A manual flash question

So, I begin the exciting world into flash photography, I bought two YN460's and a set of CTR-30P recievers and trigger.

I'm very excited to start experimenting and attempting some portraiture stuff with the girlfriend (even if she doesn't know it yet!).

I have two questions, is there a good book that explains the basics of flash photography a bit like "Understanding Exposure"? I have seen a few and did a search, but I don't know if they are specific enough based on the reviews and details.

The books in question:

Light Science and Magic

Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers

The second question is shooting into the sun, I have done some research and reading online and specifically in the forums. I'm a bit concerned that I could do with the High Speed Sync functions of the Canon Speedlites, but from what I have read if I stop down the Aperture enough I should be able to properly expose the sky and person. But will I be struggling? The only thing I would like is to be able to use wider apertures for a shallow DOF. So would I be correct in assuming this would not be possible with out the HSS?

Sorry if these sound obvious but I've done a search!

EDIT: Just thought I'd show an example of my trying fill flash, was earlyish morning and shutter speed was 1/160th F3.5 ISO100

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

I don't know about the lack of HSS with your flash but your "fill flash" looks pretty good in your pic

I don't have Light: Science and Magic but I do have and enjoy the Master Lighting Guide. As I see them Science and Magic is a more general book on lighting for photography. The Master Lighting Guide is very specifically for portrait work. It defines the equipment, setup, and use for the different types of portrait lighting with the emphasis on studio use. It is certainly not for the 'strobist' in my opinion.

watt100 wrote in post #9331897
I don't know about the lack of HSS with your flash but your "fill flash" looks pretty good in your pic

Thanks, what I am concerned about is that it was not a photo that needed HSS, I guess I will have to wait and see!