New Zealand in the early 1800's - a land few Europeans have visited and one dominated by the fierce, warlike tribes collectively known as Maori. Hongi Hika, a paramount chief of the Ngapuhi iwi, is one of the first of his people to perceive the benefits of adopting the new Pakeha technology - particularly with regard to weapons. With the aid of his young cousin, Waikato, he befriends the freshly-arrived missionaries as a first step in his unrelenting quest for muskets - a quest that will take Hongi and Waikato to the penal colony of Port Jackson, to London and, ultimately, to the palace of King George IV.

Told through Waikato's eyes, this is a tale of adventure, manipulation and revenge. It is also an account of how Maori quickly adapted to the new ways, opportunities and challenges presented by the arrival of Europeans.