The story begins in the year 1819 when Nathaniel Coffin turns sixteen years, shortly after the tragic deaths of his parents and nine-year-old sister Christiana. Life became even more difficult after he was adopted by an alcoholic aunt named May Nickerson. Coincidentally, it was also the height of the sperm whale industry. His childhood wishes to work on a whaling ship became all-consuming.

Conflict soon arose after just six weeks at sea the result of a senseless harpoon strike that took the life of Nathans close friend and shipmate, Billy McGiven.

Ostracized by his captain and crew, the offender, Duncan Albury, was set ashore. Ruthless and mean-spirited by nature, Albury found another ship, became its pirate captain, and orchestrated his revenge, which culminated on a secluded beach in Port Royal, Jamaica, setting the stage for a bloody and poignant battle. The odds are thirty to two. Do Nathan and Blackjack survive?