Fans of Clive Cussler, Bernard Cornwell and Wilbur Smith will love this gripping saga from multi-million copy bestselling author Douglas Reeman. The second novel in the Blackwood saga, spanning 150 years in the history of a great seafaring family, this captivating naval adventure at its very best!

'One of our foremost writers of naval fiction' -- Sunday Times
'Mr Reeman writes with great knowledge about the sea and those who sail on it' --The Times
'Another romping good yarn by my favourite author' -- ***** Reader review
'A real page-turner' -- ***** Reader review
'Magnificent!' -- ***** ... Read moreReader review
'I was engrossed from start to finish' -- ***** Reader review
'Had me hooked' -- ***** Reader review

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1899: The Mandarins in China are becoming troublesome again and there are rumours that attacks will soon begin on British trade missions and legations. Captain David Blackwood of the Royal Marines, is now being packed off to this apparent backwater.

But there are plenty of troubles in store for Blackwood in the shape of an errant nephew and a beautiful German Countess who insists he personally escort her up river on a small steamer into the heart of the country. China is a sleeping tiger that will soon awake when the Boxer Rebellion erupts into bloody war in 1900.

True to their motto, the Royal marines are the first to land - and the last to leave.