Stockwin does it once again! A spell is cast over the reader to haul them into the world of Thomas Kydd, an English lad who has risen from a pressed man of the lower deck to the quarterdeck over a series of novels. This story picks up where "The Admiral's Daughter" leaves off, with Kydd in agony over the loss of his bride to be. He goes from low to lower as his career is driven upon the rocks and he must use all of his ability, strength and character to overcome these obsticles. His friend and shipmate, Nicholas Renzi, is drawn into the world of early naval intelligence and becomes a key in the struggle to overcome the injustice heaped upon Kydd. His keen mind an asset to the forces that do battle with the forces of Napoleon. In this novel we get to experience the world of privateers, letters of marque, and we learn of the many differences and similarities between them and naval service. Kydd experiences his disappointments and rewards in this journey through another stage in his life and career. I see this as a pivetal period in Kydd's life, one in which he gains strength and experience that will stand in his stead in the years and books, to come. Well done Stockwin!!!