Akikaze Ryu and his sister Kazue are wandering along the road when they are attacked by bandits.  Not too far away someone is watching them, in particular Ryu.  When this someone sees that the siblings are really in trouble he goes to help them, but finds that Ryu is really in a bad shape.  Using his own brand of magic, he helps Ryu, gives them food and shelter and then tells them that they can be his apprentices. 

Ryu and Kazue have lost their families, their home and have been traveling for a year.  They have been cast out, disappointed, betrayed, hurt and do not trust this stranger who has helped them in their time of dire need.  Even so, he wins them over and they begin to learn from him.  Shimazu Haruhiro is a samurai and a demon killer.  He has been on the trail of Ryu and Kazue, looking for the boy who has mastered the Autumn Wind sword fighting skill.  When he finally meets him, he is surprised to find the boy beautiful as well as skilful.  He knows the boy wants him to but has obviously been hurt sometime.  Haruhiro has his own demons to fight and Ryu and Kazue are not quite what they seem either. 

This reviewer has just finished reading this story and is completely in awe of it’s scope and depth.  Michael Barnette has written an awesome story, gritty, down to earth, magical and beautiful.  He has captured the essence of Ryu and Kazue as two very troubled teenagers perfectly.  Although they have become worldly wise, they still show their rebellion and mistrust to those around them and their courage and loyalty to the traditions they have learned with their Grandfather and father.  Haruhiro is a fascinating character.  One that the reader cannot wait to hear more about and learn more of his secrets.  He desperately desires Ryu and the sexual tension in this story runs high.  But, dear readers, there is no sex, yet.  Reading this story is like watching one of those oriental films like ‘Hero’ or ‘Tiger and Dragon’.  This reviewer could just picture these characters moving and fighting on the big screen.  The plot is breathtaking yet moves at a good pace.  This reviewer read the book in one sitting, not wanting to stop.  It was a very late night but a satisfying one.  As this is the first book in this new series from this extremely talented writer, this reviewer is going to try and be patient for the next story.

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