When Nathan Mackenzie, a young lawyer, witnesses the Boston massacre, he and his mentor, John Adams, are pulled into defending British soldiers, though both men are pro-independence.

Conflict with fellow patriots and a drama-filled court case follow, and added to this, Nathan struggles with his minister brother, Edward, who remains firmly loyal to what he considers the God-ordained British government.

When the two men's youngest brother, Robby, a radical patriot, is arrested and sentenced to hang, Edward and Nathan must each search heart and soul. How will they act? In dangerous and uncertain times, where does their final loyalty lie? And does ultimate glory rest with a new political order or with something higher and greater?