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BiographyHistory

'Lian Hearn is the pen-name of Gillian Rubenstein, who was born in England in 1942. The name ‘Lian’ comes from a nickname that was used when she was a child, and the surname ‘Hearn’ is apparently derived from herons, which are birds that play a prominent role in the author’s Tales of the Otori series.' (Source: Good Reading : April 2014 p36)

Most Referenced Works

Awards for Works

y separately published work icon Heaven's Net Is Wide Sydney : Hachette Livre Australia , 2007 Z1430145 2007 single work novel fantasy 'Heaven's Net Is Wide is the new beginning to the celebrated Tales of the Otori, the prequel that reveals the full story of Lord Otori Shigeru, the figure who has presided in both life and death over the entire series, the man who represents the true spirit of the Otori Clan. As the story opens, the young Shigeru, heir to the clan, is eager to assert his authority and to face down treachery from within his own family and hostility from the far corners of the Three Countries. His noble education and training as a warrior have prepared him for leadership and combat, but can anything prepare him for the terrible consequences of loss and defeat? As his youthful determination pushes the Otori inexorably toward war with the rival Tohan Clan and their ruthless, scheming warlord, Iida Sadamu, fate appears to have some difficult lessons in store for Shigeru. Shigeru's life is under constant threat, but just as he is surrounded by implacable enemies, he is also supported by loyal allies, such as Lady Murayama, the only woman rule in the Three Countries. And he has friends among the Tribe, the clandestine network of assassins who not only will protect him but also will reveal the existence of a boy in a remote mountain village - a boy who belongs to the secret sect known as the Hidden, a boy who might prove to be vital to the future of the Otori.' (Source: Book jacket)
2007 winner Aurealis Awards for Excellence in Australian Speculative Fiction Fantasy Division Best Novel
y separately published work icon The Harsh Cry of the Heron Sydney : Hachette Australia , 2006 Z1296146 2006 single work novel fantasy

'Thanks to his enlightened leadership, 15 years of peace and prosperity have passed since Otori Takeo united the Three Countries, but his enemies continue to plot their revenge—including the Tribe, a ninja-like group of assassins, and the duplicitous Lord Zenko, one of Takeo's retainers. Perhaps the greatest threat, however, is the prophecy of a holy woman that Takeo will die only at his son's hand; his only son, an unacknowledged bastard, is being raised by his sworn enemy Kikuta Akio, the head of a Tribe family. With his beautiful (and legitimate) daughter and heir Shigeko by his side, Takeo must navigate these treacherous shoals to save his lands and his legacy from destruction'. (Publisher's blurb)

2007 shortlisted Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) Australian General Fiction Book of the Year
2006 honourable mention Aurealis Awards for Excellence in Australian Speculative Fiction Fantasy Division Novel
y separately published work icon Brilliance of the Moon Sydney : Hodder Headline , 2004 Z1119880 2004 single work novel fantasy young adult

Peace comes at the price of bloodshed-five battles will buy you peace, four to win and one to lose. At the temple of Terayama, the words of the blind sage's prophecy continue to haunt Takeo as he readies his armies for battle. Determined to avenge Shigeru's death and claim his rightful inheritance, Takeo and Kaede, together with Takeo's forces; fight their way to the domain of Maruyama. But then they must separate. Takeo makes plans for a battle by the sea, and Kaede returns to her family's home at Shirakawa. Will they see each other again? (Publication summary)

 

2004 shortlisted Aurealis Awards for Excellence in Australian Speculative Fiction Fantasy Division Novel
Last amended 12 Jan 2018 13:02:17
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