In the third volume of the phenomenal series that began with the best-selling ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR & then GRASS FOR HIS PILLOW the teenage lovers Takeo & Kaede are now married. But their destinies are determined by forces beyond their control. Takeo leads an army into battle & Kaede far from his protection is treacherously betrayed. Their love will survive until death -- which in the savage beautiful world of the Otori is only ever a lightning sword-stroke away. ' Lian Hearn is creating an imaginary world every bit as absorbing as Middle Earth & Hogwarts.. . This is the same mysterious oriental landscape that beguiled Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon audiences' Guardian ' Quite simply the best story of magic love sex revenge & suspense since Philip Pullman.' Independent on Sunday