The Romans have abandoned Britain, leaving it open to the twin threats of civil war and Saxon invasion. When his home and all he loves are destroyed, Aquila endures years of torment before deciding to put some meaning back into his life.

Instead of leaving with the last of the Roman legions, Aquila, a young officer, decides that his loyalties lie with Britain, and he eventually joins the forces of the Roman-British leader Ambrosius to fight against the Saxon hordes.

Years of hardship and fighting follow and in the end, there is only one thing left in Aquila's life - his thirst for revenge. Rosemary Sutcliff writes with such passion and attention to detail that the Roman age is instantly brought to life and stays with the reader long after the last page has been turned.