A review by foggy_rosamund
Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn

2.0

This is a fast-paced novel set in a fantasy version of Japan. The action centres on Takeo and Kaede, who are both caught in a power struggle between two feudal lords. The tyrant Iida is thirsty for more power, and Kaede and Takeo become instrumental in stopping him. I've seen complaints that this novel gives an unrealistic portrait of Japan, but I found it refreshing to read a fantasy novel not set in fake-Medieval-Europe, and I liked the atmosphere the author captured. Though I only gave this two-stars, I did enjoy reading it. I felt that it was let down by its rapid plot, which did not give the reader room to fully understand the characters or political situation. I was also disappointed that Kaede, the main female character, does not get a lot of space in the novel, and is constantly overshadowed by Takeo, the main male character. I'm curious about whether Kaede gets more action in the later books, and this novel did leave me curious enough to seek those out.