This was a very well researched novel. Though it is fiction, there is a lot of truth in it due to the research of the author.

Two young men, second cousins and brothers in law, have a duel. (It took me so long to get these two straight as they both have Mason in their name.... One as a last and one as a middle, but that's on me). The outcome of the duel comes later in the story and we get to see, for most of the book, their lives beforehand.
Both have political ambitions but they are on opposite sides. Both have very strong personalities. I was on both of their sides at different times.

I loved reading a book that is based on some kind of history and this historical novel didn't disappoint.