'A thrilling historical novel.' David Nicholls'In this gripping tale of true feminine courage, strength and spirit of adventure, Nikki Marmery gives voice to a woman who, like so many others, has been written out of history.' Martine McDonagh'On Wilder Seas is a gripping adventure story of an extraordinary journey half way around the world by a woman who was almost completely written out of history. Nikki Marmery brings Macaia (Maria) vividly to life along with a tremendous crew of compelling and believable characters, including Drake himself.' Mandy Haggith'This is a lively, spirited account of the epic voyage made by Maria, a woman who was a mysterious passenger on Francis Drake's Golden Hind...thoroughly researched and vividly written, with a host of colourful characters. The brutality, horror and discomfort of life on board a 16th century galleon and the wonders and dangers that the crew experiences are skilfully evoked.' Sally O'ReillyApril 1579: When two ships meet off the Pacific coast of New Spain, an enslaved woman seizes the chance to escape.But Maria has unwittingly joined Francis Drake's circumnavigation voyage as he sets sail on a secret detour into the far north.Sailing into the unknown on the Golden Hind, a lone woman among eighty men, Maria will be tested to the very limits of her endurance. It will take all her wits to survive - and courage to cut the ties that bind her to Drake to pursue her own journey.How far will Maria go to be truly free?Inspired by a true story, this is the tale of one woman's uncharted voyage to freedom.