"The Lords of Discipline" is a novel set in the 1960s at a prestigious military academy in Charleston, South Carolina. The story is narrated by Will McLean, a cadet who grapples with the complexities of honor, loyalty, and the burdens of tradition while navigating the challenges of academy life. As an upperclassman, Will is torn between upholding the school's values and protecting his friends from its darker realities.
The plot intensifies when Will's friend Thom discovers a troubling secret about the school's brutal hazing practices. As the narrative unfolds, Will becomes increasingly aware of the moral dilemmas that arise within an institution that prioritizes loyalty over justice. The tension escalates as he confronts the corrosive effects of tradition and the sacrifices demanded by the code of discipline.