Seahawk Hunting: A Novel of the Civil War at Sea (Seahawk Trilogy) [Paperback]

Randall Peffer (Author)

Book Description

Series: Seahawk Trilogy | Publication Date: April 2010

In Seahawk Hunting Rafael Semmes abandons his broken raider, the Sumter, which is penned in by the Federals near Gibraltar. In the meantime, he has the Brits build him a new ship in Liverpool. Called the 290, it is the fastest commercial raider designed for its time, and it is waiting for Semmes in the Azores.

After taking command of the ship he sets out seizing and burning whalers at the rate of one a day, sails back across the North Atlantic against the gulf stream where he picks off another dozen merchant ships headed to Europe.

Then, after a thwarted attempt to sneak attack New York City, Semmes makes a beeline for Martinique in the Caribbean during the course of which he has to put down a mutiny on board and evade the USS San Jacinto which has come to destroy him. Finally, Semmes makes it to Galveston where he has an epic gun battle with the USS Hatteras.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Capt. Raphael Semmes of the Confederate navy continues his daring exploits at sea, covering vast tracts of the Atlantic between late 1861 and early 1863, in Peffer's engaging second book in his Seahawk trilogy (after Southern Seahawk). Seamanship and battles receive scant attention as the narrative dwells on a host of mostly land-bound historical characters, including President Abraham Lincoln; Gideon Welles, secretary of the navy; spymaster Allan Pinkerton; and Jefferson Davis's wife, Varina, as well as Semmes's fictional lover, Maude Galway. Peffer paints a convincing portrait of the destruction and desperation felt on both sides and of the many small, heroic actions (or inactions) that might turn the tide of war. Semmes emerges as a bloodied and battered warrior of epic stature in a losing cause, a Hector yet to meet his Achilles. (Feb.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 247 pages
• Publisher: Bleak House Books (April 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1606480340
• ISBN-13: 978-1606480342
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 4.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,020,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Southern Seahawk Disappointing, August 28, 2010

By 

Joseph A. Lorenzo "HFH Builder" (Rochester NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Seahawk Hunting: A Novel of the Civil War at Sea (Seahawk Trilogy) (Paperback)

I picked this book up while on vacation after completing several good novels by William Martin. I am an ardent reader of historical and fiction novels that relate to early America, it's founding and Naval history. I found this book a bit shallow in regard to what may have been a fascinating era in Confederate naval history. I found the author didn't really develop any in depth character constructs or story line regarding the real events his book is based on. I also found that I could have used a map of the seas in and around the story line. It would have helped in the telling. I also found that the sexual segments didn't add to the story. They actually detracted from it! I thought I was reading a dime store trash novel at times.

There was a story there but somehow it was lacking in my estimation. Read Annapolis, for example, and you will see what I am refering to.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating story.... well told., September 20, 2011

By 

bill evans "Bill Evans" (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Seahawk Hunting: A Novel of the Civil War at Sea (Seahawk Trilogy) (Paperback)

I loved Randall Peffer's Seahawk Hunting!

It's the second in a three book series focused on the exploits of the Confederate Captain/Pirate Ralph Semmes (depending upon point of view) during the Civil War. It's very well written, fast-paced, and an exciting look into a portion of the Civil War, the war at sea, that I haven't read much about before.

On behalf of the Confederacy, Ralph Seemes captured and/or destroyed dozens of Union related ships. The details of those battles are interesting enough, but Peffer also writes about the emotional state of Abraham Lincoln, the conflicts between cabinet members, the chase for Semmes across the Atlantic Ocean, the spying and other effects of Seemes' efforts in Europe, and the freedom trail. Peffer's descriptions of being at sea, including the loss of the ship Somers, are especially powerful. It all works wonderfully, coming together in a book that I was sad to see end.

With a fascinating story to tell, and a masterful touch to the descriptions of the people and events, I highly recommended this book. Read it slowly and enjoy the words!