L

Lian Hearn

Bestselling Author • 6 Series • 19 Books

6
Series
19
Books
6
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Tales of the Otori Books
Start with: Across the Nightingale Floor (2002)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Grass For His Pillow Books
Start with: Lord Fujiwara's Treasures (2005)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Children of the Otori Books
Start with: Orphan Warriors (2020)

About Lian Hearn

Lian Hearn is an Australian author that writes fiction with Asian themes. Lian went to Oxford University where she studied modern languages. The author got to work as a film critic for a while, and then an art director before her writing career took off. +Biography Lian Hearn loves Japan. After learning French and Spanish, she made Japanese her next target for conquest. At first, it was merely a means of satiating a lifelong curiosity for Japan that she had held. But then the many trips she took to Japan drove her to write the ‘Tales of the Otori’ Trilogy for which she is best known. Lian was born in England, though she eventually moved to Australia and typically identifies as an Australian. She loved telling stories even as a child. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Tales of the Otori Books series, Lian Hearn has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Lian Hearn

Publication Order of Tales of the Otori Books
7 books 2002–2016
1

Across the Nightingale Floor

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Tales of the Otori Books with Across the Nightingale Floor, another outstanding contribution from Lian Hearn.

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2002
2

Grass for His Pillow

Grass for His Pillow is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tales of the Otori Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lian Hearn have come to expect.

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2003
3

Brilliance of the Moon

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Tales of the Otori Books with Brilliance of the Moon, another outstanding contribution from Lian Hearn.

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2004
4

The Harsh Cry of the Heron

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Tales of the Otori Books with The Harsh Cry of the Heron, another outstanding contribution from Lian Hearn.

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2006
5

Scars of Victory

Scars of Victory is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tales of the Otori Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lian Hearn have come to expect.

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2006
6

Heaven's Net Is Wide

Heaven's Net Is Wide continues the Publication Order of Tales of the Otori Books story arc with Lian Hearn's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
7

His Kikuta Hands

His Kikuta Hands continues the Publication Order of Tales of the Otori Books story arc with Lian Hearn's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
Publication Order of Grass For His Pillow Books
2 books 2005–2005
1

Lord Fujiwara's Treasures

Conflict and courage define Lord Fujiwara's Treasures, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Grass For His Pillow Books series by Lian Hearn that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2005
2

The Way Through The Snow

The Way Through The Snow is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Grass For His Pillow Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lian Hearn have come to expect.

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2005
Publication Order of Children of the Otori Books
2 books 2020–2020
1

Orphan Warriors

Conflict and courage define Orphan Warriors, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Children of the Otori Books series by Lian Hearn that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2020
2

Sibling Assassins

Sibling Assassins is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Children of the Otori Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lian Hearn have come to expect.

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2020
Publication Order of The Tale of Shikanoko Books
4 books 2016–2016
1

The Emperor of the Eight Islands

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Tale of Shikanoko Books with The Emperor of the Eight Islands, another outstanding contribution from Lian Hearn.

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2016
2

Autumn Princess, Dragon Child

Epic adventure awaits in Autumn Princess, Dragon Child, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of The Tale of Shikanoko Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Lian Hearn has built.

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2016
3

Lord of the Darkwood

Lord of the Darkwood is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Tale of Shikanoko Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lian Hearn have come to expect.

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2016
4

The Tengu's Game of Go

The Tengu's Game of Go is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Tale of Shikanoko Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lian Hearn have come to expect.

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2016
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
2 books 2010–2013
1

Blossoms and Shadows

Blossoms and Shadows is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lian Hearn have come to expect.

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2010
2

The Storyteller and his Three Daughters

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Storyteller and his Three Daughters, another outstanding contribution from Lian Hearn.

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2013
Publication Order of Anthologies
2 books 2017–2018
1

Hath No Fury

Hath No Fury continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lian Hearn's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2017
2

Knaves

Knaves is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lian Hearn have come to expect.

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2018

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Lian Hearn?

Lian Hearn is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 19 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Tales of the Otori Books, Publication Order of Grass For His Pillow Books, Publication Order of Children of the Otori Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Lian Hearn series to start with?

For readers new to Lian Hearn's work, the Publication Order of Tales of the Otori Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 7 books. Begin with Across the Nightingale Floor to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Lian Hearn written?

Lian Hearn has written over 19 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Lian Hearn books in order?

Yes, reading Lian Hearn's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Lian Hearn write in?

Lian Hearn writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 19 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Lian Hearn's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Lian Hearn's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Lian Hearn's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Lian Hearn's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Tales of the Otori Books series. The first book, Across the Nightingale Floor, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.