Lord of the Darkwood

The second and final instalment of The Tale of Shikanoko: a bold epic of a fantastical medieval Japan from the creator of the global phenomenon Tales of the Otori, Lian Hearn, whose books have sold over four million copies worldwide. FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR Against a background of wild forest, elegant castles, hidden temples and savage battlefields, in this second instalment of `The Tale of Shikanoko’ the adventure that began with Emperor of the Eight Islands draws to its thrilling conclusion. The rightful emperor is lost. Shikanoko is condemned to live, half man and half deer, an outlaw in the Darkwood. Yet the mighty lords who now rule the Eight Islands are prey to suspicion and illness, and drought and famine choke the realm. Only Shikanoko can bring healing by restoring the preordained ruler to the Lotus Throne, and only one person can bring him back from the Darkwood . . . `Magic and romance, intrigue and violence are all skilfully woven into Hearn’s epic, and deservedly popular, brand of fantasy.’ Sydney Morning Herald `So richly imagined . . . There’s a tension there between world and emotion, a safe and fruitful space. In that space, maybe, is where wonder and play and fun are created.’ Kelly Luce, Electric Literature `Controlled and worthwhile magic realism . . . Hugely entertaining.’ Max Porter, London Magazine Against a background of wild forest, elegant castles, hidden temples and savage battlefields, the adventure that began with Emperor of the Eight Islands draws to its thrilling conclusion, in Lian Hearn's Lord of the Darkwood.The rightful emperor is lost. Shikanoko is condemned to live, half-man and half-deer, an outlaw in the Darkwood. Yet the mighty lords who now rule the Eight Islands are prey to suspicion and illness, and drought and famine choke the realm. Only Shikanoko can bring healing, by restoring the preordained ruler to the Lotus Throne. And only one person can bring him back from the Darkwood . . .