Distinguishing himself at the Battle of Cedar Mountain, Confederate Captain Nate Starbucks career is jeopardized through the suspicion and hostility of his brigade commander, the grandiose General Washington Faulconer. Their simmering enmity flares to life at Dead Marys Ford, where Nate Starbuck has to fight the enemy as well as his own commanding officer.

The outcome of that vicious fight drastically changes both mens fortunes, and propels Starbuck into the ghastly bloodletting at the Second Battle of Manassasand into a severe test of his ability to lead men who are on the very edge of disaster. As the endless war rages on, neither Yankees nor rebels can guess how the tide may turn. Only time, courage, and belief in the cause will tell.

Bernard Cornwell was born in London. He worked for the BBC and Thames Television before coming to the United States to write full time. He lives with his wife on Cape Cod.

Tom Parker, recipient of the Golden Voice award, records a remarkable variety of books while pursuing his love of theater by directing two or three professional stage productions a year in the Washington, D.C., area.