Lisbon, Portugal, 1808. In the wake of the British victory over the French at Vimeiro, Second Lieutenant Robert Saxon, Royal Artillery, is confident his conduct will lead to recognition, promotion, and glory, but his hopes are dashed when a new and arrogant company commander arrives from England. As the army prepares to advance into Spain under the leadership of General Sir John Moore, Robert looks forward to a new opportunity to prove himself in battle.

But when Napoleon himself enters Spain, the Spanish forces collapse. Sir John Moore's outnumbered army has no choice but to retreat toward the port of Corunna. With winter setting in, Robert finds himself and his small band alone and falling behind the main column. Determined to keep his men alive - and keep the two guns under his command - his only hope is a perilous march across the icy mountains as the French close in on all sides.

"Thompson does a remarkable job of making his readers feel as though they are . . . wading knee-deep in blood and muck."

- David Pitt, Halifax Chronicle-Herald