In September 1804, as England stands alone against France and the fleets of Spain, Vice-admiral Richard Bolitho hoists his flag above the veteran Hyperion and sets sail with a new squadron for the Caribbean.
His orders are to plan and effect a daring raid on the Spanish Main at dawn. Beneath the hostile mortars of La Guaira lies the ultimate prize: Her Catholic Majesty's largest treasure ship, laden with gold and silver and bound for Spain. Bolitho himself will lead the mission - as if driven by a death-wish.
Aroused from the darkness of soul by the rediscovery of a passion which threatens his reputation, Richard Bolitho sails Hyperion east once more: to a death or glory rendezvous with history...