Polly Perks disguises herself as a man to infiltrate the Borogravian army and locate her missing brother, only to discover that her fellow recruits are hiding secrets of their own. Polly navigates the rigid, fundamentalist military culture of Borogravia, where the state demands absolute obedience and constant warfare. She must maintain her masculine facade while contending with a ragtag squad of misfits, including a vampire, a troll, and an Igor, all while the realities of the front lines threaten to expose her identity. The narrative utilizes a third-person perspective to examine the absurdity of conflict and the social constructs of gender and patriotism within the Discworld setting.

Readers frequently highlight the balance between Pratchett's signature wit and the serious, often poignant observations regarding the nature of war. Discussion often centers on how the author uses the absurd composition of the squad to critique the arbitrary barriers people construct between themselves. Critics often note that the pacing effectively shifts from comedic character introductions to the sobering realities of the front lines. The novel is widely regarded for its ability to address complex social themes without sacrificing the accessibility of the Discworld universe. Many readers appreciate the focus on the common soldier's experience rather than the grand strategies of generals or kings.