February, 1942: Singapore lies burning and shattered, defenseless before the conquering Japanese Army. A boat slips out of the harbor into the South China Sea. On board is a desperate, disparate group of people, each with a secret to guard, each willing to kill to keep that secret safe.

By dawn they are traveled far—but are still within range of the murderous dive bombers aimed at their ship. Few will survive the nightmarish succession of disasters wrought by the Japanese, the unrelenting tropical sun, and the passengers themselves.Soon it becomes a desperate battle of wills and wits to stay alive as the ship journeys south by Java Head.