in feudal Japan, and the characters are both charming & believable. Best of all, it doesn't fall into the common trap of "historical non-Western people behaving just like 21st century Western characters." Takeo has a strong sense of honor and obligation that makes you admire him even when he's making hasty or frighteningly selfless decisions. There is a very strong sense of both place and time, and beauty in the middle of horror and violence. The action doesn't stop in this book; it will completely draw you in. As I said, I'm in love.This is not a story for very young children, as it contains many scenes of violent death, descriptions of torture, and also a couple of very tastefully done sex scenes. Nothing is superfluous or sensationalistic, but the reader is not shielded from the realities of feudal life and war. Although this book is the first in a series, it ends satisfyingly enough. I believe that with the quality of both writing and storytelling, this book & its sequels will become young-adult favorites, like The Earthsea books or His Dark Materials.

Unusually for a book with so many characters, several with strange-sounding names, Across The Nightingale Floor is remarkably easy to follow. The main narrative is rich and eventful and I for one was attracted by the incident and intrigue that was delivered early on in the opening few pages. The setting is authentic and beautiful, familiar in many ways, yet new and mysterious in others. It's a fascinating landscape and the story quite riveting. It's genuinely very difficult to put down once you've started it. The writing is exceptional, with very few words out of place. Smooth and easy to read, the author's style is generous enough to paint the characters and scenery very well, yet clipped enough to keep the plot moving along at a steady pace. Importantly, there are no slow patches!The book does not flinch from adult content and is certainly a mature read. It appears pitched at an adult and young adult audience simultaneously. There are numerous deaths - several beheadings, torture, cruelty and other violence. All, however, are within context and not out of place. The strong story, appealing characters and Japanesesque setting combine incredibly strongly within Across The Nightingale Floor to produce a highly readable book that should appeal to many different-aged readers.