"In 1774, Richard Bolitho is a newly appointed Third Lieutenant, joining the 28-gun frigate Destiny. ... It is amidst the broadside battles and clash of swords that Bolitho learns to accept his new responsibilities as a King's officer."--Cover of 1998 pbk. ed.

In March, 1811, Admiral Sir Richard Bolitho is once again summoned to London. In defense of an Empire, the Admiralty must quell the unrest in American, or face war with those who were once friends.

The 14th volume in the rousing series detailing the adventures of Richard Bolitho in the late 18th century British Navy. After eight years of war with France, Britain must make a gesture that will show her strength and determination and one that dramatically will weaken the French cause. The Admiralty wants an attack.

1782. His Britannic Majesty's frigate Phalarope is ordered to assist the hard-pressed squadrons in the Caribbean. Aboard is her new commander--Richard Bolitho. To all appearances the Phalarope is everything a young captain could wish for. But beneath the surface she is a deeply unhappy ship--her wardroom torn by petty greed and ambition, her deckhands suspected of cowardice under fire and driven to near-mutiny by senseless ill-treatment