The book is set in a slightly altered historical England—during the reign of King James III—in the early 19th century, and follows the adventures of Simon, an orphan whose plans to study painting in London are derailed by high adventure.
In a slightly altered historical setting during King James III's reign in early 1800s England, the book recounts Simon's adventures as an orphan who intended to learn painting in London but was redirected into thrilling escapades.