The Harsh Cry of the Heron. (Picador)

An outstandingly beautiful and haunting sequel to the phenomenally successful TALES OF THE OTORI. Takeo and Kaede have ruled the Three Countries peacefully for over 16 years, and have three daughters who have inherited the supernatural powers of their father. However, an attempted assassination of Kaede reveals that the inescapable forces of destiny still bear down on Takeo, and the forces from his past and from beyond the Three Countries are plotting. While his strength and power come from the enduring love of Kaede, the blind sage's prophecy that only his son could bring death to him haunts his thoughts.