The year is 1798 and Bartholomew Mills has never left Plymouth before, let alone been to sea. Suddenly orphaned and alone, he joins Captain James Morel aboard the January Dawn and quickly realises that life on the ocean is fraught with danger - from nature itself as well as from a tyrannical crew bent on finding fortune. These are the last years of Atlantic piracy for the Dawn; Morel and his sadistic first mate, Ivor Stanhope, will let nothing stand in the way of their journey towards the fertile hunting grounds of the Caribbean. Adventure ensues and friendships are forged as Bartholomew and his small band of mates battle the elements, disease and the relentless threat of attack. But when he learns a terrible secret which stokes a burning desire for revenge, Bartholomew's courage, loyalty and life will be tested like never before.