Bore Tide by Wayne L. Vance
Contributed to Make A Scene Magazine by Teresa Ascone
April 15, 2009
Fans of historical novels will be quickly absorbed by the 1860’s American Civil War world that Wayne Vance has adeptly created in his book, Bore Tide.  His main character, Dutch Captain Alexander Grafton, commands the tall ship Bore Tide, operating a profitable scheme by running contraband cargo to ports at Richmond and New Orleans. The captain is unwillingly drawn into a plot hatched by Union forces to confiscate gold bound for the Confederate side, which will disrupt the South’s economy.
Vance quickly establishes an air of reality to the players in this seafaring tale, painting vivid word pictures using physical descriptions and patterns of speech. We are immediately intrigued by these bold men of action, who are ready at hand with both sword and compass—whatever the situation calls for at the time. The adventurers aboard the Bore Tide are out for the main chance and willing to bend the rules to make their fortunes. Grafton inspires loyalty and courage from this rough band of sailors, sometimes resorting to harsh corporal punishment to keep order in his realm.  
The Bore Tide must sail the perilous voyage around the Horn to California to fulfill its destiny. Captain Grafton’s survival instincts serve him well when he senses betrayal in the deal he has struck with the Union conspirators. How to tell friend from foe? Where will the next ambush take place? Grafton must apply his quick-witted intuitions to win the brass ring for himself and his loyal crew. Caught up in this turbulent world of intrigue and danger, he risks his life and those of his friends for a chance to capture millions in gold.
Author Wayne Vance displays an authentic familiarity with the lingo of Civil War sailing world, revealing his admiration for the tall ships that dominated the seas in the 1800’s, before the age of steel and steam. The hero of his tale, Captain Alexander Grafton, confidently wears the mantle of ship’s commander as he navigates both the harsh seas and the labyrinth of lies he must find a way through. He earns the trust of his men. They respect him and so do we, as he leads us through the story and relies on his own sense of honor and bravery to beat the odds.
“My hope is that by combining adventure, suspense, mystery and passion into a historic tale, the book Bore Tide would endure and provide enjoyment to all those who read it in any era.” ~ Wayne Vance