Russian Army Junior Lieutenant Evgeny Demetrius Savelyev has just arrived at an outpost in a hostile Russian-occupied country. Rebels are waging a fierce battle for independence, and Savelyev's orders are to root out members of the guerilla forces-wherever they might be.

But Savelyev also has to deal with dissension among his comrades. A fellow soldier is about to commit treason by selling arms to Islamic militants, and prostitution, disobedience, and dishonesty run rampant in the barracks. From the intimidating, treacherous Radikovec to sweet Avdotya, lusty Prokofskoe, and jolly Ivan, Savelyev becomes intimately familiar with the complexity of human nature.

In his desire for redemption and self-realization, the forces of corruption and sexual power wage war against Savelyev. But he soon discovers that a true response to innocence and beauty can inspire even a lost soul to perform acts of courage and self-sacrifice.

Bryan P. Prendergast pens a beautiful, haunting novel that explores Savelyev's philosophical and psychological journey as he struggles with questions of morality, courage, and truth.