BOOK DESCRIPTION
1575: Nelan Michaels is a young Flemish man fleeing religious persecution in the Spanish Netherlands. Settling in Mortlake outside London, he studies under Queen Elizabeth’s court astrologer, conjuring a bright future – until he’s wrongly accused of murder. Forced into the life of a fugitive, Nelan is dramatically pressed into the crew of the Golden Hind.
Thrust into a strange new world on board Francis Drake’s vessel, Nelan sails the seas on a voyage to discover discovery itself. Encountering mutiny, ancient tribes and hoards of treasure, Nelan must explore and master his own mystical powers – including the Mark of the Salamander, the mysterious spirit of fire.
The Mark of the Salamander is the first in The Island of Angels series: a two-book saga that tells the epic story and secret history of England’s coming of age during the Elizabethan era.
BOOK REVIEW
London 1575. Accused of a murder he did not commit, Nelan Michaels flees for his life. Trying to start over, he apprentices with a blacksmith and learns to work with fire. As time goes by, memories of his persecuted past begin to surface, and he finds himself in many adventures. Along the way, he discovers and hones rare and special powers.
Set in Elizabethan England, this powerful historical adventure will grab you and not let go. The supporting cast of characters is strong and includes Queen Elizabeth I’s favorite pirate, Francis Drake, and her Astrologer John Dee. The main character, Nelan, is easy to connect with. The author’s ability to combine fascinating history with the supernatural in a compelling way is proven once again. This book, the first of two in a series, is a personal, magical tour of the Elizabethan era. The action, characters, and history will keep the reader glued to the page. Highly recommend to all fans of historical fiction and the supernatural.
I received a free copy of this book via Zooloo’s Book Tours. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JUSTIN NEWLAND’s novels represent an innovative blend of genres from historical adventure to supernatural thriller and magical realism. His stories explore the themes of war and religion, and speculate on the human’s spiritual place in the universe.
Undeterred by the award of a Doctorate in Mathematics from Imperial College, London, he conceived his debut novel, The Genes of Isis (Matador, 2018), an epic fantasy set under Ancient Egyptian skies.
The historical thriller, The Old Dragon’s Head (Matador, 2018), is set in Ming Dynasty China in the shadows of the Great Wall.
The Coronation (Matador, 2019) was another historical adventure and speculates on the genesis of the most important event in the modern world – the Industrial Revolution.
The Abdication (Matador, 2021) is a mystery thriller in which a young woman confronts her faith in a higher purpose and what it means to abdicate that faith.
The Mark of the Salamander (Book Guild, 2023) is the first in a two-book series, The Island of Angels. Set in the Elizabethan era, it’s an epic tale of England’s coming of age.
His WIP is the second in the series, The Midnight of Eights, the charting of the uncanny coincidences that led to the repulse of the Spanish Armada. Author, speaker and broadcaster, Justin appears on LitFest panels, gives talks to historical associations and libraries and enjoys giving radio interviews and making podcasts.
Born three days before the end of 1953, he lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.
BOOK LINKS
This book sounds incredible, Bonnie. The mix of historical fiction and fantasy, as well as the premise of the book are tantalizing.
Congratulations to Justin on an enticing review.
Thank you for bringing Justin Newland’s work to my attention.
Thanks! I think you will enjoy it.
Hey Bonnie, thanks for another great review of one of my books. Keep reading, and keep safe. Warm regards, Justin.
You’re so welcome. Keep writing them and I’ll keep reading them!
I like your spirit! I’m working on book two as I write this reply. It’s enigmatically entitled The Midnight of Eights. Hopefully, it will be out sometime next year.
This sounds fascinating to me, Bonnie. Thanks for your excellent review which brought to my attention.
Thank you so much for supporting the tour x