Young Sebastian Cabot dreams of becoming a navigator and commander like his father. He and his younger brother, Sancius, embark on Admiral John Cabot's 1498 voyage to discover a route to Asia. But desperate to succeed, John splits the fleet: he heads south with Sancius towards Spanish territorial waters and marauding warships, while Sebastian and two other ships sail north. When his father and brother do not return, Sebastian, spurred by a turncoat spy's confessions, travels to Lisbon and Seville, uncovering evidence that they were murdered at sea.

Believing the Cabot name disgraced and the English crown turning to other explorers, Sebastian leaves his family's home in Bristol for London. All he desires is to become a master mariner and navigator, yet without England's support, he must look further afield. Seville, the epicentre of Spanish maritime command, beckons-but can he ignore the signs linking the Spaniards to his father's and brother's deaths? And by following his father's footsteps, will he, too, fall prey to reckless ambition?

Spinners of Destiny, the sequel to John Cabot - Commander, explores the perilous lives of men whose dreams compelled them to seek glory and fortune on unknown oceans-men who knowingly risked everything and often paid the ultimate price during the Age of Exploration.