In June 1774, off the shores of present-day Tonga, the HMS Resolution glides between reefs and low coral islands, welcomed with fruit, laughter, and chants of “Wòa”—friend. But beneath the surface of peaceful trade, misunderstandings fester. One stolen hatchet becomes the spark for a violent clash, testing the limits of trust between Europeans and Polynesians.
Only the wicked are offered,” says the priest—and Captain Cook believes him. But when painted warriors hurl spears at his crew on a nameless reef island, even that belief is shaken.
