Late 1700’s and early 1800’s were turbulent times. English cities are overcrowded and dreary. The royalty and nobility owned everything and controlled all. The only way for a person to get ahead was to join the military and put themselves in danger. Fletcher had joined the navy and risen quickly in the ranks. He is commissioned with a very fine vessel and is to take her on her maiden voyage down the coast of Africa.

The French are trying to blockade English ports and ships and the Spanish also pose a serious threat to England’s world exploration. The French had an additional advantage in that their ships were faster and their guns bigger.

The crew loved to sail with Admiral Fletcher. He was lucky to have a pilot who knew some of the more treacherous areas of the waters off Africa. Admiral Fletcher is mesmerized by a beautiful blue stone which is masterfully cut and reflects rainbows of incredible light. Their quest is to find the source of the stones.

Word of their diamond mine has circled the globe. The English are looking for more of these large stones and the wealth that will come with the find! The Zulu warriors are tall, lithe, and very well trained and the Zulu women are tall, slender, and of exquisite beauty. Therein lies an excellent love story as a side event in the telling.

This story held my interest and I found myself pressed to find out the ending. I would suggest it to all who want to enjoy a riotous sea tale. 5 stars - C.E. Williams

This is an action packed book about Fletcher a UK sailor. He hears of a fabled treasure in Africa and sends his crew there to try and find it. This was my first Fletcher novel and I enjoyed it.