The tenth Bolitho novel.
The Mediterranean, 1793. Despite Britain's successes, the outcome of the sea war is still in the balance. As soon as his ship's sefit is completed, Captain Richard Bolitho is ordered to join the blockade off the French coast. Hyperion's new crew is still better than a rabble. But if he is to be victorious, Bolitho must test them prematurely - and risk a court-martial if he fails . . .