Across The Nightingale Floor

First in the 'Tales Of The Otori' trilogy.

In his black-walled fortress at Inuyama, the murderous warlord, Iida Sadamu, surveys his famous nightingale floor. Constructed with exquisite skill, it sings at the tread of each human foot. No assassin can cross it unheard.

But there lives one exceptional boy, in a remote mountain village high in the vast and ancient lands of the Three Countries. He has yet to discover his true identity - and the secrets that give him the power to destroy the deadly ambitions of Iida.

Brought up among the Hidden, a reclusive and spiritual people, Takeo knows only the ways of peace. But he possesses the supernatural skills of the Tribe - preternatural hearing, the ability to be in two places at once, to become invisible.

When his life is saved by the mysterious Lord Otori Shigeru, Takeo begins the journey that will lead him to his destiny within the walls of Inuyama. It is a journey of revenge and treachery, honour and loyalty, beauty and magic, and the overwhelming passion of love.

'Across The Nightingale Floor' is a powerful story, a rare work of fiction that is epic in its scope and brilliant in its imaginative vision. The mythical world of the Otori is unforgettable.

'Grass For His Pillow' and 'Brilliance Of The Moon' will complete the 'Tales Of The Otori' trilogy.