Monday, 20 July 2026

The Spirit of the Times by Justin Newland

 


The Spirit of the Times 
By Justin Newland


Publication Date: July 28th, 2026
Publisher: Troubador Publishing
Pages: 264
Genre: Historical Fiction

From a land of milk,
And a Road of Silk,
To a ring of roses,
And a dance of posies,
Comes the tale of the spirit of the times!

In fourteenth-century Central Asia, Karia is a young woman living under the yoke of Mongol occupation. But she’s different. She’s a fighter with supernatural powers. She could use them to keep the Black Plague at bay and solve the mystery of the purple skies at dawn – if only she could overcome her self-doubt.

Travelling in caravans on the Silk Road, she faces dangers seen and unseen – from sandstorms and slave traders to the desert djinn and folk who believe she’s a witch. She fears losing Abi, her little cousin, who’s fascinated by roses and the dance of the Whirling Dervishes of Bukhara.

When Karia falls in love with an English sailor fleeing the Knights Hospitaller, they sail to England with Abi to unravel the meaning of the purple skies, a dance, a posy tree, and a ring of roses.

The Spirit of the Times is part history, part fiction and part speculation: on the origin of disease; the power of innocence; the unfortunate aspects of custom and dogma; and humanity’s ability to respond to the governing influence or spirit of the times.



Pick up your copy of  The Spirit of the Times HERE:


Justin Newland


Justin Newland's novels represent an innovative blend of genres, from historical adventure to supernatural thriller and magical realism. 
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. Next came The Old Dragon’s Head (Matador, 2018), set in Ming Dynasty China in the shadows of the Great Wall.

The Coronation (Matador, 2019) features the Great Enlightenment 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.

At this point in his writing career, after four self-published books, Justin was offered a part-funded contract with the Book Guild.

The Mark of the Salamander (Book Guild, 2023) is the first in a two-book ‘The Island of Angels’ series. It tells the epic tale of England’s coming of age during the Elizabethan era. The second in the series, The Midnight of Eights (Book Guild, 2024), charts the uncanny coincidences of time and tide that culminated in the repulse of the Spanish Armada.

His latest novel, The Spirit of the Times (Matador, 2026), is to be published in July. It tells the story of a young Kyrgyz woman’s journey westwards along the Silk Road. With purple skies at dawn, and a supporting cast of Genghis Khan, the Black Plague, a perplexing rhyme, a ring of roses, it explores the greatest mystery of all – the spirit of the times. 
Justin’s enduring passion is to explore the origins of our current time. This prompted a broad research into what we’ve inherited from history – encompassing Egypt, China, Prussia and Tudor England.

He also writes entertaining talks which he gives to the WI, U3A, Probus, Rotary and local historical associations. Please visit his website for a current list of the talks.

Alongside the talks, Justin promotes his work with regular book signings at TG Jones (ex. WH Smith) high street stores, selling over 3,500 books since 2019. He has sponsored over 40 UK and US blog tours, given frequent radio interviews and penned many guest posts.

His current book signing motto is: Enjoy, Imagine, Discover.

As a member of the Society of Authors, he has Public and Products Liability Insurance.

Born in Essex, England, three days before the end of 1953, he lives with his lady in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.




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Resurrection: A Beyond the Faerie Rath Novel by Hanna Park

 


Resurrection: 

A Beyond the Faerie Rath Novel

By Hanna Park 



Publication Date: 27th October 2025
Publisher: Baisong Press
Print Length: 308 Pages
Genre:  Fantasy / Romance

Calla, torn between loyalty and legacy, faces choices she never imagined. The Faerie Kingdom hums beneath her skin, pulling her into unavoidable truths. She turns her fear into a weapon—her source of strength. Her bonds grow stronger, sacrifices are inevitable, and Calla must decide: how much is she willing to risk to secure her place in a kingdom that might destroy her?

Colm, weighed down by more than just his name, embodies the voice of an ancient power that risks consuming him, even as he strives to protect his loved ones. When a threat jeopardizes everything dear to him, he ventures into the Faerie realm—pursued, haunted, and determined to find Calla before it’s too late.

Ciarán returns, but the burden of freedom weighs heavily on him. Can he let go of past wrongs and live in the light?

Saoirse shines brightly. The land feels it. The old gods stir.

Their journey continues in Resurrection, a darkly romantic fantasy where love is dangerous, power is awakening, and the dead whisper.


Pick up your copy of

Resurrection


Hanna Park


I began my writing career in the pre-dawn of a winter morning while my husband snored like a train. We could call my husband the catalyst. If it weren’t for him, I would never have gone to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee, feed the cat, and sit on the loveseat in front of the fire. It was there, in those moments of wondrous quiet, that I did something I had never thought possible. I opened my laptop, and while the coffee went cold, I wrote a story. My husband had no idea that these sojourns to the loveseat in front of the fire would become a daily occurrence, that writing would become an obsession, but the cat knew. She knows everything.

I write stories that make you laugh, make you cry, and make you love. Thank you, friends, for reading!

In the beginning, there was an empty page.

I am a writer who lives in Muskoka, Canada, with a husband who snores, a hungry cat, and an almost perfect canine––he’s an adorable little shit.

Connect with Hanna:



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Author Interview: V E H Masters



The Scottish Reformation was a time of profound upheaval, where faith, politics, and family loyalties collided in ways that changed the course of history. In The Castilians: A Family Divided by the Scottish Reformation, the first novel in The Seton Chronicles, V.E.H. Masters brings this turbulent era vividly to life through the story of one family caught in the siege of St Andrews Castle and the conflicts that followed. In this interview, V.E.H. Masters discusses the inspiration behind the novel, the extensive research that shaped it, and why the personal stories behind history continue to resonate with readers today.

But first, let's check out The Castilians



Publication Date: 26th November 2020
Publisher: Nydie Books
Page Length: 300 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

A brutal murder. A castle under siege. A family torn apart by the Scottish Reformation.

Scotland, 1546. When Protestant rebels seize St Andrews Castle and assassinate Cardinal Beaton, the most powerful man in Scotland, young Will Seton joins the occupiers, convinced he is fighting for a better future.

His sister Bethia fears he has made a terrible mistake.

As the castle comes under siege and Scotland edges towards religious war, Bethia watches her family become caught between powerful forces beyond their control. While Will endures hunger, fear and mounting despair behind the castle walls, Bethia must decide how far she is willing to go to save the brother she loves—even if it means risking everything.

But this is more than a conflict between brother and sister. As Henry VIII pressures Scotland to surrender its independence and secure the marriage of the infant Mary Queen of Scots to his son, the future of an entire nation hangs in the balance.

Based on the dramatic true events of the Siege of St Andrews Castle, The Castilians is a gripping tale of faith, loyalty, courage and survival during one of the most turbulent periods in Scottish history.

The Castilians is Book One of The Seton Chronicles, an award-winning and best-selling historical fiction series spanning Scotland, Venice, France and Constantinople during the turbulent years of the Reformation



The Castilians opens during one of the most dramatic episodes of the Scottish Reformation—the siege of St Andrews Castle. What first drew you to this fascinating period of Scottish history?

I grew up on a farm near St Andrews and went to school in the town, but I didn’t really learn much about its history, nor had I ever been in the ruins of the castle and cathedral until I was twelve, when our history teacher took us.

I was fascinated by the castle and especially the siege tunnel – the best preserved one of the period (1546) in Europe.

At school we were taught that the Protestants were the heroes of the siege. It all seemed quite straightforward. In the early days of the Reformation when Scotland was still Catholic, the reformer George Wishart was burned at the stake outside the castle walls on Cardinal Beaton’s orders, Beaton was assassinated in revenge, and the Protestant defenders heroically held out during the siege.

It was only years later, while researching the novel, that I realised the reality was far more complicated. The Protestant leaders occupying the castle weren’t simply fighting for religious freedom. Many were also receiving support from Henry VIII, who was trying to force Scotland into accepting the marriage of the infant Mary, Queen of Scots, to his son Edward. Religion, politics and international power were completely intertwined. That complexity fascinated me, and I wanted to tell the story through the eyes of ordinary people living through those events.


The story follows siblings Will and Bethia Seton, whose lives are shaped by the religious and political turmoil around them. What inspired these characters, and why did you choose to tell the story through their perspectives?

History usually remembers the famous names, but I wanted to explore what these events meant for ordinary families. Will and Bethia gave me two different perspectives on the same conflict.

Will is young, idealistic and convinced he is helping to build a better Scotland. Bethia is more cautious. She loves her brother but fears the choices he is making will have consequences for the whole family.

Using siblings allowed me to show that the Reformation wasn’t simply a struggle between opposing sides. It divided families, friendships and communities, forcing people to make impossible choices.


Will believes he is fighting for a better future, while Bethia fears he has made a dangerous mistake. How important was it for you to explore different viewpoints on the Reformation and the conflicts it created within families?

That was central to the novel. It’s easy to judge the past with the benefit of hindsight, but people living through the Reformation didn’t know how events would turn out. Catholics and Protestants alike genuinely believed they were defending the truth.

Throughout the series I’ve tried to avoid presenting either side as wholly right or wrong. Instead, I wanted readers to understand why decent people reached very different conclusions and how those differences could divide even the closest families.


The novel is based on real historical events, including the assassination of Cardinal Beaton and the subsequent siege. How did you balance historical fact with the demands of storytelling?

The history always comes first. The major events happen when they happened, and the historical figures remain as true to the evidence as possible.

The fictional characters are then woven into those events. Rather than changing history to fit the story, I let the story grow naturally from history. I spent time researching contemporary accounts, in the National Library of Scotland, visiting locations and reading work by academics studying the period. Often the real events were more dramatic than anything I could have invented.


Faith, loyalty, and survival are central themes throughout the novel. Which of these themes resonated most strongly with you while writing The Castilians?

Loyalty. My characters are constantly forced to choose between loyalty to family, faith, friends and country, and those loyalties don’t always point in the same direction.

Although the story is set nearly five hundred years ago, those emotional dilemmas are timeless. Most of us have experienced times when there isn’t an obvious right answer, and I think that’s what readers connect with most strongly.


Scotland in 1546 was caught between internal religious upheaval and external pressure from Henry VIII. What aspects of this turbulent political landscape did you most want readers to understand?

That religion was only part of the story. Scotland stood between powerful neighbours with competing interests. Henry VIII wanted to dominate Scotland through the proposed marriage of his son Edward to the infant Mary, Queen of Scots, while France remained Scotland’s long-standing ally and Mary of Guise, Mary Queen of Scots mother is obviously representing French and especially the Guise Family, interests

Religion, politics and international diplomacy became impossible to separate. Understanding that wider picture helps explain why people made the decisions they did.


Readers often praise the vivid historical detail in your novels. What research discoveries most surprised or fascinated you while writing The Castilians?

I was struck by how connected Scotland already was to Europe. Merchants, scholars, diplomats and soldiers travelled constantly between countries, carrying ideas as well as goods.

I also loved uncovering the details of everyday life—what people ate during a siege, how they travelled, what happened when disease broke out, and how ordinary families survived extraordinary times. Those details help make the past feel real.


The Seton Chronicles eventually takes readers beyond Scotland to places including Venice, France, and Constantinople. What inspired you to expand the series across such a wide geographical and historical canvas?

When I finished The Castilians, I realised Scotland’s story didn’t end at its borders. Scots travelled across Europe as merchants, soldiers, scholars and religious refugees, and following the Seton family naturally led me to Antwerp, Venice, France and Constantinople.

One of the most fascinating discoveries was how a person’s safety depended on both their faith and where they happened to be. Geneva became a refuge for Protestants but was dangerous for Catholics. Venice, meanwhile, was no place for Protestants, yet Jews could live there more openly than in much of Europe. In fact, the word ghetto originated in Venice, where the Jewish community lived in a designated district.

Those constantly shifting boundaries of tolerance and persecution gave me the opportunity to explore the wider story of the Reformation across Europe, rather than through the experience of living one country alone.

As the opening novel in The Seton Chronicles, The Castilians lays the groundwork for a saga that spans multiple countries and decades. When you began writing the book, how much of the wider series had you already planned?

The honest answer is—not at all.

I thought I was writing a standalone novel. But when readers reached the end, the question they kept asking was, “What happens next?” I realised I wasn’t ready to leave Will and Bethia behind either.

One book grew into five, following the Seton family across Europe through more than forty years of religious conflict, exile and survival. I’m very glad I listened to my readers.


For readers discovering The Seton Chronicles for the first time, what do you hope they take away from The Castilians and the journey that lies ahead for the Seton family?

Above all, I hope readers become immersed in another world and come to care about the Seton family as much as I do.

The series follows one family through some of the most turbulent decades in European history, but at its heart it’s about ordinary people trying to hold on to those they love while the world around them changes beyond recognition.

If readers finish The Castilians wanting to know what happens next to Will, Bethia and the generations that follow, then I’ve done my job.

My thanks to V.E.H. Masters for this fascinating interview and for sharing the inspiration and research behind The Castilians. It has been a pleasure learning more about the real history that shaped The Seton Chronicles and the ordinary people whose lives were transformed by extraordinary events. I wish V.E.H. every success with The Castilians and the rest of this remarkable series, and I hope readers will enjoy following the Seton family on their unforgettable journey through one of the most turbulent periods in European history.


Pick up your copy of
 The Castilians HERE
Read with #KindleUnlimited

V E H Masters


V.E.H. Masters is the bestselling author of the award-winning Seton Chronicles, which follow one Scottish family through the religious and political upheavals of sixteenth-century Europe. She grew up on a farm near St Andrews in Scotland and drew on her own experience of farming life when writing her most recent, and contemporary, novel Keeping Distance. She lives in the Scottish Borders.




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Friday, 17 July 2026

Author Interview: James Conroyd Martin

 



Today, I am delighted to welcome award-winning historical novelist James Conroyd Martin for a chat about his acclaimed Poland Trilogy—Push Not the River, Against a Crimson Sky, and The Warsaw Conspiracy. Inspired by the real diary of Countess Anna Maria Berezowska, the trilogy brings to life one of the most dramatic and often overlooked chapters of Polish history. Join us as James discusses the inspiration behind the novels, the remarkable true story at their heart, and the research that helped transform a forgotten diary into an unforgettable historical saga.

But first, let's check out The Poland Trilogy.



Publication Date: 11th January 2017
Publisher: Hussar Quill Press
Print Length: 1576 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

An epic family saga inspired by the diary of an orphaned girl who navigates deceptive relatives, elusive love, arranged marriage, and political danger in a nation that stands at the abyss.


A 2018 Gold Medal IPPI Winner, Best E-book Box Set

2020 First Place Chanticleer Award for Series


Immerse yourself now in this riveting family saga and ride a true whirlwind of fascinating historical fiction! Based on the diary of a Polish countess who lived through the rise and fall of the Third of May Constitution years, 1791-94, PUSH NOT THE RIVER paints a vivid picture of a tumultuous and unforgettable metamorphosis of a nation--and of Anna, a proud and resilient woman. AGAINST A CRIMSON SKY continues Anna's saga as Napoleon comes calling, implying independence from her neighbors would follow if only Polish lancers would accompany him on his fateful 1812 march into Russia. Anna's family fights valiantly to hold on to a tenuous happiness, their country, and their very lives. Set against the November Rising (1830-31), THE WARSAW CONSPIRACY depicts partitioned Poland's daring challenge to the Russian Empire. Brilliantly illustrating the psyche of a people determined to reclaim independence in the face of monumental odds, the story features Anna's sons and their fates in love and war.



The Poland Trilogy was inspired by the diary of Countess Anna Maria Berezowska. What was it about her story that first captured your imagination and convinced you it needed to be shared with a wider audience?

As a young man, I moved to Hollywood in order to study screenwriting. Among my new friends in California was John Stelnicki, who asked me to read the diary of his ancestor, Countess Anna Berezowska. I read it to be polite but found it fascinating, and I already saw a parallel to Gone with the Wind. I continued taking classes, but her story haunted me and I signed a contract with John a year later.

The trilogy spans some of the most turbulent decades in Polish history, from the Third of May Constitution to the Napoleonic Wars and the November Rising. What drew you to this particular period of Poland's past? 

Push Not the River ends at the same point the diary ended. I had not intended a series, but St. Martin's Press wanted a sequel. I had been working on a novel about Empress Theodora, so I put that aside and studied the next big Polish historical periods—the Napoleonic era and the Cadets' Uprising against Russia. St. Martin's purchased the second book, Against a Crimson Sky, based on an outline written in a week (not that I kept to the outline).  
    
Anna's personal journey unfolds against the backdrop of a nation fighting for survival. How did you balance the intimate story of one family with the sweeping political events shaping their world? 

That was easy. In the first book, from Anna's father being involved with the beginning of the first democratic constitution to Anna and Zofia's fleeing across a burning bridge as the Russians bore down, the real characters were often at the heart of politics taking place in Warsaw. I kept them at the heart of events for the next two books.

Many readers may be unfamiliar with this chapter of Polish history. What aspects of Poland's struggle for independence did you most hope to bring to light through these novels? 

At the end of Push Not the River, Poland was completely wiped of the map of Europe. In reality, Poland did not exist from 1795 to the end of WWII, 1918, when it was restored—123 years later. These years of which I wrote were ignored by James Michener when he published Poland. One of the themes I hoped to resonate with the trilogy was the magnificent resiliency of the Polish people. Despite having their nation's sovereignty overturned for more than a century, they held on to their language, customs, history—and hope!    

Your path to publication was a remarkable journey in itself, involving years of perseverance before Push Not the River finally found its audience. How did that experience shape you as a writer?

It did take a good long while, but the diary stayed with me. I knew the story would get out. I can remember, upon visiting Warsaw and walking across the bridge from its suburb to the city center—the bridge Anna and Zofia had to navigate to escape death. The hair at the nape of my neck and on my arms stood on end. I had an electric connection to the past, as if I felt them there with me. As a writer, when I returned to my Theodora manuscript, I realized the thrill of making other historical persons live again, so to speak.

Anna's story continues across generations, eventually focusing on her sons and their own challenges in The Warsaw Conspiracy. What interested you most about exploring the legacy of one family's choices across several decades? 

It was fascinating to have my early characters grow older and new ones grow up facing new hopes and challenges. It was fun, too, to bring them in contact with the important personages of the day. Napoleon and his Polish mistress Countess Marie Walewska left such an impression on me that I tapped them for their own novel: Napoleon's Shadow Wife. 

Historical fiction often requires extensive research, but your source material included a real diary. How did you approach transforming historical records into a compelling work of fiction? 

Initially, the diary's owner John Stelnicki and I planned to edit the diary as non-fiction. It didn’t take long for me to realize Anna assumed anyone reading it contemporaneously would be aware of the history. Not so in another time and place, so history needed to be folded in. Sometimes, too, characters needed a rounding out, or even an exit. For the sequels, there was the library and bookstores, then Amazon and the internet. But by then, the characters talked to me and their stories deepened.   

The trilogy has received significant recognition, including an IPPY Gold Medal and a Chanticleer Award. What has the response from readers, particularly those with connections to Polish history, meant to you? 

The connection from the Polish community has been amazing. Soft and hardcovers are given as gifts at birthdays and Christmas. I've been asked to sign them to families, so they can be passed down to the next generation. I speak at culture clubs, fairs, and book clubs. I've had folks tell me they learned something about themselves and their history from a passage in one of the books. One woman wondered all her life why she and others in her family had almond-shaped eyes. In one of my books, she learned that Tatars have a historical place in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth history, and some Poles might retain their subtle facial features like almond-shaped eyes.
    
 Looking back on Push Not the River, Against a Crimson Sky, and The Warsaw Conspiracy, what do you hope readers take away from Anna's extraordinary journey and Poland's enduring fight to preserve its identity? 

My wish is to bring her story to life, and with it, the story of a nation that refused to die, saved itself despite impossible odds, and came to triumph. Like Anna.
   
I'd like to thank James for taking the time to chat with me today and for sharing the fascinating story behind The Poland Trilogy. It has been a pleasure learning more about the real-life inspiration for these novels, the challenges of bringing Poland's history to life, and the enduring legacy of Countess Anna Maria Berezowska's extraordinary story. I wish James every success with the trilogy and with all his future writing, and I hope readers enjoy discovering Anna's unforgettable journey for themselves.


E-book Bundle Offer: THREE mesmerising novels for the price of two!

Pick up your copy HERE


James Conroyd Martin



James Conroyd Martin is a writer of Irish and Norwegian descent who has been working on his Poland trilogy for many years. It began with Push Not the River, a novelization of a real countess’ diary of her experiences in the 1790s, during the rise and fall of Poland’s Third of May Constitution years. The family saga continued with Against a Crimson Sky and concludes with The Warsaw Conspiracy.

The Polish translations of the first two books, Nie ponaglaj rzeki & Pod purpurowym niebem, became bestsellers in Poland. The translation of The Warsaw Conspiracy, Warszawski spisek,has just been released.

The most recent book set in Poland is tentatively titled The Boy Who Wanted Wings, a story of the Polish hussars at the Battle of Vienna, the first 9-11.

In the meantime Martin has published a ghost story, Hologram: A Haunting, set in Hammond, Indiana.

He is hard at work on a novel set in sixth century Greece.

Martin has retired from teaching in Chicago and now lives and writes in Portland, Oregon. He holds degrees from St. Ambrose and DePaul Universities.

Website

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Editorial Book Review: The Spirit of the Times by Justin Newland



The Spirit of the Times 
By Justin Newland


Publication Date: July 28th, 2026
Publisher: Troubador Publishing
Pages: 264
Genre: Historical Fiction

From a land of milk,
And a Road of Silk,
To a ring of roses,
And a dance of posies,
Comes the tale of the spirit of the times!

In fourteenth-century Central Asia, Karia is a young woman living under the yoke of Mongol occupation. But she’s different. She’s a fighter with supernatural powers. She could use them to keep the Black Plague at bay and solve the mystery of the purple skies at dawn – if only she could overcome her self-doubt.

Travelling in caravans on the Silk Road, she faces dangers seen and unseen – from sandstorms and slave traders to the desert djinn and folk who believe she’s a witch. She fears losing Abi, her little cousin, who’s fascinated by roses and the dance of the Whirling Dervishes of Bukhara.

When Karia falls in love with an English sailor fleeing the Knights Hospitaller, they sail to England with Abi to unravel the meaning of the purple skies, a dance, a posy tree, and a ring of roses.

The Spirit of the Times is part history, part fiction and part speculation: on the origin of disease; the power of innocence; the unfortunate aspects of custom and dogma; and humanity’s ability to respond to the governing influence or spirit of the times.

There are some novels that transport readers to places rarely explored in historical fiction, and 'The Spirit of the Times' is certainly one of them. Justin Newland takes readers on an ambitious journey along the Silk Road, from the sweeping steppes of Central Asia to plague-ravaged England, weaving together history, spirituality and folklore to create a story that is both distinctive and thought-provoking.

At the heart of the novel is Karia, a young woman whose gift of prophecy proves to be as much a burden as it is a blessing. Her visions shape not only her own future but also the lives of those around her as she witnesses the relentless advance of the pestilence that will one day become known as the Black Death. Compassionate, courageous and quietly determined, Karia consistently places the welfare of others before her own. She is an engaging protagonist whose strength lies not in physical prowess, but in her resilience, empathy and unwavering sense of duty.

It is Karia's humanity that gives the novel its emotional heart. Whether comforting the dying, protecting those she loves or quietly questioning the beliefs of those around her, she remains a character whose compassion never feels forced. Even as the world around her descends into chaos, she retains a quiet dignity that makes her impossible not to care about. It is this emotional depth that carries the reader through the novel's many trials and transformations.

What impressed me most was Newland's evocation of fourteenth-century Central Asia. It is a setting rarely explored in historical fiction, yet it feels vibrant and authentic. From the bustling caravan routes of the Silk Road to the cultural and religious diversity of the Mongol world, the novel paints a vivid picture of societies connected by trade, belief and constant movement. The gradual spread of the plague creates a constant sense of unease, reminding both the characters and the reader that an invisible enemy is steadily drawing nearer.

The opening half of the novel is particularly compelling. The pacing allows the characters and their relationships to develop naturally, while the historical detail enriches the narrative without overwhelming it. Newland brings each location vividly to life, whether depicting isolated mountain communities, thriving trading cities or the endless grasslands stretching beneath the vast Central Asian sky. The research underpinning the novel is evident throughout, providing a rich foundation upon which the story unfolds.

As the narrative progresses westwards, however, the balance begins to shift. While the novel's ambitious scope is admirable, the pace of the latter chapters means that some relationships and emotional developments unfold more quickly than I would have liked. As a result, a number of important moments lose a little of the emotional weight they might otherwise have carried. Likewise, a handful of plot developments rely rather heavily on coincidence. Although these moments keep the story moving, they occasionally lessen the sense of realism that makes the opening half of the novel so immersive.

As the story progresses, the novel places increasing emphasis on its spiritual and philosophical themes. Christianity, Islam, Tengriism and Sufism are all treated with genuine respect, encouraging reflection on the common threads that connect different belief systems. As the novel approaches its conclusion, its supernatural elements become more prominent. Those who appreciate history interwoven with symbolism and spirituality will undoubtedly find much to enjoy, while readers seeking a more traditional historical narrative may find that the balance shifts away from historical realism.

Few novels attempt to combine medieval history, spiritual philosophy and the devastating march of the Black Death on such an ambitious scale. 'The Spirit of the Times' is an imaginative and memorable novel, and Newland deserves considerable credit for vividly recreating an overlooked period of history. Karia's story remains deeply engaging, the medieval world is richly realised, and the novel continually invites readers to look beyond familiar European settings to explore the wider world of the fourteenth century.

Although I felt the latter stages occasionally sacrificed some of the careful character development established in the opening chapters in favour of symbolism and philosophy, 'The Spirit of the Times' remains an ambitious and rewarding novel. Its unusual setting, richly imagined world and memorable heroine make it a thoroughly rewarding read, and Justin Newland deserves praise for shining a light on a fascinating period of history that deserves far greater attention.


Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Book Promotions


Pick up your copy of  The Spirit of the Times HERE:


Justin Newland


Justin Newland's novels represent an innovative blend of genres, from historical adventure to supernatural thriller and magical realism. 
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. Next came The Old Dragon’s Head (Matador, 2018), set in Ming Dynasty China in the shadows of the Great Wall.

The Coronation (Matador, 2019) features the Great Enlightenment 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.

At this point in his writing career, after four self-published books, Justin was offered a part-funded contract with the Book Guild.

The Mark of the Salamander (Book Guild, 2023) is the first in a two-book ‘The Island of Angels’ series. It tells the epic tale of England’s coming of age during the Elizabethan era. The second in the series, The Midnight of Eights (Book Guild, 2024), charts the uncanny coincidences of time and tide that culminated in the repulse of the Spanish Armada.

His latest novel, The Spirit of the Times (Matador, 2026), is to be published in July. It tells the story of a young Kyrgyz woman’s journey westwards along the Silk Road. With purple skies at dawn, and a supporting cast of Genghis Khan, the Black Plague, a perplexing rhyme, a ring of roses, it explores the greatest mystery of all – the spirit of the times. 
Justin’s enduring passion is to explore the origins of our current time. This prompted a broad research into what we’ve inherited from history – encompassing Egypt, China, Prussia and Tudor England.

He also writes entertaining talks which he gives to the WI, U3A, Probus, Rotary and local historical associations. Please visit his website for a current list of the talks.

Alongside the talks, Justin promotes his work with regular book signings at TG Jones (ex. WH Smith) high street stores, selling over 3,500 books since 2019. He has sponsored over 40 UK and US blog tours, given frequent radio interviews and penned many guest posts.

His current book signing motto is: Enjoy, Imagine, Discover.

As a member of the Society of Authors, he has Public and Products Liability Insurance.

Born in Essex, England, three days before the end of 1953, he lives with his lady in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.




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A Newfound Land (The Graham Saga Book 4) by Anna Belfrage

 


A Newfound Land 
(The Graham Saga Book 4)
By Anna Belfrage


Publication Date: 27th May 2017
Publisher: Timelight Press
Page Length: 459 Pages
Genre: Time Travel Romance

It’s 1672, and Matthew Graham and his family have left Scotland. Having taken the drastic decision to leave their homeland due to religious conflicts, Alexandra and Matthew hope for a simpler, if harsher, life in the wilds of the Colony of Maryland.

Unfortunately, things don’t always turn out as you want them to, and the past has a nasty tendency to resurface at the most inappropriate moments. Both Matthew and Alex are forced to cope with the unexpected reappearance of people they had never thought to meet again, and the screw is turned that much tighter when the four rogue Burley brothers enter their lives.

Matters are further complicated by the strained relations between colonists and the Susquehannock Indians.

When Matthew intercedes to stop the Burleys from abducting Indian women into slavery he makes lifelong – and deadly – enemies of them all.

Once again Alex is plunged into an existence where death seems to threaten her man wherever he goes. Will Matthew see himself – and his family – safe in these new circumstances? And will the past finally be laid to rest?


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Anna Belfrage


Had Anna been allowed to choose, she'd have become a professional time-traveller. No luck there, so instead she became a financial professional with two absorbing interests; history and writing. These days, Anna combines an exciting day-job with a large family and her writing endeavours. Plus she always finds the time to try out new recipes, chase down obscure rose bushes and initiate a home renovation scheme or two.

Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga , set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy. 

Anna has also published The Wanderer, a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense trilogy with paranormal and time-slip ingredients. Her September 2020 release, His Castilian Hawk is a story of loyalty and love set against the complications of Edward I’s invasion of Wales in the late 13th century. 

Her most recent release, The Whirlpools of Time , is a time travel romance set against the backdrop of brewing rebellion in the Scottish highlands.

All of Anna’s books have been awarded the IndieBRAG Medallion, she has several Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choices, and one of her books won the HNS Indie Award in 2015. She is also the proud recipient of several Reader’s Favorite medals as well as having won various Gold, Silver and Bronze Coffee Pot Book Club awards.

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