Description

All is not well on Zanatu: the idyllic Polynesian island is in rebellion, and the British Navy sends Lieutenant St. Vincent Halfhyde to find out why. Halfhyde steams to investigate, braving typhoons and coral reefs along the way. But things go from bad to worse once he steps foot on the island, as angry natives armed with guns assault the British sailors. The natives swear allegiance to a mysterious god named John Frumm, who has appeared among them, promising wealth and prosperity. As the island slides toward anarchy, Halfhyde struggles to rescue the beleaguered members of Her Majesty's Colonial Service and find the elusive Frumm before it is too late.

Reviews

Simply superb Victorian-era adventure, written with wit and flair and historical accuracy.

Halfhyde is a fine hero, insubordinate and ingenious.

Much derring-do . . . McCutchan is to be congratulated. . . . He is writing about a stirring period that has been sadly neglected.

McCutchan brings . . . a driving narrative style and a vast knowledge of and love for the sea that is certain to delight seafaring buffs.