FOUR MILLION COPIES SOLD. In 40 languages. One of the most thrilling series of our time. In this magnificent new epic, destined to become a modern classic, bestselling Australian author Lian Hearn transports us to a mythical Japanese world set 300 years before TALES OF THE OTORI. Like George R. R. Martin, Lian Hearn has captivated millions of readers worldwide with her masterpiece of imagination, TALES OF THE OTORI. Now, against a dazzling canvas of wild forest, elegant court and savage battlefield, she brilliantly brings to life the world that existed 300 years earlier. Hearn weaves an intricate tapestry - seething with intrigue, adventure and love - of two rival clans struggling over who will be crowned Emperor of the Eight Islands, in a medieval Japanese country inhabited by warriors, assassins, ghosts and guardian spirits. And as the laws of destiny play out their inexorable drama, so the battle for the Lotus Throne begins. Coming soon LORD OF THE DARKWOOD: Books 3 & 4 in THE TALE OF SHIKANOKO. Praise for TALES OF THE OTORI: 'One of the most thrilling series of our time.' THE TIMES 'The best story of magic, love, sex, revenge and suspense since Philip Pullman.' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY 'A classic in the making. A tour de force of pure storytelling. Rich with character and detail, yet effortless to read.' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD 'An engrossing fantasy saga of literary quality.' THE AGE Don't miss any of the novels in the OTORI saga ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR GRASS FOR HIS PILLOW BRILLIANCE OF THE MOON THE HARSH CRY OF THE HERON HEAVEN'S NET IS WIDE