The Midnight of Eights

I’ve long anticipated the sequel to The Mark of the Salamander and so enjoyed meeting up again with Nelan Michaels in The Midnight of Eights. Nelan leaves the Golden Hind and happily marries his beloved Eleanor, but still yearns to master his mystical skills of the mark of the salamander. But then he is forced to spy for none other than Francis Walsingham, the Queen’s spymaster. But after his mentor, Dr John Dee, leaves the country in haste, Nelan is compelled to walk a wary path. His visions become crucial to the battle against the Spanish Armada who seek to conquer England. The skill of the writing drew me completely into 16th century and I felt like I was standing next to Nelan, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the 1580’s. There are old friends from his time on the Golden Hind, and others, both friend and foe who have treachery in their hearts and minds. I raced through the battles as I fought with the men to protect the Island of Angels. And as Nelan’s skills developed, so I was fascinated by the Midnight of Eights. Different races and beliefs are skilfully portrayed, only enhancing my reading pleasure. By creating a story based on history and blended seamlessly with the other-worldly, Justin Newland has written a tale which is enthralling and impossible to put down. Although The Midnight of Eights can be read as a stand-alone, to discover how Nelan’s journey began I would highly recommend reading The Mark of the Salamander first. A book which I loved as I lived the action, drama and romance of the seas, sailing around the world with Nelan and Sir Francis Drake.