Anson has longed for the day when he would become a soldier like his father, and serve His Majesty, the King of England. But by the time the teenager reaches Ireland, where the forces are stationed, he has begun to realize that things are not so simple. The King's Soldiers aren't keeping the peace-instead, fueled by a hatred of the Irish and Ireland, they are determined to wipe out as much of its culture as they can. Soon, Anson is no longer sure which way is right. Can he bear to enforce the law, or will he risk everything and break it?"[This] engrossing novel realistically portrays not only the tragedies of war but also the battle between the heart and mind of a young soldier, torn between loyalty to family and country, and his own sense of justice."-Booklist, starred review