Author: O'Brian, Patrick
Publisher: Flamingo
Format: PB 350 pp
Jack Aubrey's long service in the Royal Navy is at last rewarded : he is promoted to the rank of Commodore and given a squadron of ships to command. His mission is two-fold , - to make a large dent in the slave trade off the coast of Africa and on his return to intercept a French fleet set for Bantry Bay with a cargo of weapons for the disaffected Irish. But might the mission present a conflict of loyalties for Stephen Maturin, Jack's great friend ? Invention and surprise follow at every turn in this tale - as rich, compelling and masterly as any of its predecessors. Pb. 350pp.