: this novel is the tale of the United State's invasion and failed attempt to "civilize" the mountain people of the Philippines. At the same time, it is a story of deep, emotional romance. The primary characters are Tony Trigg, the fight-loving second-in-command, and Esa, a member of one of the mountain tribes who will do and does anything to get and keep Tony as her mate. Although there is a substantial amount of long-range and close-up warfare and violence, the book provides a genuine insight into American arrogance and the wish of a native people to simply be left alone.