This trilogy is based on the actions of several adventurous Americans who were caught up in the events leading to, during, and in the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution of 1910. While they are strangers to one another, they were central characters in the drama that unfolded in Mexico during a half century of its early history.
In Book I, Don Antonio Aros and his brother, Mario, holders of a Spanish Land Grant in Southern California, set out to discover a new life in the border area of Southern Arizona and Mexico, Traveling through the sparsely-settled, arid lands of California and Arizona, they overcome the harsh desert environment, bandit raids, and hostile Indian attacks before reaching Mexico. Settling amidst the rumblings of discontent south of the border, each faces his conscience and fear as they wrestle with the impending revolution that will soon ignite the country.
Book II brings the reader to the beginning of the Mexican Revolution, when the sparks for the uprising arc fanned by Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata, colorful Mexican revolutionaries, who take up arms against their government. Caught up in the battles that sweep across the breadth of Mexico are historic figures of politicians, military officials, workers and peasants, and the hated judiciary. The threads holding the fabric of a constitutional Mexico together commence to fray, and little can be done about it. Into this cauldron of secret agreements, military adventures, and political intrigue, a young army lieutenant appears in 1915. Assigned to Southern Arizona while the revolution is in full gallop, Michael Judah Thomas sees the revolt firsthand as it plays out along the border. While waiting for his chance to fight, Thomas learns an irrefutable truth about Mexico: That the great land south of the border and its people will choose battle when faced with the inequities of the law.
Book III is but a postlude to the unsettled 10-year revolution. The survivors of the millions who have been killed, uprooted, or dispossessed wait for a savior, who will bring peace and stability to the land. But as before, shadowy figures wait in the wings for a cue to enter onto the political stage, still hoping to precipitate American involvement. Stability and prosperity are slow to surface and unrest continues throughout Mexico. In 1928 C, Pat Murphy, an American mercenary pilot, signs on to fly for the rebel forces supporting the Topete revolt against the government''''''''s newly-established air service. During the rebellion the use of airpower, in which Murphy plays a singular role, will again bring the U. S. military forces to the brink of war with Mexico.