Thirteen-year-old Sam Witchall has always dreamed of being a sailor, but he never realized how dangerous and gruesome life at sea could be until he is pressed into service aboard HMS Miranda. Beginning his naval career as a "powder monkey"--assisting the gun crews on the warship--Sam learns the ropes of sailing and how to cope with enemies both foreign and onboard the Miranda herself.

With enough battles, storms, and shipwrecks to thrill young fans of the Master and Commander series, this rousing historical adventure introduces a new generation to an exciting era, when a lowly powder monkey could grow up to be a hero.