Perry Comer Books

In a world where loyalties shift and honor can be a double-edged sword, readers are plunged into an epic struggle as England goes to war with France. The crew aboard the Wessex embarks on a dangerous mission to hunt down elusive privateers in the treacherous Gulf of Mexico. Captain Donland, a seasoned commander, faces unprecedented challenges that test his cunning and resolve. Each encounter forces him to navigate the perils of the sea while grappling with the weight of sacrifice and the echoes of glory, knowing every decision could cost him his crew or his soul. When a formidable Spanish frigate enters the fray, a battle for survival looms, pitting courage against cunning in a high-stakes game. This breathtaking tale of resilience and bravery explores the human spirit's relentless quest for meaning amidst chaos. As Donland confronts his past and the moral complexities of war, readers will be drawn into an emotional tapestry of loyalty, camaraderie, and the true essence of heroism. Join the captain and his crew in this harrowing adventure where the call of duty leads to unexpected legacies, and the lines between friend and foe blur in conflict. Will glory come at a cost, or can honor prevail against the odds?

As England fights for survival against Napoleon's ambitions, Captain Isaac Donland is thrust into the Mediterranean's turbulent waters. Commanding the Wessex, he embarks on a dangerous mission to assist Admiral Rushing's squadron blockading Toulon. After a fierce encounter with three French xebecs, Donland faces not only the challenges of warfare but also the critical need for survival as supplies dwindle. Hope arrives with a supply ship led by a young man he believed dead. However, securing these provisions is just the beginning. As the Wessex heads toward the perilous French coastline, Donland's crew becomes embroiled in an unexpected skirmish with local militia, pushing him to his limits. Navigating the complexities of diplomacy with allies proves equally challenging, as he learns of a predatory French frigate destroying essential supplies for the blockade. Ordered to find and sink this enemy, Donland must team up with an unexpected ally—a John Company vessel commanded by an old friend. Together, they confront a daunting foe in a battle that will test their bravery, camaraderie, and survival. This gripping tale immerses readers in a relentless struggle for survival amid war, where every decision carries life-altering consequences and friendships are forged in battle. Will Donland navigate the deadly waters and emerge victorious, or will the sea claim another ship?

In the harsh winter of 1793, Captain Isaac Donland stands on the brink of glory and treachery as England battles France. Called from the icy Gulf Coast, Donland's mission takes him to the sun-soaked shores of Barbados, where he and his crew aboard the Wessex face a war that tests their spirit. Admiral Jervis aims to seize control of the West Indies, and Donland joins the fleet for an audacious assault on Martinique, alongside the daring Captain Faulknor and the formidable Zebra. Each skirmish becomes a strategic chess match against their adversaries, with promises of riches at stake. However, as victories foster camaraderie, disappointment looms, reminding Donland that war is fickle and glory often shared. The pursuit of a fleeing French frigate plunges him deeper into conflict, forcing him to confront complex emotions of triumph and loss. Amid the chaos, bonds of brotherhood are tested, and ambitions turn perilous. This exhilarating tale of honor and sacrifice reveals that true victory lies in the courage to face adversity and the resilience of the human spirit. Will Donland find honor amidst chaos, or will the cost of glory be too steep? Embark on a thrilling nautical adventure that delves into heroism, responsibility, and the quest for purpose in an uncertain world. An unforgettable journey awaits, where each wave carries echoes of history and the heartbeats of the brave.

Hornet is lost to him, sold! The war with the colonies is over and with its end Donland is without prospects. He, like so many others, is to be cast on the beach with half-pay. But, one of his previous exploits, the rescue of prisoners from Puerto Rico, brings him to Admiral Pigot's attention. Donland is ordered to act as a guide to lead a rescue party to free a person important to the crown. Donland is carried as a supernumerary aboard the frigate, Brune, commanded by snobbish Captain Sheffield. In landing the rescue party, Brune goes aground and is hammered by a shore battery. Donland, with only a handful of men is stranded on the island, pursued by pirates and is without means to escape. Donland is without resources with only David, Honest and Simon to trust. Captain Sheffield's final words are, "Succeed or do not return!" Only a man of great courage can in difficult circumstances rise above obstacles and opponents to achieve success. Is Donland such a man?

The year is 1779, the Colonials with the aid of French Admiral D'estang are rumored to be plotting to re-take Savannah. Donland is tasked to ferret out information concerning French intentions. He will do so without his trusted first lieutenant and friend who is near death and the doctor holds out little hope. Unknown to Donland, as he is about the discovery the French fleet, is Sumerford's scheme to settle an old score with a traitor on the Island of Jamaica. Chased by the French frigate Concorde and wounded Hornet must fend off the Frenchman and arrive in Savannah before the French fleet without sinking. Hornet, without her guns lies a derelict on the riverbank while the city is surrounded. Donland and his mates outnumbered by French and Colonials are thrown into the desperate fight to save the city.

Hornet is forced to engage in a desperate battle with a powerful privateer mounting heavier guns and has an almost impenetrable hull. The Dolphin was built in Bermuda of wood as hard as mahogany, so hard in fact that Hornet's six pound balls do little damage. Only by wit and skill does Donland manage to escape Dolphin's trap. It becomes very clear that the privateer can not be taken by Hornet alone so he seeks out Stinger and Jacket. He discovers the wreckage of Jacket and her survivors but because of the privateer, he is forced to abandon the survivors. The Rescue is a tale of privateers, bravery and of fierce sea battles. It is a story set during the closing years of the American Revolution when wealthy bankers acquire letters of marquee and built ships for the sole purpose of capturing British merchant vessels and selling their cargoes.The Rescue is the seventh novel in the Donland series.

The test of enemy fire refines a man's courage. Duty refines a man's character. Donland must face challenges by enemies at sea, calm seas and sudden fierce storms. The Caribbean and Windward Islands are beset with pirates and privateers plundering for themselves or their French masters. His greatest challenge lies in balancing his relationship as Hornet's Captain with those he would call friend. He must sit idly by and observe the Battle of Grenada as French and English ships-of-line pound each other. The re-appearance of Sumerford leads to a risky rescue of ladies captured and held by a Spaniard on the Island of Margarita.

Book 4 in the Donland SeriesThree sloops does not a squadron make nor a commodore. Sailing from English Harbor, Donland is in command of the sloops Hornet, Stinger and Jacket. His destination is Port Royal in Carolina to deliver munitions and soldiers. Sumerford has his secrets, Major Ellington of the army has his bluster and Donland has a captain afraid of his first lieutenant. The mix is explosive and Donland is challenged to stay in command. In freezing weather the munitions and soldiers are landed. A fort has to be subdued and Major Ellington is determined to have his glorious battle. The stage is set for one of the strangest battles of the Revolution. History records the Colonials as the victors but Donland would argue the point.

Wessex is bound for the newly created Spanish Viceroyalty of the Ro de la Plata in South America. Gold has been discovered and the French Revolution needs it. Two Spanish treasure ships are to deliver the gold to Spain, but a scheme is devised to use Wessex to attack and take the gold. Donland is betrayed, mutineers take over Wessex and the yardarm is rigged for hangings. All this after Lieutenant Maddox is sent home to heal and replaced by a rather shady Lieutenant named Brown who becomes first aboard Wessex. From the beginning of the voyage there are inconsistencies, unexplained accidents and coincidences. Upon arrival in Buenos Aries, Donland is knifed and left for dead. Brown takes command and Donland plots his revenge and recapture of Wessex.

Wessex is relived of patrolling the coasts of Florida in 1791 and is sent to monitor the slave rebellion on Saint Domingue, which will be later divided into the island nations of Haiti and The Dominion Republic. Donland's orders are explicit, do not become involved! He does become involved when he rescues the recently widowed Emily Bostwick who is quite enamoured with the dashing Captain Donland. Adding to the difficulties of the patrol, Donland and his officers experience bouts of unexplained sickness. As Maddox states, it is like my guts was taken out and put back wrong way round. The slaves capture towns, forts and ships. There is no place safe on the island for any white man. Admiral Affleck, the Jamaican Station Commandant, orders Donland to find and to sink any vessel that might be used to threaten English commerce. What Donland does not know is that the rebels have plans to take Wessex and are willing to sacrifice the ships they have taken to do so.