Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!