** CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF OTORI ** FOUR MILLION COPIES SOLD. In 40 languages. One of the most thrilling series of our time. Enter the feudal world of the Otori - filled with magic, treachery and intrigue - inspired by medieval Japan and created by acclaimed Australian author, Lian Hearn. 'The best story of magic, love, sex, revenge and suspense to have come this way since Philip Pullman.' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY In the ancient lands of the Otori, in a time of war and famine, the fate of the young lovers Otori Takeo and Shirakawa Kaede hangs in the balance. Takeo, heir to the great Otori clan, has pledged his life to the secret Tribe. To follow their brutal directions and become their most deadly assassin he must deny the spiritual vows of his peaceful upbringing, his birthright of wealth, land and power - and his love for Kaede. If he turns his back on the Tribe they will kill him. Forced to take a path that leads him to extreme danger Takeo grows from boy to man. Kaede, heiress to vast lands, is now the valuable pawn of ruthless warlords. She must use her intelligence, beauty and cunning to assert her place in a world of all-powerful men - who must never suspect the dangerous secret she hides. INCLUDES an extract from BRILLIANCE OF THE MOON PLUS three chapters of EMPEROR OF THE EIGHT ISLANDS, the first novel in Lian Hearn's spellbinding new Tale of Shikanoko series. 'One of the most thrilling series of our time.' THE TIMES '... a world that is rich with character and detail, yet effortless to read' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD 'An engrossing fantasy saga of literary quality.' THE AGE 'Lian Hearn's marvellous storytelling talent ... makes reading these books a moment of pure bliss.' LE MONDE