This book concludes Hornblower's private war with Napoleon.
Mutiny is the subject, but not by Hornblower's men. Before the problem is solved the audacious Admiral broadens the action and, immeasurably aided by his faithful captain, Bush, secures a breach in Napoleon's defenses.
"No other contemporary writer can equal Forester at this kind of storytelling. It is not the action so much as the character of Hornblower that lifts the story up." (The Chicago Tribune)