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