This book covers the time from 1435-1547, and is experienced through the eyes of what may be considered an average family of the time by the name of Estevan. The father Hernando, and in the latter half of the book Christopher, share adventures and discovery with the real Spanish conquerors and explorers: Christopher Columbus, Cortez, Balboa, Pizarro and De Soto. The Spanish are driven intensely by their religious zeal, believing by capturing and enslaving foreign lands, the people and wealth in the name of God. The Spanish by enslaving lands and the people would force them to accept God and the Catholic Faith over their heathen existence. In turn the Spanish believed God would reward them with great material wealth; gold, silver and precious jewels. Both generations of Estevans go through great hardships and adventures over decades before finally settling with the great loves of their lives, in search first of great material wealth.