In the tradition of Patrick OBrians adventure novels and C.S. Foresters Horatio Hornblower series, A Shred of Honour is an epic of eighteenth-century warfare that introduces Lieutenant George Markham of His Majestys Royal Marines. Irishman, papist, reputed coward: Markham is a man with something to prove. The death of his commander provides him with a chance to lead his men to glory. But its not that easy. Markham, a foot soldier by training, is no sailor, and he is suddenly left with a band of surly, disgruntled conscripts under his command. The salty marines aboard the frigate Hebe deride his ignorance and undermine his authority.