April 1803. Here is Hornblower who, directly after his wedding ceremony, takes his ship, the sloop HMS Hotspur, to observe the French coast, Channel ports, and around to the Bay of Biscay. Now, at 27, as Master and Commander, his exploits tumble one after the other. Reconnaissance, daring shore raids, cutting out expeditions and skillful navigating in treacherous tidal waters bring the reality of the blockade of France to the fore. And all the while the introspective and lonely Hornblower worries about his relationship with his wife and mother-in-law � in stark contrast to his sureness when carrying out his objectives to annoy Napoleon and bring destruction to his military plans.