Tired from a war in America, Ross Poldark returns to his land and his family. But the joyful homecoming he has anticipated turns sour, for his father is dead. But his sympathy for the destitute farmers of the district leads him to rescue an urchin girl and take her home -- an act which alters the whole course of his life.

Demelza Carne, the miner's daughter Ross Poldark rescued from a fairground rabble, is now his wife. But the events of these turbulent years will test their marriage and their love. Ross begins a bitter struggle for the rights of the mining communities -- and sows the seed of an enduring enmity with powerful George Warleggan.

The Poldark family awaits the return of Ross from his mission to Wellington's army in Portugal. But their ordered existence ends with Jeremy Poldark's dramatic rescue of a stranger from the sea. Stephen Carrington's arrival in the Poldark household changes all their lives. For Clowance and Jeremy in particular, the children of Ross and Demelza, Stephen's advent is the key to a new world-- one of both love and danger.

The ninth volume in the incomparable Poldark saga - a hero, a heritage, a history Cornwall, 1812: At Nampara, the Poldark family finds the new year brings involvement in more than one unexpected venture. For Ross and Demelza there is some surprising - and worrying - news. And Clowance, newly returned from her London triumphs, finds that her entanglement with Stephen Carrington brings not only happiness but heartache. As the armies battle in Spain,...

Valentine Warleggan's paternity still poisons the atmosphere, and his financial and marital troubles form a major narrative strand set firmly against the saga's familiar background of Cornwall. Meanwhile, Bella Poldark's desire for a musical career takes her to stages in London and France, where she is involved with rival suitors. Her widowed older sister, Clowance, must also choose between two men of vastly different backgrounds who propose marriage....

With the country gripped by political uncertainty and fresh elections, Ross Poldark seeks to challenge George Warleggan's stranglehold over Cornwall while also repairing his marriage to Demelza. Hugh Armitage remains in love with Demelza and is hopeful for more. Dr. Dwight Enys and Caroline plan to start a family while Elizabeth seeks another child to secure her own marriage to an ever-suspicious George. Meanwhile, Morwenna desperately tries to protect...

1794: War and the revolution in France hang over Britain. In Cornwall, George Warleggan grows his empire with a view to crush the Poldarks while Ross and Demelza attempt to repair their relationship. Ross must ask himself how long he can allow George's ascent to continue unchecked. Facing battles both at home and abroad, will Ross answer the call and risk losing everything he holds dear?