Heaven's Net Is Wide
Heaven’s Net Is Wide is a prequel to the Tales of the Otori series by Lian Hearn. It follows Lord Shigeru from the age of 12, the year Takeo is born, and ends with the moment when Shigeru meets Takeo, setting the stage for the main stories to come.
The story begins with the murder of Kikuta Isamu, Takeo’s father, who had left his old Tribe life behind. Isamu’s killer, his cousin Kotaro, is haunted by Isamu’s forgiveness and wonders if a child might still be born. Shigeru learns hard lessons early on—mistrusting his uncles and facing dangers at the family’s court—all while preparing for the coming conflicts with the Tohan and the rival tribes.
As a young man, Shigeru is sent to Matsuda Shingen for training. He grows into a skilled fighter and tactician, and his experiences widen as war across the Otori lands intensifies. He encounters a mysterious figure from the Tribe known as The Fox, who helps him in small ways that could turn deadly. Shigeru also becomes entangled with Akane, a girl from the old Abbot’s circle who becomes his concubine before tragedy changes their fates.
Shigeru learns about The Hidden, a faith-turned-sect, and about the threats from the Tohan border patrols. He forms political alliances with powerful families, including the Maruyama clan, and navigates complex loyalties. His mother helps him, but his uncles remain a danger, sometimes hampering his plans.
A key turning point comes at the Battle of Yaegahara, where the Otori forces suffer heavy losses and even Shigeru’s father, Shigemori, dies. Betrayals by allies and the chaos of war force Shigeru to flee and hide with the help of The Fox and the Tribe. He adopts a cautious life as a farmer to bide his time, while still guiding the Otori’s borders and secretly gathering supporters.
Over the years, Shigeru’s relationship with Lady Maruyama deepens, though their meetings are secret and fraught with danger. Akane’s fate, Shizuka’s evolving role, and the influence of The Hidden all push Shigeru toward a larger plan. His enemies, including Iida Sadamu, grow more ruthless, and Shigeru’s world becomes more unstable as he contends with love, loss, and the constant threat of assassination.
In the end, Shigeru learns of a boy in Mino who resembles the Otori and could be a critical link to his future plans. He travels across the land to rescue Tomasu, who he renames Takeo, and he resolves to raise Takeo to challenge Iida Sadamu. The story closes with this new bond and the promise of the next chapter in the Otori saga.
Reception and awards:
- Ursula K. Le Guin likened Hearn’s style to Alexandre Dumas, calling it a saga that will continue to captivate readers.
- Kirkus Reviews described it as an impressive ending and beginning.
- Publishers Weekly called it lyrical and moving.
- It was reviewed by several outlets including the Historical Novel Society, FT Magazine, Vector, and the Literary Review.
- Heaven’s Net Is Wide won the 2007 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 14:13 (CET).