Brilliance Of The Moon - Lian Hearn (The Tales of the Otori)

The final book in the Tales of the Otori Trilogy (or not, as we shall see later!) 

The final book is full of tales of the battles fought by Takeo with his new Army.  I admit, it get tedious at times, especially sicne it lacks the flashes of brilliance from the first book in the trilogy.  Rather than being packed with wisdom and timeless quotes, the final book moves more towards trying to wrap up the story…or not.

 This is not the final book, there is an open-ended conclusion, leaving room for thr recently published The Harsh Cry of The Heron!  I must admit though, it was not the ending I was expecting, and it’s not a “live-happily-ever-after” kind of conclusion.

I must admit, it was quite a riveting trilogy; it leaves the reader wanting more, wanting desperately to know what happens next.  This anticipation is what keeps you reading late into the night, despite the fact that you have work the next day. 

Yes, it’s not perfect, at times, it’s quite annoying, but one cannot deny this trilogy was well-written, well-researched and a good read! 

Yes, it loses it’s charm when you realise the writer is from Australia, whose last name is Rubenstein! (I am yet to discover her “real name!)

In conclusion, read the trilogy, even if it is because you have an interest in reading, or in Japan or you like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.