In 1805, 17-year-old Jack O'Reilly sets sail with his parents aboard the Perdido Star. Jack is full of high hopes at the prospect of a new life in his mother's homeland of Cuba, but tragedy strikes shortly after they arrive, and in a desperate escape, Jack rejoins the departing Star as a member of the crew. For 3 years, Jack encounters encounters storms, shipwreck, hostile and friendly natives and enemy vessels as he travels around the world, and finally back to Cuba. Throughout his adventures, his obession to return to Cuba for revenge dominates his life.
