Maritime Master in an Age of Peril

by Michael Thomas Price

A novel based on the real life of American Merchant Marine Captain Matthew Price, 1777-1821

Born on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the son of a maritime sea captain, Matthew is in, on, or near the sea at every opportunity. At the age of twelve, his father takes him to sea as an apprentice. When he is seventeen, the sudden death of his father leaves Matthew in charge of bringing his ship and men safely home to Salem, Massachusetts, sparking a lifelong career.

As captain, Matthew must draw on what he learned from his father to make the vital decisions needed to outrun pirates, navigate slave rebellions and negotiate fair prices, all while missing his own wife and children in Washington, North Carolina.

His fortunes change when a shipwreck leaves him physically battered, emotionally depleted and financially ruined. He faces two choices; give up or convince his friends and family to invest in one more voyage. Restoring a cannon-riddled schooner with a crew of inexperienced farm hands, Matthew sets out to pull his family out of poverty by running the British blockade in the War of 1812, a journey only he believes he can survive.

Genres: History

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2026

About the author

Michael Thomas Price was a sailor on a U.S. Navy Destroyer and a U.S. Navy frogman. He owned SCUBA stores and led SCUBA divers on trips throughout the world on many different boats. He was a crew member on schooners that sailed the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. As a writer, he authored articles for saltwater fishing magazines, ghostwrote a memoir, A Hand on Your Shoulder by Eddie Douglas, and a historical fiction novel, Maritime Master in an Age of Peril. He enjoys saltwater fishing from a kayak in the bays of Texas.

Reviews

[William Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a young boy growing up in Minnesota, I would look over the books in my parents' shelves. One book in particular was a small blue hard back that was old and worn. The inside cover showed a photo of a very old man with a long beard. His eyes seemed to be looking into some memory far, far away. The title of the book was "Uncle Barney". I knew that it held an important place in my father's family history, but I did not attempt to read it until a copy was mailed to me in my adult years. Here and now my brother, Michael Price has taken the important step to enrich our Grand Fathers memories documented in "Uncle Barney" by writing his novel, Maritime Master in an Age of Peril. I sailed with Barney's Father Mathew Price a sea captain and businessman from the east coast of America to far off continents. I met Mathew's friends' family members and business associates. I celebrated his achievements and suffered his tragedies.
I would recommend this fine read to anyone who enjoys the lure of sea and especially the age of sail. A great read for anyone who wants to delve into this time in America's maritime history rich in stories that live on forever. I highly recommend this read.

[Christina Crisp Kraemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maritime Master in an Age of Peril by Michael Price is an engaging historical fiction story that brings the dangers and challenges of the maritime world to life. The book does an excellent job showing the courage, skill, and determination required during the age of the whale trade.

The vivid descriptions and historical details make it easy to imagine life at sea, from the hardships of long voyages to the risks faced by sailors. The story combines adventure, history, and unforgettable characters in a way that keeps you turning the pages.

A great choice for anyone who enjoys maritime history, historical fiction, or stories of survival and exploration. Highly recommended!

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maritime Master in an Age of Peril is an adventure on the vast ocean. It covers the life of the author's ancestor, Mathew Price. This was an entertaining tale about a historical period that I knew nothing about.
I enjoyed the characters. I think that the author did a great job with bringing real historical people to life. He did not make them perfect or flat. I think that they were courageous and they worked well together to achieve their goals.
I liked his writing style. It has a decent pace and it is never boring. He puts the reader in the action. His dialogue is nice to read. It flows.
Even though this was a long book, it kept my attention. I was entertained by Mathew and his adventures.
I received a complimentary copy of this story.

[Musa Madu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maritime Master in an Age of Peril is an engaging historical adventure filled with maritime detail, danger, and exploration. I enjoyed Matthew Price’s journey from a young sailor to an experienced captain, along with the vivid depiction of sailing, trade, and life at sea. The historical research adds authenticity, though some sections feel more chronological than emotional. Overall, a fascinating read for anyone interested in maritime history and historical adventure.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing storyline, from the first page to the last page, it made you feel as though you were there on the ship with them, feeling what they felt every wave and storm and rain that they went through just to get where they were going. Plus the dangers that they went through just to get the items they were buying and also what they were trying to sell to the same people.

[Frank Scarbrough · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book, but it should be marked "young adult", just clean up the very few "dirty bits".

[Caitlin Gonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Matthew Price. His determination, his dream, of being at sea never changed throughout his life. Much to the detriment of his mother. The descriptions and the characters bring the era to life. It is easy for a reader to become immersed in the story.

This is a story of an sea captain, his crew, family, and friends. It is the story of a man’s heart. Perfect for those wanting to learn about sea-life, but not so much about pirates.

Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars. I received a free copy of this book via BetaFide.