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. At the Edge of Honor is the first in the series and winner of the Patrick D. Smith Literary Award as Best Historical Novel of Florida. The year is 1863. The Civil War is leaving its bloody trail across the nation as Peter Wake, born and bred in snowy New England, joins the U.S. Navy as a volunteer officer and is assigned to steamy Key West for duty with the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. While learning to command in combat, Wake battles enemies afloat and ashore, new to the politics and illicit liaisons created by war.Wake risks his reputation as a tough officer and smart decision-maker when he falls in love with Linda Donahue, whose father is a Confederate zealot. Their love is tested as Wake must make the ugly decisions of war in a beautiful, tropical paradise—decisions that will take Peter Wake right up to the edge of honor.
“Macomber skillfully describes tactical strategizing while providing the history of Florida's Civil War sea battles.” —Publishers Weekly“At last! Finally we have an American character the equivalent of Hornblower or Aubry, a sailor who can do the evolutions and the special missions, who makes things happen and is human besides . . . a rollicking sea adventure. Not to be missed.” —John Prados, author of Combined Fleet Decoded “At the Edge of Honor is a well-written, page-turning tale . . . and would appeal to anyone interested in the naval aspect of the Civil War, or of Florida during the period.” —Civil War News Magazine“Throughout the novel, the author draws stunning images of the land and sea along the tropical coast of Florida, which is a haunting contrast to the unfolding events.” —The Historical Novel Review“Here is a fiction novel of the Civil War era that introduces a character who will someday rival Horatio Hornblower. Well written by a man who obviously knows what a boat is for, and how to sail her.” —Latitudes and Attitudes Magazine“It's a wonderful first novel from an author who may be one of the most promising of the next generation of Civil War fiction writers.” —Civil War Interactive Magazine