Beasts Crying in the Wilderness tells the story of Robert Dalton, a young man from a cowboy family who leaves his home in Ithaca, Texas to join the US Army, becoming one of the first generation of surgically enhanced Exo-skeleton soldiers, nicknamed as "Iron Beasts".
Along the way, he meets a diverse cast of characters both American and Middle Eastern, including the charismatic yet enigmatic General Holden, the commanding general of the Joint Task Force in Iran.
The characters experience many challenges and adventures as they travel through the rugged terrain of Iran. They encounter violent bandits, corrupt officials, and harsh weather conditions, all while trying to stay alive and hold onto their sense of honor and loyalty to each other, and memories of home.
At its core, Beasts Crying in the Wilderness is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, ethics of technology, and the nature of violence. It also examines the complex relationship between the United States and the Middle East, and the changing cultural and social landscape of America.