Thanks to his direct naval experience, multi-million copy bestselling author Douglas Reeman is expertly placed to take you to the heart of the action in this all-action, non-stop tale of naval warfare. With his vivid characterisation and atmospheric storytelling, you''ll feel you are in the midst of events yourself! Perfect for fans of Clive Cussler, Bernard Cornwell and Wilbur Smith.

''One of our foremost writers of naval fiction'' -- Sunday Times
''Mr Reeman writes with great knowledge about the sea and those who sail on it'' -- The Times
''Stirring stuff!'' -- ***** Reader review
''Very hard to put down and the reader gets drawn into the action'' -- ***** Reader review
''Fantastic'' -- ***** Reader review
''Gripping from beginning to the end'' -- ***** Reader review
''This is a book that you will not want to put down'' -- ***** Reader review

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NOVEMBER, 1941: THE WAR IN THE PACIFIC.

Lieutenant Ralph Trewin, D.S.C., arrives at Singapore as second-in-command of the shallow-draught gunboat, H.M.S. Porcupine.

To Trewin, still shocked from wounds received during the evacuation of Crete, the gunboat and her five elderly consorts seem to symbolise the ignorance and blind optimism he finds in Singapore. And the captain of the Porcupine is as unwilling as the rest to take heed of Trewin''s alarm, for to him the gunboat represents his last chance.

The following month, the Japanese invade Malaya. In three months, Singapore, the impregnable fortress, knows the humiliation of surrender.

Through the misery and despair of this bloody campaign, Trewin and his captain are forced to draw on each other''s beliefs and weaknesses, and together they weld the little gunboat into a symbol of bravery and pride.