1813, & Horatio Hornblower is propelled toward the heart of the French Empire & his old enemy, Napoleon... Sir Horatio Hornblower has received strict & highly confidential orders from the highest rank: he must embark upon a grave & perilous mission to recapture the Flame in the Bay of Seine, where the brutal & foul-tempered Lieutenant Augustine Chadwick is being held prisoner by a mutinous crew. Rescuing the Lieutenant demands all of Horatio`s spirit & seafaring prowess
- for at the same time, he must contend with capturing two French cargo vessels & take part in negotiations to topple the faltering Napoleon once & for all... This is the ninth of eleven books chronicling the adventures of C. S. Forester`s inimitable nautical hero, Horatio Hornblower.