It is two years since Thomas Kydd was spirited away in the night to serve his country aboard the old line-of-battle ship Duke William. Now, he and and the other members of the ill-fated Artemis are shipwrecked sailors, back in London waiting to be summoned as court martial witnesses. Then, in a political act to shield an officer s reputation, they are shipped out in haste to the Caribbean - where sugar is king and yellow jack a fearsome peril.
Read MorePraise for Julian Stockwin's previous books:'I was soon turning over the pages almost indecently fast ... Roll on, the promised adventures of Kydd and Renzi.' - IndependentThe vantage point of the common sailor gives the nautical novel a fresh twist. In Stockwin's hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world. - GuardianGripping ... Rich in action and full of interesting characters, this thrilling novel leaves you in awe of the 18th-century seaman. - Peterborough Evening Telegraph'Stockwin paints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line . . . The harsh naval discipline, the rancid food, and the skill of the common sailor are all skilfully evoked.' - Daily Express