In Harm's Way: Book One of The Sea Hawkes Chronicles

by Thomas M. Wing

The man who fights for his family is far more dangerous than the one who fights for his king.

Colonial sea captain Jonas Hawke returns home to Norfolk after a year-long voyage only to have his ship and its valuable cargo seized by the British Royal Navy. As the royal governor further tightens the noose on trade, Jonas is thrust into the chaos of a growing rebellion. Desperate to support his family, he sets out to find work. When he is denied a commission with the newly formed Continental Navy, he outfits his own vessel as a private ship-of-war and voyages to the Caribbean in search of enemy merchant ships he can capture and friends he can trust.

But dangers multiply on the unforgiving sea. The Royal Navy reacts mercilessly to the threat posed by privateers like Jonas. How will Jonas fare now that he has boldly defied the king of Britain to preserve his family? And what will happen to his loved ones while he is away, engulfed in a war to oppose tyranny in the name of freedom?

Awarded the Silver Medal for Historical Fiction by the Military Writers Society of America.

Genres: Historical

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2025

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

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas M. Wing’s In Harm’s Way is a gripping historical novel set during the American Revolution, centering on Captain Jonas Hawke, a privateer navigating the turbulent waters of war and personal loss. When his ship, the Elizabeth, is seized by the British Royal Navy under dubious pretenses, he and his crew are thrust into a battle not just for their freedom but for justice. As Hawke returns home to Norfolk, he finds not only a changed political landscape but also devastating personal tragedy. Wing blends historical accuracy with compelling storytelling, making the reader feel the weight of revolution on ordinary men.

What struck me most was Wing’s ability to bring history to life through vivid and authentic detail. His background as a retired Naval officer shines in the way he captures the rhythm of ship life—sails creaking, the smell of tar and hemp, and the ever-present danger on the high seas. The opening scene, where British forces storm a printing press to suppress rebellious voices, is tense and sets the tone for the book’s theme of resistance against oppression. He delivers a story that feels raw and real, making the reader feel every injustice and triumph.

Jonas Hawke is a protagonist who carries the novel with quiet strength and deep emotion. His return home to find that his infant twins have died is a gut punch that lingers. Wing makes us feel the grief through Mary, Hawke’s wife, whose simmering resentment toward his long absences cuts deep. Their exchange—her quiet fury, his helpless sorrow—was one of the most emotionally impactful moments in the book. The revolution is personal, fracturing families and reshaping lives. Hawke’s struggles reflect the larger battle for independence, making his journey all the more compelling.

The pacing of the novel balances naval battles with quieter moments of introspection. The scenes aboard the Otter, where Hawke and his men are treated as criminals rather than citizens, are particularly enraging. The arrogance of the British officers, especially Captain Squire, is infuriating yet believable, reinforcing the stark divide between colonists and their so-called rulers. The way Wing builds tension, especially during the naval confrontations, had me holding my breath. The book immerses you in history, making the reader experience the frustration, fear, and determination of those who fought against British rule. At times, the historical details, while fascinating, slow the pacing just a bit, especially for readers less familiar with naval terminology or Revolutionary War politics.

In Harm’s Way is an outstanding read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, particularly those fascinated by naval warfare and the Revolutionary War. Fans of Patrick O’Brian’s Master and Commander series or Bernard Cornwell’s Revolutionary War books will find much to love here. Wing’s storytelling is rich, emotional, and historically grounded, making this book both educational and deeply engaging.

[Anjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this is the first book in a series but the ending is quite abrupt. I usually have further books in a series with me and probably have lost the habit of waiting between books. The cover art is gorgeous and manages to convey not just the setting but the turbulent time ahead.

I must begin by saying that people looking for a good adventure/ political narrative will really enjoy this book. It lays the foundation for a good series, although I am not sure if I will be continuing with it. It is not a large volume but manages to convey quite a lot of charge within its pages.

The story starts with true facts. The author indicates in the beginning itself about the truth of the setting and some of the names and places he has used to set up his tale. I found the setup quite fascinating. I have heard of the American fight for freedom but did not think of the smaller bouts they must have had to endure during the ‘discussions’. I can imagine how tough the situation was and how local responses by people in power (both good and bad) changed people’s minds about ththeir own actions.

It is an action packed book with a lot of nautical language and time on the water. It provides exactly what it promises and if I was more drawn by the content itself, I might be interested in continuing the series. As of now, knowing what my next year will be like I do not think I will be pursuing this particular series, although I would definitely recommend it to others.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

[Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)]

MWSA Review

Author Thomas Wing has given us an exciting story in his book In Harm's Way. Set during the Revolutionary War, Jonas Hawke, our protagonist, has his commercial ship carrying legal cargo seized by the British Royal Navy. Although not originally disloyal to the king and unwilling to join the rebellion, the British seizure of his ship, brutal treatment of his men, and the British Navy’s subsequent firing cannons into the town where he lives pushes him to join the rebellion. His only skill is that of a ship's captain, so Hawke soon finds himself a privateer in the open seas. Despite the lack of any combat experience, his skill as a ship's captain soon enables him to become effective in capturing British ships and seizing both the ships and their cargo. The British take notice and send warships to safeguard British trade routes.

This is a good start for a soon-to-be series. Anyone with an interest in Revolutionary War sea battles should like this book. Those who enjoy a good adventure with a little suspense should find this book appealing, too.

Review by Bob Doerr (May 2025)

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story pulls you in effortlessly. Great character development plus excellent dialogue made this a fast read.

It explores so many themes and Wing manages to succeed in each one while bringing many aspects for the reader to appreciate.

His fascinating mix of well developed characters you can root for combined with a great adventure makes this book an easy and quick read.

In the end, it's very interesting and does a great job of bringing everything together and was an amazingly written book.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating historical story. There is courage enough to be passed around.

The author's creativity and imagination, yet attention to detail and history shine through every page, making it an unforgettable journey from start to finish.

Wing constructs realistic characters and plots that will entertain the reader for hours.

We are on this journey right along the characters and it's so incredibly authentic and believable.

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas M Wing constructs realistic characters and plots that will entertain the reader for hours.

Realistic and compelling creating a world and story that will completely consume you. I found it to be simultaneously relaxing and exciting to read.

Great plot, moves along and is woven together beautifully, with much suspense.

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written and full of surprises the entire way through. You won’t want to miss this one!

The author's creativity and imagination, yet attention to detail and history shine through every page, making it an unforgettable journey from start to finish.

[GW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. It is well written. My only complaint is that it is the 1st in a series and the reader must read the next in the series for any conclusion. I’m sure the next book in the series also leaves the reader without a conclusion. That said, it was an enjoyable read.

[Joseph Halsted · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barely credible

Much of the history is inaccurate as is tales of inland travel in colonial North America. Yet if the fictional travel is acceptable the fictional story is entertaining.

[Jim Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start to this "Age of Sail" novel set in the Revolutionary War era. An interesting main character and an insightful plot could be expanded to make this one of the few good series about this generally overlooked area of naval history.

[Michael Kepnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Can't wait for the next book. I hope it is as good as the first. I enjoy stories of this era. Either side, there seems to be more of the British side than ours.

[James M. Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Seafaring Tale

Worth reading for anyone that likes Sailing tales. Especially good for history buffs that like early American war stories. Have fun reading this story.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was in for a ride when I picked up In Harm’s Way, but I didn’t expect it to grip me the way it did. Thomas M. Wing doesn’t just write historical fiction—he launches you headfirst into it, salt air and cannon smoke in your lungs, with a hero who’s as flawed as he is fearless.

Jonas Hawke isn’t your polished, pomp-and-circumstance kind of naval man. He’s scrappy, stubborn, and heartbreakingly real. The kind of man who’ll gut a corrupt official with a glare if it means feeding his family—but still doubts if he’s doing enough. And as someone who cherishes stories about grit, loyalty, and fighting for those you love no matter what, this hit home for me in the best kind of way.

The political tension is thick—this isn’t just history, it’s personal. Watching Jonas go from a weary sea captain to a rebel privateer, defying the Crown with nothing but sheer will and a burning sense of justice? Goosebumps. Literal goosebumps. Every decision he makes is layered with the kind of stakes that punch you in the gut—because when your family's safety is on the line, playing by the rules just isn’t an option.

And let’s talk action. The battles are brutal, the strategy tight, and the sea? She’s as much a character as any man aboard ship—beautiful, brutal, and completely unforgiving. I could hear the creak of the wood, feel the tension in the air before a skirmish, and smell the gunpowder. Wing’s nautical knowledge isn’t just impressive—it’s immersive.

But what really grabbed me was the heart. This isn’t just a war story—it’s a family story. A story about sacrifice. About stepping up when the world starts crumbling and deciding that doing the right thing might cost you everything—but doing nothing would cost you more.

If you love historical fiction that’s full of daring, danger, and deeply human characters—In Harm’s Way doesn’t just deliver, it conquers. I’m officially hooked on The Sea Hawkes Chronicles and will be diving headfirst into the next one, because Jonas Hawke isn’t just fighting for a cause… he’s fighting for everything that matters.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – For fans of sea epics, fierce loyalty, and heroes who dare to defy kings—this one’s a must.