Scan barcode
A review by stitchsaddiction
The Mark of the Salamander by Justin Newland
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
When I saw The Mark of the Salamander by Dr Justin Newland, I knew this was a book I had to read.
A book that brings to life one of my favourite periods of English history; The Golden Age of Elizabeth 1st? Well, that sounds like perfection to me if it's done right and The Mark of the Salamander did just that with wonderful attention to detail in the world-building that brought everything to life as we walk alongside Nelan Michaels as his life takes a dramatic change of direction.
Newland's historical adventure had me swept away with characters that come to life as each page is turned, Nelan is intriguing and I loved how his fictional life weaves in famous names of that time from Astrologer Dr. John Dee to the Drake brothers and of course; Good Queen Bess herself albeit briefly and indirectly when it comes to Her Majesty. They bring so much to the story and I couldn't get enough of pirate Sir Francis Drake as he's larger than life and somewhat enigmatic.
The Mark of the Salamander takes you on a journey of betrayal, self-discovery, and inner strength for Nelan. There are also elements of mysticism, magic, and wonder which is interesting for the time - alongside the very real hatred between Catholics and Protestants and the tension is palpable between members of the two religions.
I loved this book so much and couldn't put it down, as it's the first of a duology I was left wondering just which direction Nelan's life will go and what book two will bring us all...
A book that brings to life one of my favourite periods of English history; The Golden Age of Elizabeth 1st? Well, that sounds like perfection to me if it's done right and The Mark of the Salamander did just that with wonderful attention to detail in the world-building that brought everything to life as we walk alongside Nelan Michaels as his life takes a dramatic change of direction.
Newland's historical adventure had me swept away with characters that come to life as each page is turned, Nelan is intriguing and I loved how his fictional life weaves in famous names of that time from Astrologer Dr. John Dee to the Drake brothers and of course; Good Queen Bess herself albeit briefly and indirectly when it comes to Her Majesty. They bring so much to the story and I couldn't get enough of pirate Sir Francis Drake as he's larger than life and somewhat enigmatic.
The Mark of the Salamander takes you on a journey of betrayal, self-discovery, and inner strength for Nelan. There are also elements of mysticism, magic, and wonder which is interesting for the time - alongside the very real hatred between Catholics and Protestants and the tension is palpable between members of the two religions.
I loved this book so much and couldn't put it down, as it's the first of a duology I was left wondering just which direction Nelan's life will go and what book two will bring us all...