This is the powerful story of four cadets who have become blood brothers. Together, they will encounter the hell of hazing and the rabid, raunchy, and dangerously secretive atmosphere of an arrogant military institute.

Pat Conroy sweeps us into the turbulent world of these four friends and deep into the heart of his rebellious hero, Will McLean. Immersed in a poignant love affair with a haunting beauty, Will must boldly confront the terrifying injustice of a corrupt institution as he struggles to expose a mysterious group known as "The Ten."

Together, the four friends brace themselves for the brutal transition to manhood, which one of them will not survive. They will experience violence, passion, rage, friendship, loyalty, and betrayal.