As the Indian Mutiny takes hold, one woman will establish her place in history for ever . . . India, 1857. Aged just twenty-one, Lakshmi Bai, otherwise known as Manu, the widowed and recently deposed Rani of Jhansi, finds herself embroiled in the developing Indian Mutiny. Torn between leading Jhansi into battle or following the advice of her close friend and confidante, Emma Hammond, a tragic succession of events is triggered as the Mutiny comes to a head and Manu faces her destiny: one which will see her crowned as India's queen of glory.