Winter 1815 and Captain Adam Bolitho is ordered to West Africa aboard HMS Unrivalled to join the British anti-slavery patrols. But his best efforts are constantly hampered by unsuitable vessels and government indifference.

Adam's personal life is also in turmoil. Still bitter and grieving after his beloved uncle Richard's death, he throws himself into his assignment knowing that a foolhardy and perhaps doomed assault on an impregnable stronghold is his only chance of vengeance.