The Civil War is the central point for most American’s historical fascination. While the founding of the nation and the Revolutionary War birthed the United States, the Civil War set the foundation for type of nation into which it would evolve. The role of government and the institution of slavery were key concepts that ultimately divided a nation and lit the fuse of war. In the midst of that tumultuous time, “’290’”  takes the reader on an adventure spanning the American South, the raging ocean, Britain, and Nassau. Within the grander context of the Civil War, “’290’”  takes a more personal approach.

More specifically, the first volume of “’290’” follows two cousins in the South and their business. Joanna Davis and James Trenton Grey are partners of a well-off trading company of Davis & Grey. Davis is an interesting character driven by money above all else, always cold and calculating. Her business partner and cousin, Grey seeks to outshine his heroic naval hero father at any cost. As war breaks out, Davis schemes to make money-outfitting locals with weapons. Grey eschews the financial gain and wants to test his mettle at sea. An opportunity arises when two steamboat purchases allow the Davis & Grey Company to shift into trade. President Lincoln establishes a blockade in the South, raising the stakes for the two cousins to turn into blockade-runners. Grey, unfortunately, is inexperienced at sea and his mistakes cost greatly. As the Civil War begins in earnest, Grey is lost at sea while Davis’s business plans flounder. That is just the beginning of “’290’” first volume, an incredible historical fiction epic grounded in personal tribulations. The war rages on both on land, the harbors, and open waters leaving great possibility for future volumes of “’290’.”

Donn Wonnell has done a great job with this debut historical fiction novel. The writing is fluid and engaging, the dialogue witty, and the characters captivating. Tense action scenes involving ships blasting away in the foggy dawn light are masterfully penned and balanced with humorous banter. Wonnell uses the personal experiences of Davis and Grey to highlight the state of the nation, especially in the South. The included actual historical documents help contain the fiction within historical boundaries. While the writing is well done, some sections are confusing and require review before clarity sinks in. Overall, this is a tense and witty romp through the early days of the Civil War worth a read or two.