A thrilling journey back to mythic medieval Japan

I have to admit I am complete lover of fantasy novels, and if it’s a fantasy series, I’m in! That’s what drew me to the novel Emperor of the Eight Islands, the first book in Lian Hearn‘s The Tale of Shikanoko Series.

This title is a little different to other fantasy books I have read in that it is set in a mythical Japanese world. However, the traditional challenge for power is still in play. The story is based around two rival clans and their struggle over who should be crowned the Emperor of the Eight Islands. Set in elegant courts and a wild forest, with assassins, warriors, warlords, ghosts and spirits, it is a story of the laws of destiny and power.

With a large cast of characters who weave intrigue and mystery into the story, each chapter builds the narrative. For example, there is Shikanoko, whose father died when he was young, and the responsibility for his care fell to his uncle, who, on a hunting expedition, attempted to kill him leaving him for dead and ceasing his lands. Shikanoko is then tricked into becoming a sorcerer and is presented with the mask of a deer which has magical powers.

Tama is happily married to Masachika – whose father, in an effort to ensure his family’s future, insists that Masachika gives up Tama to his older brother, then sends him to a rival clan to cover both sides of an upcoming conflict for control of the Lotus Throne. Yoshiro, the true Emperor and heir to the Lotus throne, who on the death of his father, is thrown out into the ‘common’ world to survive. Lord Aritomo, head of the Miboshi Clan, has plans for power of his own, and Tama (of the old people) who seeks 5 fathers for her children.

Surprisingly I struggled with the life of women in ancient Japan. My 21st-century brain struggled to cope with them being treated as servants and objects to trade or dispose of at will. Tama, for example, was not consulted when her father-in-law decided to pass her to her husband’s older brother, and when he died, Masachika (her first husband) assumed that all her lands would go to him and sent an assassin to ensure she could not contest his ownership. But, like most stories from this genre, the men often underestimate the women characters.

Emperor of the Eight Islands has a complicated storyline and a huge cast of character which I will admit to finding hard to read at times, mainly due to my not being accustomed to the Japanese language. However, it’s a story of power and control of the throne which is timeless. It did draw me in and I will delve into the second book in the series, The Lord of the Darkwood, to see how the story ends.

Emperor of the Eight Islands by Lian Hearn (published by Hachette Australia) is available now from Dymocks. Click here to learn more.