Philip Hutton is a loner. It's 1937 in Malaysia and being the mixed race son of an English father and Chinese mother comes with certain hardships. Never quite fitting in and feeling like an outsider, Philip's life takes a turn when he meets an older Japanese diplomat, Hayato Endo, an aikido master who takes Philip under his tutelage. 

As war looms and the Japanese invade British territory, both Endo and Philip find themselves torn between their loyalty to each other, versus loyalty to their country and family. Philip decides to assist the Japanese and Endo in administering the country in an attempt to keep his family safe, but how far is he willing to betray his countrymen for his sensei?

Set in Penang, this is a story of betrayal, barbaric cruelty, steadfast courage and enduring love.

(You guys know we avoid spoilers like the plague but trust us when we say, it's too hard for this book! So if you're still reading or thinking about reading, just listen out for the spoiler alerts! )