Grass for His Pillow by Lian Hearn

The journey continues... The sequel to Across the Nightingale Floor follows the separate fates of young lovers, Otori Takeo and Shirakawa Kaede, as they fight for survival in a violent time of war, famine and treacherous alliances. Takeo has pledged his life to the secret Tribe. His supernatural skills of invisibility and acute hearing make him their most deadly assassin. He must deny the spiritual vows of his upbringing, his birthright of Otori wealth, land and power - and his love for Kaede. If he does not serve the Tribe, they will kill him. In growing from boy to man, Takeo chooses a path of danger and vengeance, and learns of the prophecy that shapes his destiny. Kaede, destined to submit to a political marriage, must use her intelligence, beauty and cunning to assert her place in a world of all-powerful men - who must never know that she is carrying Takeo's child. In the ancient Oriental lands of the Otori, Lian Hearn has created a brilliantly imagined culture that has cast its spell over thousands of readers worldwide. Here is epic storytelling whose appeal crosses genres, genders and generations. GRASS FOR HIS PILLOW is one of the most eagerly awaited novels of 2003.