Perilous Shores: Book Two of The Sea Hawkes Chronicles

by Thomas M. Wing

Genres: Historical

387 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2026

About the author

A Naval Academy and Naval War College graduate, Thomas M. Wing retired after thirty-two years as a Navy Surface Warfare officer. He served in guided missile destroyers and frigates, as well as with destroyer squadron, cruiser destroyer group, numbered fleet, and Joint Task Force staffs, where he planned and executed real-world joint operations at the operational and strategic levels of war. He also participated in naval combat during Operation Praying Mantis in the Middle East in April, 1988.
He has taught Coast Guard licensing courses and has held a variety of sailing licenses, including Master and Master of Sailing Vessels, Upon Oceans. As well, he founded and served as Executive Director for the Continental Navy Foundation, which conducted experiential education at sea for young people 13-17 years of age. He also commanded the Foundation's tall ship, the brigantine Megan D.
His novel, Against All Enemies, resulted from a random thought during a period of political tension between China and the U.S. What if that political tension included cruise missiles flying in from the sea to strike the San Diego waterfront?
Thomas M. Wing resides in San Diego with his wife and daughter, a cat, and a dog. He still spends whatever free time he has on the water.

Reviews

[Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)]

MWSA Review

Perilous Shores by Thomas M. Wing is an exceptionally authentic and action-packed historical naval adventure that serves as the gripping second installment of The Sea Hawkes Chronicles.

Set during the American Revolutionary War, the narrative follows Captain Jonas Hawke, an American privateer consumed by a relentless vow of vengeance against the British military following the tragic murder of his wife.

Wing brilliantly leverages his real-world background as a retired Navy Surface Warfare officer to deliver incredibly realistic maritime combat and vivid descriptions of life at sea. The historical setting is impeccably drawn, offering complete immersion into the era.

Furthermore, Hawke’s internal conflict—balancing his destructive personal vendetta with his loyalty to the cause for American independence—provides profound depth to his character. Highly engaging, meticulously organized, and emotionally satisfying, this novel is an absolute must-read for fans of nautical historical fiction.

Review by James Elsener

[Brenda King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Perilous Shores. Even though it's a historical novel, it never felt slow or overly focused on historical details. The story had plenty of action, but what kept me invested was Jonas Hawke's personal struggle.
After the loss of his wife, it's easy to understand why he's driven by revenge, but I liked that the book didn't present that path as simple or heroic. Watching Jonas wrestle with the consequences of his decisions added depth to the story and made him feel like a real person rather than just an action hero.
The naval battles and wartime atmosphere were exciting, and the tension stayed high throughout. I also appreciated the moral questions the story raises about justice, vengeance, and leadership during war. Those themes gave the book more weight than a typical adventure novel.

[Gene Desrochers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ocean roils in April 1777 as Jonas Hawke plots his revenge. Hawke plans to make the killers pay...the whole British Empire, while at the same time getting rich and helping the colonies maintain the fragile independence declared less than a year earlier. The British have other ideas. With his loyal mates and his son, William, along for the perilous journey, Jonas decides to take the fight to the most dangerous navy on earth. His rage at the loss of his wife has blinded him to the dangers of this plan, much the way Ahab could see nothing but white, Jonas sees nothing but red...coats. I loved following this man on his journey. I learned a great deal about what it meant to be a sailor in the 1700s. Riveting.

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonas and his son William go to sea to get revenge on the British for murdering Jonas' wife William's mother. I like it that Jonas is a captain with a heart, and someone who takes into consideration the opinions of his crew. He's depicted as someone with a conscience and not just cold, egotistical captain.
This book also shed some light on conditions of prisoners - which was pretty appalling.

I look forward to rest of the series and getting an education on privateers during the revolutionary war. I know very little about this topic, so this is very interesting!
Thank you to Acorn Publishing for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Thomas F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great sea story written by retired U.S. Navy Commander Thomas Wing. Tom knows sailing ship as well as he knows guided missile destroyers. The characters are believable as Captain Jonas Hawkes's brigantine Resolute raids the British Isles and interacts with historical figures like Silas Deane, and Continental Navy Captain Lambert Wickes. In addition to descriptions of sea battles and handling of sailing ships in storms and in battle, the problems of commanding a crew, when one of them is your young son are explored in the text.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When someone has every reason to feel the need for revenge, does that make it right? Is it ok to take it out on everyone? Should we just be understanding? Can a historical fiction book about seafaring men and the Revolutionary War contain this much of a story?

Wow, it certainly can. There were times I hated Jonas Hawkes and the way he treated everyone, and yet there were times I wanted to find a way to console him.

This is powerfully written. Hard to put down. Yet it holds a lot of history and is a fascinating read.

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas M. Wing brings us an engaging voyage filled with uncertainty and danger on deep water.
The novel captures the challenges of life at sea while exploring themes of loyalty, perseverance, and the human spirit.
With a fast-moving plot and atmospheric storytelling, Wing keeps readers invested from beginning to end. This is a wonderful choice for fans of maritime fiction and epic historical adventures.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling continuation of the Sea Hawkes Chronicles, Perilous Shores combines adventure with history and adds in drama to make the story feel exciting.
Thomas M. Wing creates a world where every decision carries weight and every journey brings new challenges.
The detailed setting and strong character development make this book more than just an adventure
Ultimately, we are given a story of determination and sacrifice while we watch these characters navigating the unknown.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perilous Shores is a beautifully crafted historical fiction novel that transports readers into a world of exploration and discovery while highlighting the danger and peril.
Thomas M. Wing’s writing brings the sea and its dangers to life while weaving together a memorable tale of adventure and courage.
The combination of historical elements and compelling characters makes this a satisfying read
It's a modern storytelling but doesn't skimp on the historical elements.

[Liz H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perilous Shores has the feel of a classic historical adventure, combining an immersive period setting with the promise of danger and discovery. I enjoyed the sense of scale and the maritime atmosphere, which give the story an adventurous character from the outset.

As the second installment of The Sea Hawkes Chronicles, it should appeal especially to readers who enjoy returning to a familiar world while facing new challenges. A solid pick for fans of historical and seafaring adventure.

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a captivating historical adventure.
The story draws readers into a dangerous world where survival depends on courage, strategy, and resilience.
Wing’s attention to historical detail creates an immersive experience, while the characters bring emotional depth to the journey.