Picture a Vietnam veteran turned maritime maestro, spinning tales of high-seas adventure that grip you like a storm-tossed ship—meet Perry Comer! From his first story in The Saturday Evening Post in 1972 to his bestselling Donland series, Comer’s novels blend gritty naval history with heart-pounding courage. Now writing from Wingate, North Carolina, this Bronze Star recipient crafts stories that sail readers straight into the Age of Sail.
Comer’s journey is as winding as a Caribbean trade route. His experiences across America and his service in Vietnam infuse his work with authenticity and resilience, making his historical fiction a vivid portal to the past. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this captivating storyteller!
The Making of Perry Comer
Born in York County, South Carolina, in 1951, Perry Comer’s life reads like a novel itself. He’s called places as diverse as Dyersburg, Tennessee; North Hollywood, California; and Chicago, Illinois, home before settling in Wingate, North Carolina. A graduate of Winthrop University, Southeastern Baptist Seminary, and Andersonville Theological Seminary, Comer’s scholarly streak shines in his meticulously researched novels. His Vietnam service, where he earned a Bronze Star, shaped his understanding of duty and sacrifice—themes that anchor his fiction.
Comer’s writing career kicked off in 1972 with a story in The Saturday Evening Post, a prestigious launchpad for any writer. From there, he penned pieces for journals and magazines, honing his craft. His teaching stints at Wingate University and South Piedmont Community College reflect his passion for sharing knowledge, but it’s his novels that truly chart his course as a storyteller.
Perry Comer’s Unforgettable Stories
Comer’s Donland series, starting with The Prize in 2012, is his flagship achievement. This maritime historical fiction saga follows Lieutenant Donland, a courageous naval officer navigating treachery, pirates, and storms in the 18th-century Caribbean. In The Prize, Donland’s first command pits him against spies and traitors, setting the tone for a series brimming with action and moral complexity.
Donland’s Courage sees the hero stranded after his ship, the Hornet, runs aground, forcing him to outwit pirates with only a few trusted allies. Donland’s Victory elevates the stakes as he commands the 54-gun Oxford, tackling mutiny and Spanish foes. Donland’s Ransom, set in 1779, weaves a thrilling rescue mission for Portugal’s crown prince amid a war-torn sea. Comer’s prose is crisp, his battles vivid, and his characters—flawed yet honorable—resonate with readers who crave authentic historical adventure.
Beyond Donland, Comer’s versatility shines in works like Andrew’s War, a Civil War coming-of-age tale, and The Snake Killer, a middle-grade novel about a boy facing fears and snakes. His latest project, the US Marine series, explores the Corps’ early days, blending real and fictional marines in gritty, immersive narratives. Comer’s faith often weaves subtly into his stories, adding depth without overpowering the action.
Why Perry Comer Matters
Perry Comer’s work stands out in historical fiction for its blend of meticulous research and human insight. His Donland series captures the Age of Sail’s brutal beauty, appealing to fans of Patrick O’Brian or C.S. Forester. His Vietnam-honed perspective on duty and resilience gives his characters a timeless relatability, while his lesser-known status only adds to his allure as a hidden gem in maritime fiction.
Comer’s influence extends beyond books. His teaching and storytelling inspire readers and writers to explore history’s uncharted waters. For those who love naval adventures or tales of grit, Comer’s novels are a treasure chest waiting to be opened.
- Birth: 1951, York County, South Carolina
- Key Works: Donland series, Andrew’s War, The Snake Killer
- Awards: Bronze Star (Vietnam service)
- Current Project: US Marine series
Snag The Prize and dive into Perry Comer’s thrilling world of sails, swords, and steadfast heroes!