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The Silent War #1
Final Harbor
She was a monster, sleek and gleaming, designed to strike without warning like the dreaded shark. She was the USS Mako, as fearless and bold as any submarine that ever prowled the blue Pacific. Her mission: seek out and destroy the hitherto invincible ships of the Japanese Imperial Navy — and revenge the earlier defeats of a long and dirty war.
Here is the story of the men who pitted their lives against impossible odds in the most dangerous branch of the American armed services. It is a story of men pushed to the breaking point and beyond in the most nerve-wracking, heart-stirring warfare of all. A story of glory, grit and guts, and of the astonishing resources that human beings call forth when put to the ultimate test.
Here is the story of the men who pitted their lives against impossible odds in the most dangerous branch of the American armed services. It is a story of men pushed to the breaking point and beyond in the most nerve-wracking, heart-stirring warfare of all. A story of glory, grit and guts, and of the astonishing resources that human beings call forth when put to the ultimate test.
305 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 4, 1980
258 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Harry Homewood
15 books24 followersHarry Homewood was a qualified submariner before he was seventeen years old, having lied to the U.S. Navy about his age. He served in a little "S"-boat in the old Asiatic Fleet. After Pearl Harbor, he re-enlisted and made eleven war patrols in the Southwest Pacific.
After the war, Homewood became Chicago Bureau Chief for Newsweek magazine, chief editorial writer for the Chicago Sun-Times, and for eleven years had his own weekly news program syndicated to 43 PBS television stations.
Homewood was the author of 6 books and lived with his wife in Tucson, Arizona, until his death in 1984.
After the war, Homewood became Chicago Bureau Chief for Newsweek magazine, chief editorial writer for the Chicago Sun-Times, and for eleven years had his own weekly news program syndicated to 43 PBS television stations.
Homewood was the author of 6 books and lived with his wife in Tucson, Arizona, until his death in 1984.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 23, 2022
In FINAL HARBOR, the reader is introduced to the captain (there would be 2 in total) and crew of the submarine USS Mako during the early years of the Pacific War. This was a time when the U.S. Navy's submarine service was bedeviled with a variety of problems that hampered the ability of submarines on patrol to sink Japanese merchant shipping and warships. Foremost among these problems was defective torpedoes that often failed to detonate upon striking enemy shipping.
FINAL HARBOR fully captures the drama, adventure, tensions, and perils faced by the USS Mako both at sea and ashore at Pearl Harbor, as well as in Australia - where from 1942 until war's end, U.S submarines operating in the Southwest Pacific were based. The author - himself a World War II veteran of the "Silent Service" - faithfully recaptures in this novel the lives of a number of the USS Mako's crew, inclusive of both captains (each in terms of personality and command styles very different from the other) and a number of the submarine's officers and enlisted men.
One cannot help realize from reading FINAL HARBOR how much a captain and crew in a submarine must be a tightly bonded and cohesive unit, fully capable of successfully performing at a moment's notice their allotted duties, because any mistake made - whether by accident or omission - while taking on the enemy could spell the difference between living again to fight another day or a quick or slow, agonizing death at sea.
This novel left me breathless.
FINAL HARBOR fully captures the drama, adventure, tensions, and perils faced by the USS Mako both at sea and ashore at Pearl Harbor, as well as in Australia - where from 1942 until war's end, U.S submarines operating in the Southwest Pacific were based. The author - himself a World War II veteran of the "Silent Service" - faithfully recaptures in this novel the lives of a number of the USS Mako's crew, inclusive of both captains (each in terms of personality and command styles very different from the other) and a number of the submarine's officers and enlisted men.
One cannot help realize from reading FINAL HARBOR how much a captain and crew in a submarine must be a tightly bonded and cohesive unit, fully capable of successfully performing at a moment's notice their allotted duties, because any mistake made - whether by accident or omission - while taking on the enemy could spell the difference between living again to fight another day or a quick or slow, agonizing death at sea.
This novel left me breathless.
December 5, 2016
Decent Pacific sub war novel. Early days of the war; submarines are the United States's sole effective weapon, dogged, however, by faulty torpedoes. More life story than battle story, and writing acceptable, but not outstanding.
July 14, 2018
Harrowing tale
Ever since I read The Hunt for Red October I've always enjoyed novels and movies about submarines.. the experience and sacrifices these men made must have been horrendous. Mr. Homewood's novel is well researched and written. He even explained some of the basic principals of torpedo warfare. This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Ever since I read The Hunt for Red October I've always enjoyed novels and movies about submarines.. the experience and sacrifices these men made must have been horrendous. Mr. Homewood's novel is well researched and written. He even explained some of the basic principals of torpedo warfare. This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
April 26, 2024
Well written story by a guy who was COB (Chief of the Boat) on a WWII diesel electric submarine.
November 16, 2019
Excellent story
Great WWII story, just a tad short on proper sub terminology. First is that water pushes the torpedo from the tube. You never say fire on a sub unless there is smoke and flames, or a fire drill. I was pleasantly surprised to see the term "after tubes". So many authors will say "stern tubes" they have propeller shafts going through them. Great story recommend it.
Great WWII story, just a tad short on proper sub terminology. First is that water pushes the torpedo from the tube. You never say fire on a sub unless there is smoke and flames, or a fire drill. I was pleasantly surprised to see the term "after tubes". So many authors will say "stern tubes" they have propeller shafts going through them. Great story recommend it.
February 13, 2019
Excellent and authentic. Can be compared with Nicholas Monsarrat's" Cruel Sea" about the war in the Atlantic!
December 29, 2022
This book written in 1980 is dedicated to US submariners of World War Two and is authored by a former submariner of the same era. It is, and has the feel of, authentic life and battles of US submarines against Japanese destroyers. This book tells the fictitious story of a US fleet submarine commissioned before the war and taken to war on several missions by its commissioning Captain: Lieutenant Commander, Arthur M. Hinman.
US submarines went to war with newly designed torpedoes. Torpedoes designed to explode on six pounds impact and to travel at specified depth settings appropriate for the target ship. Unfortunately, they did not explode and travelled much lower than set. This means they rarely hit their target, and when they did, they did not explode. Enemy sonar however, could track them back to their originating submarine. Besides making them useless weapons, this made them downright dangerous to their originating vessel. As the navy expanded for the war, the officers who ‘owned’ this design were promoted into command positions over submarine captains. They did not accept ‘poor weapons’ as an acceptable excuse for no hits.
On one mission, Captain Hinman had his crew modify the torpedoes and suddenly found success and sunk several enemy ships. His successes went unrecognized except by the press who called him and his crew heroes. Hinman was denigrated by his senior officer and sent on a tour making speeches and selling war bonds. A trail had been blazed by the stories of his successes in the press. Consequently. war bonds were sold in record amounts.
Another officer was given command of Hinman’s boat while he was on tour. (Submarines are called boats, not ships regardless of their size or propulsion. I believe this has something to do with lifeboats.) Also, his Executive Officer commissioned and commanded another new boat. When Hinman returned from tour he was given his old boat to command again. The two boats left Hawaii hoping for the opportunity to try new tactics together in a busy Japanese shipping area. Now we find my only complaint with this book. Although Homewood gives away no spoilers, the tone of the writing or the feel of the story must have changed. 20% or so of the book remained, but its ending leapt into my mind. Getting there was still fun as the battle action was furious and unpredictable.
This was an interesting story. Submariners’ lives with their families and between missions were included as well as their role during combat action. This gave the characters a more rounded, believable dimension. This was my first Harry Homewood but I am looking for more. Four stars.
US submarines went to war with newly designed torpedoes. Torpedoes designed to explode on six pounds impact and to travel at specified depth settings appropriate for the target ship. Unfortunately, they did not explode and travelled much lower than set. This means they rarely hit their target, and when they did, they did not explode. Enemy sonar however, could track them back to their originating submarine. Besides making them useless weapons, this made them downright dangerous to their originating vessel. As the navy expanded for the war, the officers who ‘owned’ this design were promoted into command positions over submarine captains. They did not accept ‘poor weapons’ as an acceptable excuse for no hits.
On one mission, Captain Hinman had his crew modify the torpedoes and suddenly found success and sunk several enemy ships. His successes went unrecognized except by the press who called him and his crew heroes. Hinman was denigrated by his senior officer and sent on a tour making speeches and selling war bonds. A trail had been blazed by the stories of his successes in the press. Consequently. war bonds were sold in record amounts.
Another officer was given command of Hinman’s boat while he was on tour. (Submarines are called boats, not ships regardless of their size or propulsion. I believe this has something to do with lifeboats.) Also, his Executive Officer commissioned and commanded another new boat. When Hinman returned from tour he was given his old boat to command again. The two boats left Hawaii hoping for the opportunity to try new tactics together in a busy Japanese shipping area. Now we find my only complaint with this book. Although Homewood gives away no spoilers, the tone of the writing or the feel of the story must have changed. 20% or so of the book remained, but its ending leapt into my mind. Getting there was still fun as the battle action was furious and unpredictable.
This was an interesting story. Submariners’ lives with their families and between missions were included as well as their role during combat action. This gave the characters a more rounded, believable dimension. This was my first Harry Homewood but I am looking for more. Four stars.
February 22, 2017
I can't understand why this book isn't read more! Just a wonderful, very personal story of the courage of WWII submariners. Much of it is character driven, but there really wonderful battle scenes. Homewood's knowledge is detailed and first-hand. He was a qualified submariner at age 17, prior to Pearl Harbor and re-enlisted after the attack. I'm sure that many of his personal experiences are recorded to some extent in this book. As a qualified writer, he was an editor for Newsweek and the Chicago Sun-Times plus had a long-running PBS broadcast....so best of both worlds...first-hand knowledge of the subject matter and well-honed writing experience.
As I read this story I couldn't help but think of those men who experienced similar events, 20% never lived to fulfill their full dreams, and most of the remaining 80% are now lost to age. It seems so long ago, but was actually just a life-time. They lived, loved, raised families, had careers and contributed to our great fabric. We owe them.
I look forward to reading the next in the series.
As I read this story I couldn't help but think of those men who experienced similar events, 20% never lived to fulfill their full dreams, and most of the remaining 80% are now lost to age. It seems so long ago, but was actually just a life-time. They lived, loved, raised families, had careers and contributed to our great fabric. We owe them.
I look forward to reading the next in the series.
July 28, 2019
Couldn’t Put It Down
Great believable characters. Painted their strengths and weaknesses in gripping dialogue. Displays the poor weaponization of the submarine force. The period covered was a period when the military had virtually no successes against the enemy.
The submarine force was our only successful element fighting an experienced and well equipped enemy while we were slowly learning from our mistakes. The book covers this quite well. An enjoyable read. One where you want more and don’t want to get to the end but can’t wait to do so.
Great believable characters. Painted their strengths and weaknesses in gripping dialogue. Displays the poor weaponization of the submarine force. The period covered was a period when the military had virtually no successes against the enemy.
The submarine force was our only successful element fighting an experienced and well equipped enemy while we were slowly learning from our mistakes. The book covers this quite well. An enjoyable read. One where you want more and don’t want to get to the end but can’t wait to do so.
June 18, 2018
This is a very good read and probably reads best to anyone who served time aboard ship in the U.S. Navy. Going to sea with your ship mates is very rewarding experience that lasts a lifetime.
This is a very good read and probably reads best to anyone who has served time aboard ship in the US Navy. Going to see a with your ship mates is a very rewarding experience that lasts a lifetime.
This is a very good read and probably reads best to anyone who has served time aboard ship in the US Navy. Going to see a with your ship mates is a very rewarding experience that lasts a lifetime.
November 15, 2023
Great Submarine Read
As a former diesel submarine officer I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it realistic and hard to put down. I’m not sure it would appeal to someone without a Navy background but it might. There was not a lot of jargon or techno speak. There was a smattering of soap opera. Just enough to spice it up and make it a bit titillating. It gave me more of an appreciation for the submariners before me.
As a former diesel submarine officer I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it realistic and hard to put down. I’m not sure it would appeal to someone without a Navy background but it might. There was not a lot of jargon or techno speak. There was a smattering of soap opera. Just enough to spice it up and make it a bit titillating. It gave me more of an appreciation for the submariners before me.
March 29, 2019
A great book to get.
The book goes and gives you idea what our soldiers went thru to stay alive and come back in one piece. There were some sailors that did what they had to due when everything was dark. This book makes you wonder whether or not could you due what they had to due.
The book goes and gives you idea what our soldiers went thru to stay alive and come back in one piece. There were some sailors that did what they had to due when everything was dark. This book makes you wonder whether or not could you due what they had to due.
March 27, 2020
Decent story teller but has some technical inaccuracies
This book is OK. The author’s story telling is fairly good, but I was distracted by some technical details and inaccuracies that may not bother other readers. If you don’t let the author’s ignorance of specific technical stuff about US submarines you will likely enjoy his story telling
This book is OK. The author’s story telling is fairly good, but I was distracted by some technical details and inaccuracies that may not bother other readers. If you don’t let the author’s ignorance of specific technical stuff about US submarines you will likely enjoy his story telling
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March 26, 2022Best sub book I have read!!!!!
I have read many sub novels and historical fiction sub books, but this one takes the cake! The realism grabs you and will not let go. Excellent characters, with some of the best depth to them that I have ever seen in any book, and I read a LOT!!! HIGHLY recommend this to all the sub lovers out there!!!
- Randol Craver...
I have read many sub novels and historical fiction sub books, but this one takes the cake! The realism grabs you and will not let go. Excellent characters, with some of the best depth to them that I have ever seen in any book, and I read a LOT!!! HIGHLY recommend this to all the sub lovers out there!!!
- Randol Craver...
May 22, 2017
Book content
While the story was good, the content of direction was misleading , there was a lot of misspelling and missed wording. All of this appear to take relativity away from the story.
While the story was good, the content of direction was misleading , there was a lot of misspelling and missed wording. All of this appear to take relativity away from the story.
July 25, 2017
Worth the read
Good story line and character development. Historical background woven well into the story but pretty elementary for anyone who has read about WWII. What I liked most was the descriptions of how the boats captains made decisions about attack and survival.
Good story line and character development. Historical background woven well into the story but pretty elementary for anyone who has read about WWII. What I liked most was the descriptions of how the boats captains made decisions about attack and survival.
April 14, 2019
An interesting sea story
The plot development was excellent, terrific characterization,, intensity was great with intrigue. The distracting explicit sexuality action of one of the main characters kept it from five star.
The plot development was excellent, terrific characterization,, intensity was great with intrigue. The distracting explicit sexuality action of one of the main characters kept it from five star.
May 5, 2018
Good WWII Submarine War Story
Enjoyed this book! Although a work of fiction, the author incorporated a great deal of factual wartime information about the Pacific theater of operations.
Enjoyed this book! Although a work of fiction, the author incorporated a great deal of factual wartime information about the Pacific theater of operations.
November 4, 2018
An excellent combination of a good read, a good war story, and considerable, informative insight into the early days of WWII submarine warfare.
The author does an excellent job of developing the characters as well as providing the action that makes the book difficult to set down.
The author does an excellent job of developing the characters as well as providing the action that makes the book difficult to set down.
January 14, 2020
Well Written Historical Fiction
A spell binding work that reflects many hours of research, both technical and psychological, along with considerable expertise in character development.
A spell binding work that reflects many hours of research, both technical and psychological, along with considerable expertise in character development.
February 24, 2020
Great book
I really enjoyed this fictional story and read it quickly. The character development allowed me to understand the challenges on board a submarine. I have read many naval books and this ranks up there with the best.
I really enjoyed this fictional story and read it quickly. The character development allowed me to understand the challenges on board a submarine. I have read many naval books and this ranks up there with the best.
August 12, 2020
Worth the read
Although similar to other World War II submarine books in numerous ways it is a unique and interesting story and a really good read. The only thing I didn’t like so well was the ending but don’t let that stop you from reading it.
Although similar to other World War II submarine books in numerous ways it is a unique and interesting story and a really good read. The only thing I didn’t like so well was the ending but don’t let that stop you from reading it.
October 2, 2020
This book was very well written. I highly recommended it. It is a fictional story within a historically correct background. The characters are well defined. The circumstances very real. Very exciting to read...pure enjoyment.
November 23, 2020
I could not wait for the dog
The dog would go out to do his business at night and I would read this book
Then it got so exciting that I had to read it before he went out and while he was out and after coming in.
Yes it was a good read hated the ending
The dog would go out to do his business at night and I would read this book
Then it got so exciting that I had to read it before he went out and while he was out and after coming in.
Yes it was a good read hated the ending
January 16, 2021
Rest In Peace
As a person who is scared of water, I have always been in awe of submarines and the people who wage war in them. Well written and conceived story. Human faults are on display here, along with their strength s and deep appreciation for life. God bless them all.
As a person who is scared of water, I have always been in awe of submarines and the people who wage war in them. Well written and conceived story. Human faults are on display here, along with their strength s and deep appreciation for life. God bless them all.
June 20, 2022
Historical fiction based on the author's own experience in the Pacific submarines. A gripping and rollicking adventure.
Almost as well written as the Cruel Sea by Nicholas Monsarrat (fiction based on the author's own experience in the Atlantic destroyers).
Almost as well written as the Cruel Sea by Nicholas Monsarrat (fiction based on the author's own experience in the Atlantic destroyers).
June 10, 2018
Good Book
Good read on subject that is difficult for most of us to understand. The author gives a fair review of military life
But submarine war life is hard to imagine.
Good read on subject that is difficult for most of us to understand. The author gives a fair review of military life
But submarine war life is hard to imagine.
June 30, 2018
Exciting, everything you need to know about sub warfare . Enough said.
July 14, 2018
Very good book.
Compared against naval stories from the likes of Douglas Reeman this is up there. The battles are written incredibly well.
Compared against naval stories from the likes of Douglas Reeman this is up there. The battles are written incredibly well.
August 14, 2018
Real life one boat
Great read ! Sounds like could have really happened. Wished the boat made out better. Looking forward to the next book.
Great read ! Sounds like could have really happened. Wished the boat made out better. Looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews