Set in the same universe as the author's Jonah Halberd series, but roughly 350 years earlier, The Defense of the Commonwealth begins with the circumstances that led to the Commonwealth's formation. From there, the book goes on to begin the story of a young woman, Perseverance Andrews, one of the early heroes of the Commonwealth. Andrews is clever, capable, and brave--confident in every respect but one--her romantic life. She faces daunting odds and uncomfortable situations, living up to her name by persevering through adversity time and again.