As England and China wage their fierce, mid-nineteenth century battle for ocean trade dominion, the Ballinger and the Maginnis families vie for their pieces of the trade bounty and their places in history. The two clans were once joined through their patriarchs' amicable business relationship, but a betrayal turns them into bitter enemies.

That betrayal renders the Maginnis family paupers while it vaults the Ballingers into wealth and nobility. It also fuels the resolve of the headstrong Connor Maginnis to exact revenge on the all-powerful Ballinger dynasty that he blames for the woes of his father and his family. But the next-generation Ballingers, Ross and Zoe, risk doing in the family themselves as they become entangled in dangerous affairs - both in business and of the heart.

"An enthralling encounter with bold adventure." (B-O-T Editorial Review Board)