Emperor of the Eight Islands (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780374536312)

In the opening pages of the action-packed Book One of Lian Hearn's epic Tale of Shikanoko series, a future lord is dispossessed of his birthright by a scheming uncle, a mountain sorcerer imbues a mask with the spirit of a great stag for a lost young man, a stubborn father forces his son to give up his wife to his older brother, and a powerful priest meddles in the succession to the Lotus Throne, the child who is the rightful heir to the emperor barely escaping the capital in the arms of his sister. And that is just the beginning.

As destiny weaves its rich tapestry, a compelling drama plays out against a background of wild forests, elegant castles, hidden temples, and savage battlefields. This is the medieval Japan of Lian Hearn's imagination, where animal spirits clash with warriors and children navigate a landscape as serene as it is deadly.

The Tale of Shikanoko
Book One: Emperor of the Eight Islands
Book Two: Autumn Princess, Dragon Child
Book Three: Lord of the Darkwood
Book Four: The Tengu's Game of Go

Author: Lian Hearn
ISBN-10: 0374536317
ISBN-13: 9780374536312
Publisher: Farrar, Strauss & Giroux-3pl
Language: English
Published: 04/26/2016
Pages: 272
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.40lbs
Size: 7.40h x 5.00w x 0.70d

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2016
Booklist 03/15/2016 pg. 31
Publishers Weekly 05/16/2016