This first novel in the classic, acclaimed Nathaniel Drinkwater naval adventure series is perfect for fans of Patrick O'Brian and C.S. Forester
Nathaniel Drinkwater's life at sea begins with the HMS Cyclops' capture of the Santa Teresa during Admiral Rodney's dramatic Moonlight Battle of 1780. Drinkwater's courage and initiative are put to the test as the Cyclops pursues American privateers threatening British trade and he is later dispatched to the swamps of South Carolina, where many lives are lost both at sea and ashore.
Gradually, Drinkwater matures into a capable and self-assured sailor. As he contends with enemy forces, the tyranny of the Cyclops's midshipman, and the stark contrast between the comfort of home life and the brutality of naval service, he finds strength and sustenance in the love of his beloved Elizabeth.
This author has quietly stolen the weather-gauge from most of his rivals in the Hornblower stakes - Observer
Packed with exciting incident, worthy of wide appeal to those who love thrilling nautical encounters and the sea - Nautical magazine
Richard Woodman is well-known for his Nathaniel Drinkwater series of historical naval novels, a dozen other sea-stories, histories of the development of ships and works on sea-power during the Napoleonic Wars. He has also produced two widely acclaimed studies of convoys operations during the Second World War, Malta Convoys and Arctic Convoys.