1782. Fresh off the frigate Desperate and her fight with the French Capricieuse off St. Kitts, Midshipman Alan Lewrie passes his lieutenancy examination, becoming commissioned first officer of the brig o’war Shrike. After taking time for some dalliance with the fair sex in Jamaica, Lieutenant Lewrie is off to patrol the North American coast in an attempt to get the Muskogees and Seminoles onto the British side against the American rebels. Later it’s back to the Caribbean, to sail beside Captain Horatio Nelson in the Battle for Tusks Island . . .