This first book in the series introduces Matty Graves, midshipman in the
early years of the United States Navy. In 1799, the young U.S. Navy
faces France in an undeclared Quasi-War for the Caribbean. Matty Graves
is caught up in escalating violence as he serves aboard the Rattle-Snake
under his drunken cousin, Billy. Matty already knows how to handle the
sails and fight a ship. Now, with the sarcastic Lieutenant Peter Wickett
as his mentor and nemesis, he faces the ironies of a war where telling
friend from foe is no mean trick.