After penetrating the starboard flank of the heavy wooden hull, the cannon ball destroys everything in its path. Exiting side opposite, the deadly ordinance carries with it Ava's mistress as well as the last of her innocence. Horrified by the surrounding mayhem, Ava feels that death is just a heartbeat away. Out of the smoke-filled din, a strong hand reaches for hers and Ava instinctively grabs hold. Thus begins her journey into the seductive world of piracy. On board the Black Orchid, Ava is quickly claimed by the notorious Captain Delgato as his personal wench. Fearing the worst, Ava prepares herself for the inevitable. Much to her surprise, all is not what it appears to be. A vulnerable captain emerges behind closed doors. Upon finding a greater force at the helm, Ava's discretion not only helps her create a trusting bond with Delgato, but further draws the interest of the strong-handed first mate, Jacque. No longer at the mercy of an oppressive society, Ava feels free to explore dark desires long suppressed. On a secluded beach of pink sand, the beautiful wench Runa entices Ava into the sisterhood of sapphic love. Later, consenting to be bound between two maidens during a triumphant feast naked for all to see, our heroine feels the excitement brought on by exhibition. Crashing through the waves across dangerous shoals while secured seductively to the bow of the ship, Ava is treated to unending stimulation, climaxing in multitudes. When Ava is artistically suspended from the yardarms in celebration of a victory at sea, the course hemp ropes bring her more than sexual enlightenment. Hanging upside down, the blemish on the wooden spar comes into focus, revealing a map marking the whereabouts of a fabled treasure. Treading lightly, Ava waits for the opportune time to use this knowledge to her best advantage. Taking a huge risk, Ava offers Delgato her information in trade for the freshly commandeered ship anchored in the lagoon next to the Black Orchid. After the treasure turns out to be even more than expected, Delgado honors their accord and Ava attains ownership of the good ship, Avanti. When Jacque agrees to become captain of her ship, a dream turns into reality. The serious issues of mission and command need to be resolved, and on the first night aboard ship, one of these issues is clarified. Securely bent and bound naked over a keg of rum in the galley, Ava makes it clear who oversees the ship's discipline as she welcomely accepts the strokes of the flogger across her tender skin. Later, the captain readily acquiesces to the owner's prerogative as Ava reveals her intentions. The Avanti's mission is to return stolen artifacts to their original owners, and while the goal sounds worthy, it's not without its share of dangers. The most striking figure in her collection, "Gato Diablo," leads the intrepid Avanti to a village protected by a resolute band of women determined to save their culture. Initial misunderstandings nearly cause unnecessary violence, but love prevails and The Avanti rights a wrong. Drawn to the secretive society and their mysterious leader, Ava enters the shadowy realm of the jaguar. By learning the ways of the "cat," Ava advances her combative skills as well as her sexual prowess. In the final act of "Shoals and Shadows," the entire crew proves its mettle by coming to the aid of a village held hostage and under siege. "The Avanti Chronicles" are not for the faint of heart. The piracy is profound, the sex is as raw as it is exquisite, and nothing is off limits. This rich and crafty story is an insightful look into the world of sexual submission, drawing the line between consensual pleasures and unwanted acts of cruelty. Join the voyage and share in the adventure - you will find that the high seas have no bounds.