From the author of the phenomenal and bestselling TALES OF THE OTORI series comes a stand-alone historical novel set in 19th century Japan.Japan, 1857For centuries Japan has been on its own, isolated by choice from the rest of the world. But the Western powers are now at its shores, its government is crumbling and revolution is building. The age of the samurai is ending and in its place a new Japan will be born.Into this turmoil steps a young woman. Tsuru expects to marry a man of her parents' choice but her life is taken over by the beliefs of the new age and by the passionate men around her. Their slogan is sonnojoi (revere the Emperor, expel the foreigners), their preferred method is violence.BLOSSOMS AND SHADOWS is a compelling and beautiful tale of love and war, women and men, and the rise of modern Japan.**INCLUDES an extract from EMPEROR OF THE EIGHT ISLANDS, the first novel in Lian Hearn's spellbinding Tale of Shikanoko series** 'a fascinating historical epic' Sunday Telegraph'all births are bloody and the characters in this strong novel pay a high price for living in interesting times' Sunday Age