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Review: The Spirit of the Times by Justin Newland

  • Writer: Merissa
    Merissa
  • 1 hour ago
  • 5 min read

Book details:

Book Title: The Spirit of the Times

Series: N/a

Author Name: Justin Newland

Publication Date:28 July 2026

Publisher: Troubador Publishing

ISBN: 9781806344154

Pages:264

Genre: Historical Fiction

Any Triggers: The story touches on the thorny and controversial subject of slavery. I felt it needed to be included, mainly because I wanted the story to be authentic, and slavery was a common feature in the 14th Century.

@JustinNewlandAuthor @thecoffeepotbookclub


@drjustinnewland @thecoffeepotbookclub @yardereviews

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.

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3.5 out of 5 (very good)


THE SPIRIT OF THE TIMES is a historical story that takes you from Central Asia, along the Silk Road, and ends up in England. This is an area that I don't know very well, and I am always interested in learning more about.


Karia is a nomad, living in gers, and is a Nestorian Christian of the Turgut tribe. It begins with the wedding of her sister, Bacaq, to Sanmaq of the Danko tribe. The Danko tribe have converted to Islam, and therefore Bacaq has to too, or the wedding won't go ahead. Time moves on, and Bacaq is about to become a mother when Sanmaq does something terrible. This is the start of the pestilence, or so some believe. The years pass by, and we stay with Karia as she travels across lands she never dreamt of being in. All she wants to do is go back home, but knows this is something she may never do again.


Although the year is given at the beginning of each chapter, I did occasionally get lost as time sometimes skips ahead a few years. If I wasn't paying full attention, or couldn't remember what year the previous chapter had been, I got lost in the passage of time.


Karia remains the heart of the story throughout, with her steadfast loyalty and determination to do the right thing. Abi is headstrong and innocent, a delight most of the time. Abbot Bernard made me smile every time he was on the page, but Jonathan was neither here nor there.


This is a historical novel with a strong supernatural feel to it, alongside myth and folklore. I enjoyed it, but the supernatural aspect might not be for everyone.


** The same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa

Archaeolibrarian


Justin Newland’s novels represent an innovative blend of genres, from historical adventuretosupernatural 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.

 

Author Links:

 


Tour hosted by: The Coffee Pot Book Club



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