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.
In addition to her bestselling Tales of the Otori series, she is also the author of the astonishing prequel duology The Tale of Shikanoko: Emperor of the Eight Islands and Lord of the Darkwood.