Doesn't have the whirlwind pace of the previous 3 books but is certainly more emotionally charged. The first half of the book drags a bit as it sets up a whole new cast of characters. Business picks up the second act. I wouldn't recommend reading this book before reading it's predecessors. There is a lot of carry-over in the storyline.

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A while back I read the first three novels of the Otori series - Across the Nightengale Floor, Grass for His Pillow and Brilliance of the Moon. When Brilliance of the Moon ended, Takeo had won and even made peace with the prophecy that potentially spelled his doom. Harsh Cry of the Heron picks up 16 years later. Takeo and Kaede are joint rulers of the Three Countries and have three daughters (Shigeko and Maya and Miki (twins - seen as unlucky in the Three Countries)). Life is good - the Three Countries are being rebuilt from the ravages of the war, earthquake, corruption and the devastation of the warlords.

Then we begin to dive into the intrigues of the Arai's plotting to overthrow Takeo and Kaede with aid from either western inspired foreigners or the Emperor and his warlord, General Saga. Combine this with disgruntled Tribe members, confusion in their rulership and Takeo's overwhelming desire to maintain the peace in the Three Countries and that is the barest outline of the plot.

Oh there is more - involving betrayal, unexpected reunions, a kirin, ghosts and a journey to the Emperor.

Was it worth the 400 plus pages? Yes, I think so. It doesn't have the action that the first three volumes did, but I did care about the characters. Takeo's desire is understandable and truly heroic. Kaede and her reactions feel real. The daughters, Shigeko, Miki and Maya deal with the pressures of growing up under the eye (and weight) of their family and nation.

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