Full Naval Honors
The Final Novel of Peter Wake and His Descendants
- Subject: Spring 2023 Catalog | Fiction
- Format:
Hardcover
- Pages:
336pages
- Illustrations:
5 maps
- Published:
April 15, 2023
- ISBN-10:
1682478947
- ISBN-13:
9781682478943
- Product Dimensions:
9 × 6 × 1 in
- Product Weight:
23 oz
Overview
The memoirs of RADM Peter Wake, USN, steam into the twentieth century in Full Naval Honors. This final volume finds the admiral dealing with European and Japanese spies and assassins in the Pacific while on a “diplomatic” recon mission ahead of the Great White Fleet’s epic 1907-09 voyage around the world. The action continues at the beginning of World War I, as Wake clashes with a German espionage network in the Central American jungle. The reader will be at Wake’s side when he visits his friend Theodore Roosevelt’s New York home in 1918, as that family learns of their tragic war loss. Following that war, readers will learn the poignant story of Peter Wake’s final years in Key West with his beloved Maria.
But Peter Wake’s story doesn’t end there, for the call of duty lives on in his descendants as they are plunged into the midst of World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and the First Gulf War. From a clandestine mission by Wake’s son inside the Crimea at the chaotic end of World War I and the start of the Russian Civil War, to a World War II minesweeper commanded by Wake’s grandson in 1941 at the doomed Philippines, the reader is enveloped in a new era of adventure with the Wake family. On the other side of World War II, we find another Wake grandson training Cuban sailors in anti-submarine warfare, giving them critical skills for their famous 1943 victory against a Nazi U-boat on the Cuban coast.
The Wake legacy continues as Wake’s great-grandson skippers a Swift boat in 1968 Vietnam, later becoming a CIA operative with a crucial role in the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. With the 2023 commissioning of Peter Wake’s great-great-great grandchild as a U.S. naval officer, his descendants continue their service to Navy and Nation into the uncertain twenty-first century.
Some things never change, however. Shadowy espionage, world-changing events, crucial split-second decision-making, gut-wrenching combat, tragic losses and great loves—and above all, a never-ending sense of honor and duty—they all form part of the Wake family’s character as America depends on each generation of them.
Full naval honors, indeed.
But Peter Wake’s story doesn’t end there, for the call of duty lives on in his descendants as they are plunged into the midst of World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and the First Gulf War. From a clandestine mission by Wake’s son inside the Crimea at the chaotic end of World War I and the start of the Russian Civil War, to a World War II minesweeper commanded by Wake’s grandson in 1941 at the doomed Philippines, the reader is enveloped in a new era of adventure with the Wake family. On the other side of World War II, we find another Wake grandson training Cuban sailors in anti-submarine warfare, giving them critical skills for their famous 1943 victory against a Nazi U-boat on the Cuban coast.
The Wake legacy continues as Wake’s great-grandson skippers a Swift boat in 1968 Vietnam, later becoming a CIA operative with a crucial role in the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. With the 2023 commissioning of Peter Wake’s great-great-great grandchild as a U.S. naval officer, his descendants continue their service to Navy and Nation into the uncertain twenty-first century.
Some things never change, however. Shadowy espionage, world-changing events, crucial split-second decision-making, gut-wrenching combat, tragic losses and great loves—and above all, a never-ending sense of honor and duty—they all form part of the Wake family’s character as America depends on each generation of them.
Full naval honors, indeed.
About the Author
Editorial Reviews
“This is a monumental capstone to the extraordinary literary tour de force by Bob Macomber, following a true American hero through a turbulent time in our nation’s history. A simply amazing novel that should be on the shelf of every serious reader!” —Adm. James G. Stavridis, USN (Ret.), 16th Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and author of Sailing True North: Ten Admirals and the Voyage of Character
“Peter Wake and Sean Roark are about to retire after decades of service of great importance to our country. Teddy Roosevelt calls on them with a significant challenge to covertly carry out a mission. And then Franklin Roosevelt gives them one last dangerous field operation. Finally retiring with full naval honors, Wake leaves a mysterious letter to be opened generations later. Wake’s sons, grandsons and great grandsons serve gallantly in brilliantly portrayed palpitating situations accurate in historic and geographic context. Finally, a great great great granddaughter becomes the designated Wake to open the sealed letter from Peter. If you read only one book this year, this should be the one.” —Capt. Mark Golden, USN (Ret.)
“With mixed emotions I accepted the opportunity to read the proof of the last book in the Honor series by acclaimed author Robert Macomber. Excited because I wouldn’t have to wait for the book to be published, I hesitated because it signaled the end of a delightfully educational journey that easily exceeded my expectations. Nearly 20 years ago I was introduced to protagonist Peter Wake through a simple writing style that mirrored the character. With each book the character matured, the exploits became more involved, and historical accuracy supported in the Chapter Notes. I love the fact that the Notes allow me the option to read “the rest of the story” in history while gently reminding me of the story’s narrative. Rarely does one get to read the impact a character has on future generations particularly post-WWII. I felt envious of Peter Wake’s family being able to read his story written by the man himself. What a fabulous opportunity to understand one’s family history beyond genealogical dates and places. I felt alive and drawn in as I witnessed each chapter unfolding. This book is a treasure and one I will read again. Onward and upward, Admiral Wake, and a glass or two of Cuban rum to celebrate a job well done, author Robert Macomber!”—Mary Paige Abbott, Past Chief Commander, United States Power Squadrons, America’s Boating Club
“Peter Wake and Sean Roark are about to retire after decades of service of great importance to our country. Teddy Roosevelt calls on them with a significant challenge to covertly carry out a mission. And then Franklin Roosevelt gives them one last dangerous field operation. Finally retiring with full naval honors, Wake leaves a mysterious letter to be opened generations later. Wake’s sons, grandsons and great grandsons serve gallantly in brilliantly portrayed palpitating situations accurate in historic and geographic context. Finally, a great great great granddaughter becomes the designated Wake to open the sealed letter from Peter. If you read only one book this year, this should be the one.”—Captain Mark Golden, USN (Ret.)
"This memoir sometimes seems all too real, not a work of fiction. Macomber’s historical and fictional characters come alive on the pages. Their actions and details about their lives elicit raw emotions from the reader... The Wake saga, an uplifting American story, reflects Robert Macomber’s sense of service to country, always with his motto, “Upward and Onward!” " — Quarterdeck