Review: The Spirit of the Times by Justin Newland
Today, I'm delighted to welcome back acclaimed author, Justin Newland. I'm sharing my review of his captivating new release, The Spirit of the Times. I've previously reviewed his brilliant novels, The Mark of the Salamander, and The Midnight of Eights, which you may want to check out by clicking on the titles.
If you enjoy historical fiction in unusual locations, and with a touch of the paranormal, make sure to read on.
The Spirit of the Times is currently on blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club. Make sure to check out the range of fascinating tour stops HERE!
The Spirit of the Times
Justin Newland
Review:
Ever since I saw a play at school, I've been fascinated by the history of the Silk Road – a most important trading route for many centuries. Traders brought items to medieval Europe that became much in demand: exotic spices and plants, precious stones to use in jewellery or art, fine silks and elaborate cloths. But the journey was tough, through harsh terrain beset by raiders and swiftly-changing weather – and it brought sickness to communities that deemed themselves safe.
It was a difficult route for any man, free or slave, but for a woman? Well!
Karia is a young woman living with her tribe under Mongol rule. But as always, change is inevitable, and it is not always welcome. When she saves her sister's daughter, Abi, she embarks on an unexpected trek.
Her visions of purple skies have warned her of the approaching pestilence, so with nothing left to lose, Karia and Abi embark on a life-changing journey that takes them across vast lands, to thriving cities, and fierce seas. It takes years, with numerous visits at fascinating – and often precarious – stopovers.
Trying to protect people wherever she goes, Karia's caring and empathetic nature make her a humane and resourceful heroine. But even her supernatural skills can't save her from the slave traders, as the caravans move on relentlessly.
Ultimately, her long journey takes her to England, so different from the world of central Asia, where more riddles await to be unravelled. Will Karia find her answers there? Well, read the novel to find out!
The Spirit of the Times is an engrossing tale that pulls you into a (for us Europeans) distant world. We know about the many precious items that made it to Europe over the centuries, but what do we actually know of the immense effort it took the traders to get them here?
In The Spirit of the Times, Justin Newland has skilfully lifted some of our ’ignorance’, and allowed us a revealing glimpse into another medieval world outside our European window. The shifting powers in central Asia; religious changes; hostile environments; colourful traditions; ancient mysteries; and the relentless advance of the pestilence that swept into fourteenth-century Europe from the east. He has evoked a world that was far more advanced than we usually give it credit for, with established trade routes and thriving city-states along this ancient trail. He also doesn't shy away from the (now) thorny subject of the slave trade.
Karia leads this story. She is a brave, remarkable heroine, gifted, but still learning all the time. Her empathy makes her stand out, and all other characters fade into the background.
Unfortunately, it is that emotional aspect that loses its focus in the latter part of the novel, where events begin to feel rushed. The gentle, colourful detail of the early chapters changes to something that should, perhaps, have been explored in a sequel, rather than squeezed into an otherwise compelling plot.
Or perhaps it's merely the difference in perspective between medieval central Asia and Europe? There's a thought!
A highly recommended novel for readers who love historical stories set in fascinating locations, with a strong dose of philosophy, and with a touch of the paranormal.
Blurb:
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.
Buy Links:
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Music that inspired the novel, and which beautifully evokes the Steppes of Central Asia:
About the Author:
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.
Connect with Justin:
Website • Facebook • Instagram
Amazon Author Page • BookBub • Goodreads
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