Patrick O'Brian · 1993 · sea

The sixteenth novel takes the Surprise across the breadth of the Pacific to South America. After a volcanic island rises from the sea and a hard chase of an American privateer, Jack carries Stephen to the coast of Peru on a secret mission to foment independence against Spain. This route follows that great ocean crossing and Stephen's harrowing journey alone over the high Andes, one of the most punishing passages in all the series.

1. 1
   The South Pacific

   Far out in the Pacific, the Surprise witnesses a wonder, a new island born in fire and smoke as a volcano rises from the open sea. There follows a long and gruelling chase of the Franklin, a powerful American privateer, before Jack can turn his bows at last toward the coast of South America and Stephen's secret work.

2. 2
   Callao

   The Surprise raises the coast of Peru and the port of Callao, gateway to the Spanish viceroyalty and to Lima beyond. Here Stephen is to go ashore on the most delicate of missions, to sound out and encourage the movement for independence from Spain, carrying gold and promises into a land seething with intrigue.

3. 3
   The Andes

   Stephen's road carries him up and over the high Andes, into a world of thin cold air and terrible passes where men and mules die of the soroche, the mountain sickness. Caught by snow and altitude near the roof of the continent, he comes close to death itself, and the mission for which he suffers so much comes in the end to little.