Newly promoted to be the youngest Captain in the Royal Navy, in 1804 Ramage is despatched to blockade the French in Martinique. The passage proves difficult. Then, Diamond Rock appears fortified and a French convoy has to be dealt with. The story emulates the real life exploits of Commodore Samuel Hood RN.

Newly promoted to be the youngest Captain in the Royal Navy, in 1804 Ramage is despatched to blockade the French in Martinique. The passage proves difficult. Then, Diamond Rock appears fortified and a French convoy has to be dealt with. The story emulates the real life exploits of Commodore Samuel Hood RN.

Ranked as a captain, Lord Ramage is dispatched to the Caribbean isle of Martinique. His mission is to barricade the French within Fort Royal. Sent to sea in the Juno, with a crew turned restless and disgruntled under the prior command of a drunk, Ramage realizes that his vessel may not be up to confronting the French.

1796 - sea battles raging and an attack from the French has left third-lieutenant Ramage the sole officer in charge of his frigate. With orders from Nelson to be obeyed young Ramage must rise to the challenge. This thrilling adventure is the first in Dudley Pope's popular and much-loved Ramage series.

In recognition of his great achievements at sea, their Lordships of the Admiralty have made Lord Nicholas Ramage captain of a ship of the line - the youngest man to be so honoured since Nelson himself. And so Ramage sets sail on the Dido, a formidable fighting weapon and the most prized war machine of the British Navy.

England is at peace with the restoration of Charles II, but in Jamaica all is not well. Though there is peace with Spain, there is No Peace ‘Beyond the Line’. Ned Yorke, Admiral of the Brethren and leader of the Buccaneers will not kowtow to the new Governor who is bent on weakening the Island's defences and destroying its currency.