Robert N. Macomber

WOW! A ‘grabber’ from start to finish – and beyond. It’s always a gamble when jumping into the middle of a well-developed series (this is the 10th book) but in the first few pages it was clear to me that what the reader would need to know about the ‘back story’ would be provided if necessary. My intuition proved correct as I was drawn into the fascinating world of Peter Wake, US Navy. Drawn to this book by the promise of spy fiction, naval matters and Freemasons, there was lots show more of potential for disappointment as a great amount of my reading focuses on these areas. The author was excellent in his character development but, more importantly, provided a plot that was unanticipated from page to page and yet entirely plausible. Upon reaching the ‘back matter’, I learned of Macomber’s writing methodology but don’t you skip to it first: it’s much more impressive after finishing the book. The ‘Forrest Gump’ aspect was well-done and the story of Freemasonry in Latin America is something that few books today (even the non-fiction ones) understand. The downside? I’ve now got nine more books to buy and read: this is a series that MUST be read entirely and this book is a great place to begin! show less

More spying than sailing but still a good entry in this very good series. The author's research of locales and events is extensive and it really enriches an already good storyline. Lots of misery observed and felt by Peter in these interesting but seldom fictionalized events when the USN was a third rate sea power.

An excellent entry in this very good series. Peter Wake spends more time ashore than on ship in this installment But what shores: From the shadow of Mt Pelee in Martinique to the ruins and palaces of Morocco. All are well portrayed, historically, in their 19th-century glory and deshabille. These are stringent and perilous times for the American Navy but there are still reasons for them to show the flag and make their presence known. Peter does that by rescuing missionaries from slavery as show more well as meeting Jackie Fisher in his early days as an HMS commander and innovator. show less

A promising start to an Age of Sail/Steam series. During the American Civil War, sea warfare changed dramatically for the US Navy. Steam was coming but sails were still predominate. Peter Wake is a merchant officer assigned as commander of a small one gunned sloop. His assigned area, Key West and its surrounding seas are being blockaded to prevent the Confederates from receiving trade and supplies. Lots of action, on a small scale, as we get a good look at the nascent US Navy and its show more problems and growth during this very noteworthy time in our history. Good characterization and a lively storyline drive this initial entry into a potentially good series. show less