Set in a world that looks like the Middle East, this is a book about a girl, Aiza, from a conquered nation wanting to join the military of the nation that conquered hers. Aiza thinks it's going to be a great adventure, but as time goes on, she realizes that war isn't what she thought it would be.  She also has to keep her identity a secret, because her people are looked down on by everyone else. This books looks at war and empire in a way most will understand.