1812. Off the coast of Brazil, HMS Java , a proud British 38-gun frigate, is captured in battle by the American USS Constitution - signaling across the world's oceans challenge to Britain's naval premiership that cannot be ignored.Back in England Captain Sir Thomas Kydd is enjoying a moment of normal life with his wife and his newborn son. His Thunderer is in the docks receiving some well-earned repairs. He is, momentarily, without a command. It's a position the Admiralty does not leave him in for long, and he is soon given a mission: engage the young republic in a fair fight, frigate against frigate, and restore the Navy's reputation. And they have just the ship and crew for him . Tyger .

But on reaching the US east coast, Kydd and his trusted Tygers realise that the hardest part of their mission will be drawing out one of the Yankee men-o'-war to engage in battle - especially once the Americans get wind of his purpose. It's a tall order, requiring every ounce of the crew's guile and persistence - and when fortune turns against them, Kydd finds not only his career, but his life, hanging in the balance.Praise for Julian Stockwin's Kydd series:'A very readable and enjoyable story . I can only recommend that you go out, beg, borrow or buy, and enjoy' - Bernard Cornwell'In Stockwin's hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world' - Guardian 'The characterization is first-class, and the reader quickly becomes involved with all that happens' - Historical Novels Review.