About Tom O’Connor

Tom O’Connor is a Civil War historical fiction author and West Point Class of 1973 graduate.

He served as a U.S. Army artillery officer and lives in Bolivia, North Carolina. His novels explore friendship, duty, and divided loyalty. They follow fictional soldiers and their families.

What connects his military background and fiction?

Tom’s research explores military operations, engineering, transportation, and the choices facing soldiers and their families. His stories connect battlefield decisions with the relationships those decisions test.

The Steel and Honor series follows the fictional McAllister and Tanner families through the Civil War.

The families are fictional. Their stories give readers a way to explore the human choices within the historical setting.

What is the Steel and Honor reading order?

1. Cadets to Captains: 1848–1860. Book One begins before the Civil War, with West Point training and growing national tensions. Published.
2. Antietam: From Secession to the Bloodiest Day. Book Two continues through secession and the road to Maryland in 1862. Published.
3. Gettysburg and Vicksburg: Summer of Decision. Book Three follows two campaigns and three families. Its publication date remains unconfirmed.
4. Chickamauga and Chattanooga. Book Four is with the publisher for final editing and formatting. Its release date remains unconfirmed.

Steel and Honor is the series name. Each installment has its own title. Explore the reading guide and book previews before choosing where to begin.

Can readers listen to the books?

Cadets to Captains and Antietam are now available as Spotify audiobooks. Find their listening links on the Books page.

For a first look at the series, sign up for Chapter One of Cadets to Captains, free.

Beyond the Civil War novels

Tom also writes children’s books inspired by his grandchildren, including Brooks’ Bubble Adventure. Away from writing, he enjoys cycling, golf, travel, and time with his family.

Readers exploring their own Civil War questions can visit the Civil War research tools or the 384-battle index. These resources complement the novels with paths into historical research.

For author information, visit the press kit.