ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR

In his first novel, Hearn creates an epic tale of secret societies, supernatural powers, intrigue, love, and revenge among warring clans in a country modeled after Japan. Kevin Gray reads first-person chapters as the voice of young Takeo, a member of the Hidden possessing amazing powers, adopted by the Otori clan for reasons that only become clear as the story unfolds. Aiko Nakasone reads alternating chapters written in the third person from the perspective of Lady Kaede Shirakawa, a not-at-all-helpless damsel. Gray's reading of the story is spectacular; his warm, soothing voice transports the listener to a setting worlds away. Nakasone also gives a strong performance, although it lacks the depth of Gray's near-perfect depiction of life with the Otori. H.L.S. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 03]