The Tales of the Otori makes a welcome change from the "Traditional" post-Tolkein fantasy novel: in terms of setting, language, narrative pace and the weight of destiny.

How much of the traditional fantasy novel structure remains?

For instance :

The hero is brought up in an obscure village with no knowledge of the powers he has inherited.
Facing attacks by implacable enemies, he is guided by one or more mentors and develops both military and magical skills.
He is aided and thwarted by a rich cast of characters each with their own powers, desires and secret agendas.
He undertakes a perilous quest to realise his birthright and defeat his enemies.
If he is successful, he will restore harmony to his homeland, suffering the depradations of an evil Dark Lord.
His actions will bear on the fates of his land and of future generations.

So, for a fantasy reader, is TotO a "real" fantasy, or a quasi-historical adventure with some (suble) magical elements?

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