Who instigates the uprising of Sea Dyaks against his old friend, Tremal-Naik? Who connives with the new Rajah of Sarawak, nephew to James Brooke whom the Tigers of Mompracem dethroned years ago? Who plots to destroy him and his invincible Tigers? Sandokan ponders these questions upon hearing of Tremal-Naik’s imminent danger and rumors reach him that the British intend to oust him from Mompracem, the island he calls home.
Yanez de Gomera, his Portuguese friend and blood brother, and some of their men set off to rescue Tremal-Naik and his daughter, Darma. Before they arrive at their destination, though, their ship becomes stranded, and Yanez suspects the pilot did so on purpose. Before he can test that theory, someone spots a man attempting to reach them in a canoe. Close on his tail are angry Sea Dyaks. Always willing to aid someone in need, Yanez thwarts the natives, but he’s smart enough to know they will return.
Tangusa, the wounded man who works for Tremal-Naik, shares what little he knows – the Dyaks now carry firearms, and a mystifying sherip, a master strategist, leads them. Since they still must rescue their friend, Yanez continues the journey and soon learns firsthand just how treacherous the sherip can be when the Sea Dyaks devise a devilish trap to roast the Tigers, and their ship, alive. With his usual quick-thinking and boldness, Yanez finally reaches Tremail-Naik and Darma, but getting them back to Mompracem presents additional dilemmas. Just as their escape from the island seems assured, the Sea Dyaks spring another trap. Tremail-Naik and Darma disappear aboard a steam ship that whisks them away, while Yanez and his men face certain death.
Until an iron ship, the fastest of her kind and carrying the latest weaponry, appears out of nowhere and rescues the Tigers. Commander Brien, captain of this magnificent Nebraska, intends to sell her once they reach Sarawak, but Yanez purchases the impressive ship on the spot. They quickly sail for Mompracem, only to arrive to rescue Sandokan and the other Tigers, who flee a British naval force decimating the pirate king’s island.
Sandokan, who gave immeasurable help to the British in India when he destroyed the Thugs and retired from his pirating ways, declares war on the Rajah of Sarawak, the British forces that aid him, and the mysterious stranger who’s manipulated the Tigers’ destruction from the start. First, the Tigers must find and rescue Tremal-Naik and Darma, then they will attack British ships. Sooner or later Sandokan will meet his unseen foe, but on his terms and when he holds the advantage. Their new vessel, rechristened King of the Sea, however, has a weakness – one that could eventually end the Tiger’s reign once and for all.
The King of the Sea is a swashbuckling, exotic adventure in the same vein as Rafael Sabatini’s stories. Pirate aficionados will enjoy this refreshing tale that takes place on the far side of the world from most novels, and the edge-of-your-seat pace keeps readers guessing. The ending may seem a bit pat, but it satisfies those who like books that tie up loose ends and resolve conflicts on an uplifting note.