In 1803, cocky Jamie Sharpe graduates top in his class from Bullard's Academy, aiming to become a ship's captain like his long-at-sea father. Unfortunately, wealthy slave trader Captain Cutts produces a note he holds on the Sharpe family fortune. He demands immediate payment or, in lieu, Jamie's mother's virtue and her daughter's hand in marriage to his son, Simon. Only a small fortune can save the family.

Racing to secure the money, Jamie is ambushed. He awakes aboard a slaver bound for Africa, at the mercy of his old enemies, Simon Cutts and BIlly Scars.

Jamie will need to grow up quickly to survive the seas of treachery.