The Mark Of The Salamander

The Mark Of The Salamander

Series: The Island Of Angels series Book 1 of 2

Publisher: The Book Guild Ltd

Date Published: 2023

Book Length: 256

Format:  Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review

Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend

About Book: 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.

My Thoughts: The Mark of the Salamander by Justin Newland is book 1 of The Island of Angels duology and the first book I have read by Justin Newland. I love a historical novel and as soon as I saw the description, I knew it was a book for me.

Nelan the main protagonist and his epic journey through the book just jumps of the page at you a testament to Newlands writing as it draws you in. To me, although Nelan has had a difficult time since having to run away, he comes across as someone older than his years and very confident with his ability to manage as well as he does is astounding. I was rooting for his character all the way through the book.

I loved the elements of the book when Nelan was on board ship, the descriptions often felt eerie, as if you were watching the actions take place. Newland weaves the historical elements with the mystical along with integrating elements of Queen Elizabeth's court and the famous Sir Francis Drakes voyage making The Mark of the Salamander an unforgettable read. I could feel the tension building as the book progressed through the twists and turns of the book.

A great 5 ***** read and one I highly recommend to lovers of historical fiction.