Allegiances by Charles Davis

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Publishers Weekly

The naval history of the Civil War rarely gets as much attention as its land-based campaigns, but Davis splendidly showcases the drama of sailing ships and blockade runners in this clever debut novel. Amid the social and political turmoil just before the Civil War, navy Lt. Jonathan Wade is torn between his sworn loyalty to the Union as a naval officer and his familial loyalty to his home state of Virginia. When war finally breaks out, Wade reluctantly goes with the South, joining the Confederate navy as the commander of the fast dispatch vessel America (renowned historically as the winner of the first America's Cup yacht race in 1851). Wade and the America are bound for England on a secret mission to carry rebel agents to Europe and to bring back contraband guns and ammunition. When Wade is tricked into participating in an audacious and treacherous scheme to bring Britain into the war against the Union, his conscience and sense of professional duty collide, but he has been sworn to secrecy and so must bear his shame in silence. His love for two beautiful and fascinating women only serves to cause him greater anguish as he sails the America across the Atlantic, through the Caribbean and into blockaded ports in Florida and Georgia, dodging Yankee warships, spies and Southern traitors. Wade is ultimately betrayed, and he and the America must face the final test of loyalty together. Davis spins a rousing seafaring yarn with skill, color, suspense and refreshing authenticity. Civil War history fans will be pleased to encounter a well-crafted novel of the Civil War's little-known war at sea. (Mar.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.