Step into the swashbuckling world of the Honor series, where naval battles, espionage, and personal honor collide in a thrilling saga of American history! Written by Robert N. Macomber, this critically acclaimed collection of military historical thrillers follows U.S. naval officer Peter Wake as he navigates the turbulent waters of the Civil War era through the early 20th century. With meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Honor captures the U.S. Navy’s transformation into a global powerhouse, all while weaving tales of adventure and moral complexity that keep readers hooked.
Whether you’re a history buff or a thriller enthusiast, the Honor series offers a front-row seat to a lesser-known chapter of America’s past, brought to life with heart-pounding action and a hero worthy of Horatio Hornblower. Ready to set sail?
How Honor Began
Robert N. Macomber, a Florida-based author, seaman, and naval historian, launched the Honor series in 2003 with At the Edge of Honor. Inspired by his love for maritime history and the untold stories of the U.S. Navy’s 19th-century exploits, Macomber crafted Peter Wake as a multidimensional hero—a man of duty, courage, and occasional personal turmoil. His goal was to fill a gap in historical fiction by spotlighting the Navy’s pivotal role in America’s rise, blending rigorous research with page-turning narratives. The series’ debut won the Patrick D. Smith Literary Award, setting the stage for a sprawling saga that now spans 17 novels.
The Heart of Honor
The Honor series charts Peter Wake’s career from a volunteer officer in 1863 to a seasoned intelligence operative by 1901. Key books include At the Edge of Honor, where Wake commands a sloop in Florida’s Civil War blockade, battling Confederate runners and political intrigue. Point of Honor (2003) sees him aboard the schooner St. James, facing deserters and forbidden love in Key West. A Different Kind of Honor (2007), a standout that clinched the American Library Association’s W.Y. Boyd Award, plunges Wake into the Mekong River’s dangers in 1883, tackling pirates and political schemes. Honoring the Enemy (2019) shifts to the Spanish-American War, with Wake and Theodore Roosevelt enduring Cuba’s brutal campaign.
Themes of duty, loyalty, and the moral cost of war anchor the series, set against richly detailed backdrops like Florida’s coasts, the Caribbean, and exotic locales like Cambodia. Macomber’s style—packed with sudden plot twists, diverse casts, and a touch of romance—keeps the pace brisk. His historical accuracy, drawn from extensive travels and archival research, immerses readers in an era of sail-to-steam transitions and global power shifts, making each book both a thrill ride and a history lesson.
Why Honor Resonates
The Honor series has carved a niche among fans of nautical fiction and military history, earning praise from figures like Admiral James Stavridis for its “solid historical context and exciting sea stories.” Its blend of action, espionage, and ethical dilemmas appeals to readers who crave depth with their adventure. Macomber’s fans, dubbed “Wakians,” celebrate his ability to revive forgotten naval history, while awards like the Florida Book Awards affirm his literary impact. By spotlighting the U.S. Navy’s unsung role, Honor continues to captivate a global audience, proving that niche stories can have universal appeal.
- Publication Span: 2003–2023
- Number of Books: 17
- Notable Awards: Patrick D. Smith Literary Award, John Esten Cook Literary Award, W.Y. Boyd Literary Award
- Setting: Civil War to early 20th century, primarily U.S., Caribbean, and global waters
Dive into At the Edge of Honor and sail with Peter Wake through a world of courage, intrigue, and high seas adventure. Your next favorite series awaits!