September 1793. Firebrand John Pearce has come a long way since he was illegally press-ganged into King George's Navy. Promoted to lieutenant at the king's behest in recognition of his earlier exploits, he is in a position of command on board HMS Faron when he returns to Toulon from his successful mission in Corsica. But although he returns triumphant with a prize in tow, he receives a mixed welcome from his colleagues. Admiral Lord Hood is pleased with him; the second-in-command, Admiral Hotham, less so, as he feels usurped in his superior's favour by the fast-rising Pearce. And Hotham isn't the only one discontented by Pearce's arrival: Captain Ralph Barclay, the man responsible for press-ganging Pearce and his trio of friends, the Pelicans, into the Navy, is to face court marshal for his actions, as demanded by Pearce himself.
But with the fierce Siege of Toulon escalating in violence and the massing forces of the revolutionary army preparing to attack, all thoughts of revenge must be put on hold as Pearce is entrusted with the task of escorting five thousand radical French sailors to a port on the Atlantic coast, where they are to be set free. But when their assignment goes awry, it is up to Pearce and his fellow Pelicans to prevent judicial murder, and in a region in serious and blood-soaked revolt, challenging the French revolutionary troops can be a fatal mistake...