A Lieutenant at Eighteen

"A Lieutenant at Eighteen" by Oliver Optic is a historical novel that follows the journey of Deck Lyon, a young man of only eighteen who finds himself a first lieutenant in the cavalry during the Civil War, fighting for his country and earning the respect of the men he fights alongside. In the midst of the war tearing the United States apart, the story follows Deck and his cavalry as they are faced with skirmishes against the enemy in a divided Kentucky; and quickly introduces Grace Morgan, who finds herself trying to protect a chest as she's introduced to Sergeant Life Max, who pledges to help her. The novel highlights the bravery and determination demanded by the Civil War.