Emperor of the Eight Islands cover art

Emperor of the Eight Islands

The Tale of Shikanoko, Books 1 & 2

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Emperor of the Eight Islands

By: Lian Hearn
Narrated by: Paul English
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About this listen

Books 1 and 2 in The Tale of Shikanoko series. The first instalment in a magnificent epic by the creator of the global phenomenon the Tales of the Otori, Lian Hearn, whose books have sold over four million copies worldwide.

An ambitious warlord leaves his nephew for dead and seizes his lands.

A stubborn father forces his younger son to surrender his wife to his older brother.

A mysterious woman seeks five fathers for her children.

A powerful priest meddles in the succession to the Lotus Throne.

These are the threads of an intricate tapestry in which the laws of destiny play out against a backdrop of wild forest, elegant court, and savage battlefield. Set in a mythical medieval Japan inhabited by warriors and assassins, ghosts and guardian spirits, Emperor of the Eight Islands by Lian Hearn is a brilliantly imagined novel, full of drama and intrigue – the beginning of an enthralling, epic adventure: The Tale of Shikanoko.

©2016 Lian Hearn Associates Pty Ltd. (P)2016 Bolinda Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Literary Fiction
All stars
Most relevant  
A magic story that doesn't bend its own rules.
A worthy companion to Lian's other books.

Magic

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This is a wonderful beginning and sets up for a great follow-up. The narrator's voice works well and provides an excellent backdrop for the scope of the tale. People who like Lian Hearn's other work will enjoy this. For those unfamiliar, think Game of Thrones set in feudal Japan. A good read.

So happy to have another great saga from this author

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I loved the story, it was very easy to listen to and visualise everything taking place. the story telling was excellent with multiple viewpoint characters.
However, this is the first in a series of 4 books and ends on a cliff hanger of sorts that leads to the next book. But the next book is not available in audible, which is frustrating as I cannot continue the story. it seems like it was once available yet has become not available.

frustrating

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