The first in a series of novels set at the end of the 18th century at sea, in Britain, on the Channel Islands and in Revolutionary France. What makes this novel different from others of this period is the events that take place on board a French ship of the time. One of the great sea battles of the period, the Glorious 1st June, is also recounted through the eyes of British sailor Cotterell, who is trapped on the French frigate.