Darkest Before Dawn

The Tides of War #2

by George Wallace, Don Keith

In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, four young submariners are thrown into the chaos of war.

December 7, 1941. Pearl Harbor lies in ruins, the U.S. Pacific Fleet is crippled, and Japan sweeps unopposed across the Pacific. America, no longer able to stand aside, rests its hope on rust-covered submarines manned by young, untested officers and crew.

Four friends, newly commissioned from the U.S. Naval Academy, are thrust into the heart of the conflict.

Alistair, a rich, entitled playboy, becomes a reluctant leader after his boat is sunk. Stranded on a remote tropical island, he and his crew wage a desperate guerrilla war against overwhelming odds. Stan, sidelined by a devastating injury, is pulled into the depths of naval intelligence. With cunning and perseverance, he struggles to unravel the Japanese naval code JP-25 and feed the vital knowledge to the sailors while staying one step ahead of the onrushing Japanese Army.

Meanwhile, Fred and Brad fight the war onboard America’s latest submarines, pioneering deadly tactics beneath the waves to halt the enemy advance and rewrite the rules of warfare.

Amidst the brutal reality of naval combat, these young sailors must overcome impossible odds. Armed only with bravery, resilience, and brotherhood, they confront a ruthless enemy, determined to prove victory isn’t dictated by firepower alone.

A gripping WWII naval thriller packed with action, brotherhood, and resilience. Perfect for fans of W.E.B. Griffin, Lee Jackson, and Tom Clancy.

Genres: Thriller

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2026

About the author

Born and raised in Eastern Ohio, Commander Wallace received his commission in the US Navy and a degree in engineering from The Ohio State University. After the obligatory and memorable interview with Admiral Rickover, he was accepted into the nuclear power and submarine communities. He served on two of Admiral Rickover’s famous “Forty One for Freedom”, the USS John Adams SSBN 620 and the USS Woodrow Wilson SSBN 624, during which time he made nine one-hundred-day deterrent patrols through the height of the Cold War.

Commander Wallace served as Executive Officer on the Sturgeon class nuclear attack submarine Spadefish. Spadefish and all her sisters were decommissioned during the downsizing that occurred in the 1990′s. The passing of that great ship served as the inspiration for “Final Bearing.”

Commander Wallace then commanded the Los Angeles class nuclear attack submarine USS Houston SSN 713 from February 1990 to August 1992. During this tour of duty he worked extensively with the SEAL community developing SEAL/submarine tactics. Under his command, the Houston was awarded the CIA Meritorious Unit Citation.

Commander George Wallace retired to the civilian business world in 1995, after twenty-two years of service on nuclear submarines.

Commander Wallace lives with his wife, Penny, in Alexandria, Virginia.

Reviews

[Ganesh Subramanian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical novel offers a fascinating glimpse into the early Pacific campaign, told through the eyes of four young submarine officers. The narrative brings together naval battles, intelligence operations, and the struggle for survival in enemy territory, providing a variety of viewpoints on the war.
The level of historical research is commendable, and the submarine missions feel authentic. As the characters navigate tough decisions and personal loss, they grow in depth. That said, readers who crave nonstop action might think that some parts dive deeper into military details rather than staying focused on the drama. While the story occasionally shifts among various plotlines, it’s generally easy to keep track of. All in all, it’s a solid and engaging war novel that should resonate especially well with fans of historically grounded military fiction.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment in the Tides of War Series. I was honored to receive an ARC book. The book follows the exploits of four sailors who met at the naval academy and became best friends just prior to the start of WWII. They all joined the submarine service and this book follows their exploits at the beginning of the war. From old “S-Boats to modern Fleet-Boats they show a submarine service in transition with the “men” of the Navy trying to manage the chaos. to me this book, beyond being a good historical fiction novel, is a “coming of age” novel. It follows their individual growth in maturity and responsibility of both our four protagonists and the submarine service. Highly Recommend

[Jim Flagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. This is a continuation of a story of submarine warriors at the start of World War II. The action in this book takes place mostly in the Pacific Theater. The story also involves espionage in the New England area involving submarines as well. As in any war there are casualties. The characters and the story are all believable and well developed. These books as in any series should be read in order. I look forward to the next book.

[Ronaele Whittington, D.S.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

WWII must be remembered for its personal and global impact

History surrounding the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor comes alive in this book 2. My Dad enlisted immediately after Pearl Harbor. Victory At Sea became our go-to movie series on black and white televisions. This book 2 shows the sacrifices of individuals, families, patriots, governments, and allies. The authors portray the enemy in the vocabulary of the defenders. I ordered book 3.

[William McLoughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5. This second in a series continues the stories of four friends serving in the submarine service. This novel covers the months on both sides of the Pearl Harbor attack. The protagonists are stationed in key areas of the Pacific theater, serving in both old S-boats and new Gato class submarines and fighting against long odds and with faulty torpedoes.

[Michael Stover · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amazon bio includes this line: A gripping WWII naval thriller packed with action, brotherhood, and resilience. Perfect for fans of W.E.B. Griffin, Lee Jackson, and Tom Clancy.

I couldn't agree more! I love World War II historical fiction, and Wallace and Keith are true masters. I also love submarines, and this volume gets it right. Superb read!

[Joanna Dyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very nice war story set back in the 1940's. It would make a good nostalgic trip down memory lane for those of us old enough to remember wars fought before drones and other high tech equipment. The characters are eminently relatable.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting second chapter in The Tides of War series! Lots of action in the days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Our four Academy classmates find themselves battling not only the enemy, but spy networks, weapons that don't work, Commanding Officers who seem to know it "all", and Enemy codes that defy breaking! Can't wait for the conclision, "A Code For Victory"!

[JOHN GEARHART · Rating 5 out of 5]

pacific sea war heats up!

This page turner would make Tim Clancy proud. this extension of these four Naval Academy grads into their naval careers is both exciting and spell binding. With his deep Annapolis roots Mr Clancy would likely agree these authors can Spin a yarn!

[Charles Moffett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading

I really enjoyed this addition as the war continued. There is always something happening to one of the four main characters. This keeps you guessing on how they would solve their problems and what they should do next.
I can wait to read book 3.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story! I look forward to reading more stories from Mr. Wallace and Mr. Keith.

[jim brunnworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read.

I really enjoyed following the characters from book to book. The situations are realistic based on previously read WWII books.

[Peter Dundee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story

2nd in the series and as good as the first. Good plotline and characters to go along with the action.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great WWII saga

A lot of truth in these stories. If it wasn't for the grit of the men and women we might have well lost the war. A great look behind some of the fighting in WWII.

[Andrew Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling storyline.

Another excellent storyline following on from the previous book about USA submarines and the officers and crews who man them during the second world war.