After reading the first four books-- Across the Nightingale Floor, Grass for His Pillow, and Brilliance of the Moon, Harsh Cry of the Heron (which, truth must be told, I don't know if I could read again... I got too angry at the end... Stupid Kaede!)-- I fell in love with the world and the characters. Heaven's Net is Wide is a MOST welcome expansion upon the character and story of Shigeru. He had been somewhat of an enigma in the first book- we never quite knew what he was thinking- but HNiW explains his personality and actions beautifully.

The fact that I can't reread Harsh Cry of the Heron because it is literally too painful speaks volumes for the author's abilities, and Heaven's Net is Wide definitely showcases those abilities as well. Both books made me feel for the characters so acutely it translated into real physical anguish. I knew, from reading the other four Tales of the Otori books, what would ultimately occur, and in Heaven's Net is Wide, I could see the characters make the decisions that would put them on the path to that end, and it nearly killed me. I actually found myself yelling at the book a couple times, as ridiculous as that sounds.

In all, a very well executed return to the beginning of the events in the Tales of the Otori series. Most definitely recommended.

This is the prequel to the Tales of the Otori series although it was written last. As are all the books in the series, this novel is well written and rivetting as are the others.

This book is up there with the many great books I've read - and I've read a few. Of course it's all down to opinion and taste but I found this book magnificently written - so well written I can't describe it with the acclaim it deserves. It is a HIGHLY, HIGHLY underatted book.

As I had read the first two books in the Tales Of the Otori Trilogy, when the prequel came out I decided to read the series from the start (From the prequel to the trilogy to the sequel). This proved to be a good decision as I (and I know this is very cliched) just couldn't put the book down! Because I had read the first couple of books and knew the characters - or for that matter of past characters that died before book one, to be able to read of things discussed in the trilogy actually happening before my eyes (because that's how well it is written) was an absolute treat.

But what I marvelled at most, was how well Hearn planned out the series. I just could not believe that events fell into place so well at exactly the right time, in exactly the right places.

Hearn creates a world where there are animals you'd find in from Europe to Asia to the Americas. There is talk of creatures like Goblins and Demons aswell as Spirits and Gods of various elements all set in feudal, mythical Japan with a magnificent touch of ancient history - of warlords and clans, of religions and beliefs, and of the struggle the women had and the dominance of the men.

Yet it is written and described quite subtly so that the loyalist of fantasy fans will enjoy it alongside the firm general fiction readers.

I suggest you read the trilogy and also if you want, the sequel first, so you can get the sense of appreciation for Lian Hearn's work and get an even more amazing read out of such and underated tale.

I believe this book alogside the trilogy and sequel, although it has some sex scenes, would be suitable for boys and girls, men and women alike above the age of 12.

Lian Hearn has created a world. It resembles Japan in the 16th century, but with added imaginary elements. The writing is exquisite - elegant, precise, rich and evocative. Once you start reading the Tales of the Otori you don't want to quit.

The ability to project yourself into a different personality set in a different culture and period, and do it convincingly and movingly - that is the mark of a very good writer indeed!

The prequel is not my favorite of the Otori series. Because of the amount of information that comes to light in the rest of the series the author felt like all the characters needed fleshing out. This "fleshing out" of characters makes the middle of this book very convoluted with an unnecessary amount of characters. The author finally comes around to giving the reader what they really want towards the last third of the book. I liked it but it didn't hook me the way the first two books did. This prequel is like the end of the series that takes itself too seriously and assumes we are all enthralled with minute details that don't carry the story line anywhere useful.

For all of you who stumble upon this website, START HERE. I read Across The Nightengale Floor about 2 years ago, and then finished the series. I ran across this book by accident and purchased it right away. I just finished it and It has been a challenge to remember names and events from the original Nightengale book. I think I will go back and read the original trilogy again before I read the last book.
It is quite frankly some of the best writing you will find. The characters are so vivid you half expect them to step into your room while you are reading about them. The portrait painted of Japan is breathtaking. I wish I could of seen the Japan of yester year, it sounds incredible. Bottom line is READ,READ,READ these books, I promise you won't be disappointed.

Lian Hearn has done the impossible: Recreated the beginning of an already existing series on the Japanese Otori Clan. The result is to deeply establish the reader's ownership of their history and investment in the characters. While this thick book appeared daunting, it was a quick read. The author combines great story telling with lovely descriptions of nature that are tranquilizing.