Gene Hackman, the Academy Award(R)-winning actor, always had a yearning to write, hanging around his grandfather's small newspaper office in Danville, Illinois, when he was young. He published this first novel at age 70, co-written with his neighbor, leading underwater archaeologist, Daniel Lenihan, who also wrote the nonfiction adventure, "Submerged," about his 25 years with the National Park Services, from Newmarket Press. The two went on to write two more novels, published by St. Martin's, "Justice for None" and "Escape from Andersonville: A Novel of the Civil War." Hackman's solo novel, a western, will be published by Pocket Books in 2011.

"An adventure story that earns its place in the esteemed company of such seafaring sagas as Moby Dick and Mutiny on the Bounty." -- San Diego Union-Tribune

A swashbuckling sea story written like a sea story should be written, with all the legendary action. A fascinating read." -- Clive Cussler

"A swashbuckling sea yarn." -- San Francisco Chronicle

"A swashbuckling sea story of nautical derring-do. ... Salted with plenty of action." -- Stephen Coonts, U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings

"A robust sea-faring yarn. ... A fun-filled adventure...complete with a slam-bang finale." -- Winston-Salem Journal

"Thrilling. ... A swashbuckling tale, full of action." -- Chattanooga Times

"A page-turner, a corker, a cracking good yarn." -- Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers

"The strong plot carries such momentum that it is sure to satisfy readers looking for a good yarn. -- Booklist

"An American swashbuckler with satisfying action and rousing derring-do." -- Kirkus Reviews

"A fun, rousing tale. ... Chock full of pirates, sea battles, shipwrecks, and adventure." -- Providence Journal

"Fast-paced and exciting." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer

Publisher: William Morrow & Company

Pub date: 2012-12-04

Length: 400 pages