It was the War of 1812, America's second war for independence. Will Quinn and his adopted country were literally fighting for their lives. The United States had foolishly declared war on Great Britain, the world's mightiest nation, and invaded its colony, Canada. And America was losing. Now the course of American history was in the hands of men like Quinn and the incompetent, cowardly and hubristic U.S. civilian and senior Army company. Could the young republic--freedom's beacon for all the world--survive?

Young Sally Martin, whom Quinn has grown to love, keeps tabs on the war and Quinn while working as Dolley Madison's assistant at the White House. With her insider knowledge, Sally grows increasingly worried for Quinn's safety. Having been through her fair share of pain and and loss--witnessing her family's brutal murder--Sally wonders if this relationship is worth another possible loss. Can their relationship survive the Madness of the War of 1812?

Quinn's mentor Sgt. Major Judah Frake, who is a Kentucky sharpshooter, and Henry, an escaped slave, end up playing a surprising and important role in the war.