Book 1 of The Sea Hawkes Chronicles
Historical Fiction/Nautical Fiction
Date Published: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
The man who fights for his family is far more dangerous than the one who fights for his king.
Colonial sea captain Jonas Hawke returns home to Norfolk after a year-long voyage only to have his ship and its valuable cargo seized by the British Royal Navy. As the royal governor further tightens the noose on trade, Jonas is thrust into the chaos of a growing rebellion. Desperate to support his family, he sets out to find work. When he is denied a commission with the newly formed Continental Navy, he outfits his own vessel as a private ship-of-war and voyages to the Caribbean in search of enemy merchant ships he can capture and friends he can trust.
But dangers multiply on the unforgiving sea. The Royal Navy reacts mercilessly to the threat posed by privateers like Jonas. How will Jonas fare now that he has boldly defied the King of Britain to preserve his family? And what will happen to his loved ones while he is away, engulfed in a war to oppose tyranny in the name of freedom?
“The Navy’s a-marchin’ from Mill Creek.” The man’s shout stirred the diners. Several men rushed out.
Jonas and William joined them in the street. The intermittent musket fire swelled to a near continuous roar. The peak did not last long, only to swell again after several minutes. William said nothing, but his face paled. He walked steadily, though he moved closer to Jonas.
The thunder increased again, this time holding for nearly half an hour. Smoke from burning buildings now mingled with the haze of gunfire.
Jonas changed his mind again. They couldn’t stay if Hampton became the site of a battle.
“William, we must find a boat.”
William nodded shakily.
“We will be fine, son. Even if the Navy is out there, they won’t shoot at a man and a boy rowing home. I know it’s a long row, but it will be the safest.” He led William toward the beach west of the harbor, away from the ferry landing.
The musket fire began again, closer. Jonas pushed William behind a building and looked around the corner.
Masts moved beyond the buildings, ships sailing into the harbor. Jonas started as the air was torn by cannon fire.
A line of warships fired on the town. Otter led, followed by Fowey. Behind them sailed two smaller warships. They loosed another ragged broadside at the waterfront. Clouds of splinters flew as shots struck home.
“William, we must get away,” Jonas shouted. Grabbing his son by the coat, he half dragged, half pushed the boy along. Partway across the street, William regained control of his legs and ran. Jonas was close behind.
“When you get back to the tavern, run inland at least five streets, as fast as ever you can,” Jonas called. He was about to repeat his instructions when William reached the next building and turned around.
“I want to stay with you, Father.”
“You can’t, son. I need you to be safe.”
“Why are they shooting?”
“I don’t know, but you need to get away. D’ya hear? Run. I will find you at the tavern when the shooting stops.”
William’s eyes were wide, his face chalky. But no panic.
He couldn’t risk losing his boy, so Jonas spun him and pushed him in the direction of the tavern. The boy ran haltingly, but he went.
Jonas turned just as the ships fired again.
The waterfront filled with other men also come to see. One ran past him, carrying a musket.
“What do you hope to do with that?” Jonas called.
The man turned, eyes blazing. “I plan on sending as many of those bastards to hell as I can before they cut me down.” He disappeared down the quay. Other armed men followed.
Despite the cool air, sweat beaded across Jonas’s forehead.
Here was civil war, and he didn’t know which side he was on.
About the Author
Naval Academy and Naval War College graduate Thomas M. Wing retired after thirty-two years as a Navy Surface Warfare officer. He served more than ten years at sea and twenty-two years ashore in increasingly important tactical and operational billets. A dedicated sailor for half a century, he created the Continental Navy Foundation, served as its executive director, and commanded its brigantine, Megan D.
He wrote In Harm’s Way from a desire to explore the topic of America’s early sea warriors and how they struck fear into the hearts of British shippers around the globe. Thomas’s award-winning first novel, Against All Enemies, was released in 2023 by Acorn Publishing. He resides in San Diego with his wife and daughter and a cat and a dog. Whatever free time he has is spent on the water.
Contact Links
Twitter: @thomasmwing1
Purchase Link
No comments:
Post a Comment