Lian Hearn

Lian Hearn studied modern languages at Oxford University and worked as a film critic and arts editor in London before settling in Australia. A lifelong interest in Japan led to the study of the Japanese language, many trips to Japan, and culminated in the writing of the Tales of the Otori series. Hearn is also the author of a two-volume prequel series to the Tales of the Otori, The Tale of Shikanoko, consisting of Emperor of the Eight Islands and Lord of the Darkwood.