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Merissa (14202 KP) rated The Spirit of the Times in Books

Jul 27, 2026  
The Spirit of the Times
The Spirit of the Times
Justin Newland | 2026 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
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
Jul 27, 2026