When Jephtha Kent leaves his family to go north, the Kents come under the influence of Louis, the most opportunistic son.

While the nation splits on secession and slavery, the Kents nearly fall to greed and self-interest. The Civil War divided families and friends and left wounds some of which are still not healed. That the Kents survived was a miracle: that they came through with vigor intact held great promise for the rich decades that lay ahead.

The Titans is the fifth volume in the Kent Family Chronicles preceded by The Furies.