Autumn 1943, the beginning of the American offensive against the Japanese in the South Pacific. Just west of the Solomon Islands lies a remote desert island called Conquest, where the U.S. Navy stations a new fighting squadron, led by Lieutenant Commander Drew McLachlan, an ace pilot and veteran of the Battle of the Coral Sea. The Blue Devils soar into combat--against known and unknown enemies. The squadron's island home may not be secure--in nearby volcanic caves, McLachlan finds evidence of habitation by unknown natives--natives that resemble no living race, that may yet exist in the mysterious subterranean catacombs. As the Solomon campaign enters into its final skirmishes, the Japanese at last turn their attention to Conquest Island. Now the Blue Devils find themselves the target of an overwhelming assault by the desperate Imperial Japanese forces--and an unknown predatory force that leaves mutilated victims as the only evidence of its presence.