Copenhagen, 1800. After seven years of cruel war against France, Britain's long-standing ally, Denmark, suddenly poses a threat. The scene of battle shifts to the Baltic where the British Navy encounters the bitter hardship of blockade duty.

Richard Bolitho, recently appointed rear admiral, is in charge of his first squadron, and is thrown immediately into a fierce and bloody struggle with the enemy. The outcome of the crucial Battle of Copenhagen is in Bolitho's hands...