Sanada Sora and Takeda Kaname are shinobi, a type of ninja, and on Sora's first mission as captain of a squad they retrieve a diamond from an enemy. Kaname tells him their two companions are dead, and with the sound of pursuit ever closer, Kaname suggests a way of evading the enemy-they bathe in a pool and pretend to be lovers. Sora is startled to find he enjoys the experience, but he's furious when Kaname reveals it was an elaborate hazing ritual.

When the two are paired in the same team again, Sora's father is outraged. Kaname's father was disgraced many years ago for insulting the honour of a woman of the Sanada family. Sora's father urges him to steer clear of Kaname for the sake of family pride, but Sora can't help but be attracted to the enigmatic Kaname, who always wears a half-mask to cover a scar. Kaname is well aware of how Sora feels, and leads him on a teasing dance while they undertake their next mission-until family secrets are revealed that threaten Sora's and Kaname's growing relationship.

Sins of the Fathers is a good read though I felt it was lacking something. In places it feels insubstantial, yet other times the story and characters come together beautifully. It was like reading a cloud, both frustrating and wonderful at the same time. Sora is equally cloudlike, uncertain of his desires and rebelling against his father, while Kaname is very cool and cynical-he's my favourite of the two. Anna O'Neill shares her research in a non-intrusive way, and some of her phrases are lovely. I'm looking forward to her next story.

Reviewed by: Maija