Excellent book. Beautifully written and very well narrated. Although the Japan depicted was imaginary, Lian Hearn did a very good job of adhering to the ancient Japanese way of life, the hierarchical structure of their society, etc. So the environment he created felt real. Because the book is abridged you will miss some details, particularly it seems in Takeo’s training, but those omissions did not take away from the excellent story line. I cannot wait to receive the next book in the series, which is unabridged.

Great story and great narrators. I would be interested to hear the unabridged version but the abridged version was wonderful. Often, abridged books seem thin but I really enjoyed this one. I look forward to more books by this author.

I don't usually rent abridged versions of books but this one was excellent. The story grabbed my attention from the beginning and made me want more. I am facinated by Takeo's fight to stay alive when so many are trying to kill or control him. I cheered Kaede's struggle to claim her freedom and independence as a woman. Their love is very powerful and engaging I hope they get some long years together. Can't wait to listen to book two.

This isn't the typical book I would go for, but I ended up looking forward to my commutes so that I could continue listening to it. If you compare it to calligraphy, it makes sense... a quick glance just shows some simple lines of ink on a page, but there is more to it. Written in simple and straightforward language, it was clear and direct, and built on the shoulders of Japanese samurai fancy.

I got this book in the mail not even remembering I had ordered it. What a great surprise. Action, adventure, romance, mysticism, it's got it all. For me the reader can make or break the book. The woman reader was annoying the man reader was good.