If you like Patrick O'Brian and C. S. Forester, you will love this captivating, vivid and exciting page-turner from multi-million copy seller Alexander Kent - guaranteed to keep you hooked!

''One of our foremost writers of naval fiction'' -- Sunday Times

''Shipwreck, survival ... a spirited battle ... a splendid yarn'' -- The Times

''A very hard book to put down'' -- ***** Reader review

''Awesome'' -- ***** Reader review

''Gripping to the end'' -- ***** Reader review

''Superb'' -- ***** Reader review

''A great yarn'' -- ***** Reader review

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1809

Returning safely to England after the dramatic capture of Martinque, Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Bolitho finds an all too brief respite from war and politics in the arms of his mistress Catherine Somervell.

But the shadow of a new conflict already darkens the horizon. The old enemy, France, forges an uneasy alliance with America - threatening the safety of British trade routes.

Although ordered immediately to the Indian Ocean, for the first time Bolitho's thoughts are not of glory but his own - and the Navy's - past.

Both Nelson and Collingwood died in their country's service. For the navy's newest Admiral, is there life beyond the sea itself?