Point of Honor

Honor/Peter Wake #2

by Robert N. Macomber author of the multi-award

Robert Macomber's Honor series of naval fiction follows the life and career of Peter Wake in the U.S. Navy during the tumultuous years from 1863 to 1901. Point of Honor is the second in the series and winner of the John Esten Cook Literary Award for Best Work in Southern Fiction. The year is 1864. Wake, in command of the naval schooner St. James, searches for army deserters in the Dry Tortugas, discovers an old nemesis during a standoff with the French Navy on the coast of Mexico, starts a drunken tavern riot in Key West, and confronts incompetent Federal army officers during an invasion of upper Florida. Along the way, Wake's personal life takes a new tack when he risks reputation for love by returning to the arms of his forbidden sweetheart, the daughter of a Confederate zealot in Key West. And through it all, even when surrounded by the swirling confusion of danger and political intrigue, Peter Wake maintains his dedication to balance on the point of honor.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

339 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2003

Reviews

[Brian V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. Ver detailed description of Civil war naval warfare along the Fla coast. Also adds greater geo-political insight into the forces at [play in the Caribbean. Again, the love interest seems a bit of an afterthought to underscore the life of a naval officer.

In this second of Robert Macomber's historical novels of the naval Civil War in Florida, the year is 1864 and Peter Wake, U.S.N., assisted by his indomitable Irish bosun, Sean Rork, is at the helm of the schooner St. James, a larger ship than his first command in At the Edge of Honor. Wake's remarkable ability to make things happen continues as he searches for army deserters in the Dry Tortugas, discovers an old nemesis during a standoff with the French Navy on the coast of Mexico, starts a drunken tavern riot in Key West, and confronts incompetent Federal army officers during an invasion of upper Florida. Along the way, Wake's personal life takes a new tack when he risks reputation for love by returning to the arms of his forbidden sweet-heart, the daughter of a Confederate zealot. Key West provides a unique setting for them to prove that their love is strong enough to overcome the insanity of the war. And through it all, even when surrounded by the swirling confusion of danger and political intrigue, Peter Wake maintains his dedication to balance on the point of honor.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Two in the Honor series finds Naval Lieutenant Peter Wake fighting for the Union in Civil War-torn Florida out of Key West. Captain of the schooner St. James, he leads his men into battle, chases after deserters, annoys incompetent superior officers and pines after his lady love, the daughter of a Confederate traitor. Peter is a hero to admire, one who stands up for his ideals and makes choices based on honor rather than political correctness. He looks after his crew and shows compassion toward them no matter their rank. If you’re looking for escape, pick up this book and get immersed in the adventure. It’s a tale that educates while it entertains. You’ll soon be searching for the sequel.

[Jim Benton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up from a sale table. Finally got around to it. Now I need to find the other 16 in the series

[Mark Linney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book, like the series.

[Carol Glassman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing the saga of US Naval Lt. Peter Wake, author Macomber takes his hero aboard a new and larger schooner, the Saint James. Aided by his trusty and often amusing sidekick mate Rork, Wake is sent on ‘mission impossible’ to aid the US Army against the Rebels in a mosquito-infested land attack. Literally out of water and outnumbered, facing inept instructions from poorly-informed and stubborn superiors, how can our hero with his burden of added personal responsibility survive? Is honor enough?
Without telling too many of the story’s details here, it is noted that Macomber has the ability to keep his reader interested in Wake’s ongoing exploits, cushioning each story with just enough history and description of Florida during the Civil War - one can feel it, taste it, and smell it.
It’s not really a spoiler to know Wake survives -- after all, there are several more books in the series! However, how and with whom he manages to land on his feet after inadvertently insulting many of his superiors and living by his own code, keeps the reader speculating to the last page.