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Feb 17, 2015forbesrachel rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Takeo was born among the Hidden, a peaceful and adventuresome lad, that ended the day his village was burned to the ground. In what seems like a stroke of luck he gets taken under the wing of Lord Otori, and is inducted into a world of deception. Takeo's latent skills for assassination emerge quickly, and from that point on a plan is set in motion to kill Lord Iida, a tyrant who has caused grief for them all. Lady Kaede, the other narrating voice, also suffers because of this man. She has no freedom, and is to be used as a pawn. Her misfortune makes her pitiable, but by our standards she comes off as quite weak, except in those moments when she acts. Through her, the author delivers the unexpected, this will hopefully lead to her character developing in the next volume. The story is set in the author's own version of ancient Japan, and while it has the political bickering and warring factions like many a tale of this sort does, the focus is on Takeo's growth, and establishing his character. Veiled words, a deep respect for nature, and forbidden love fill out this world, making it more than just a revenge story.