St Petersburg, 1805: a city of glittering parties and socialites. Into this scene step three young people seeking fulfilment in their different ways. Pierre is looking for life's meaning, but his cheating wife is driving him insane. Cynical Andrey is unable to find true love. And Natasha's impulsive and affectionate nature could threaten her future happiness.

But their lives - and the lives of so many of their countrymen - are about to change forever. Napoleon's army is approaching, and soon battle and terror will engulf them. They must learn to survive when their world is thrown into total war.