An epic saga of faith and fanaticism that moves between the heart of England, the Holy Land and the ancient hinterlands of Ethiopia. It weaves together the stories of three families – Christian, Muslim and Jewish. The Big Battalions shows how their destinies become entwined by the extreme forces associated with different religions.

Edward Hoyland, the Archdeacon of Birmingham wants power and loves publicity. When his ambitions are thwarted his life is irrevocably changed and he comes face to face with his faith. His wife, Martha, embittered by his self-interest, is forced to confront the conflict of her marriage and faith when she becomes the victim of a kidnapping.