The Salamander (The Dawn of America 2) by Regan Walker-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 5, 2026

Even the enemy whispered his name…

Captain Jonathan Haraden’s coldblooded courage earned him the nickname “the Salamander”. Like the creature of old, his crew believed him immune to the fires of battle. At the Revolution’s outbreak, he joined the militia guarding the seacoast, yet his true calling lay on the open sea, and it soon drew him into the fledgling Massachusetts Navy.

A dashing sea captain, tall and handsome, Jon captured hearts as easily as he captured ships, but his own belonged to Hannah, his young wife he lost to fever as the Revolution began. Devastated, he sets sail with a vengeance, entrusting his young daughters to Eunice Mason, a preacher’s daughter and young widow whose quiet strength steadies his home.

Commanding the Tyrannicide, Jon seizes British prizes and vital dispatches for General Washington. But chafing at the state’s inefficiencies and hungry for greater freedom, he accepts command of the privateer General Pickering, backed by Salem merchants who hail his daring and skill. Adored by his crew and feared by the enemy, Jon soon becomes a legend, capturing ships with unmatched audacity. Yet he wonders if he will ever find room in his heart for love again — or will the sea be his only mistress?

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REVIEW: The Salamander begins with the burial of Jonathan Haraden’s wife on a foggy morning in June 1776. Afterwards, they gather in the Haraden home where people offer their condolences. When asked what his plans were for the future, Jonathan tells them he has decided to serve aboard the Tyrannicide as First Lieutenant under Captain John Fisk.

At the recommendation of the reverend’s wife, Jonathan decides to hire her daughter, Eunice Mason, as governess for his two daughters: Hannah, seven years old and Polly, nine months old. Eunice lost her husband a year prior and needs a purpose in her life and agrees to care for the two little girls. Along with Martha, the cook, and Silas, the “man of all work,” Eunice settles into her new life.

Once Jonathan sets sail, he more than proves he is where he is meant to be as they seize British ships who are supplying the British forces in the colonies. Being at sea is something that fills Jonathan’s being with purpose and means he is away from home for longer and longer periods of time. He misses his girls and cherishes his time at home, and eventually he starts missing Eunice.

Having grown resentful of the constraints placed on him by the government, Jonathan makes the decision to become a privateer. As he sails the seas seizing British ships, his reputation grows. He shows unflinching bravery and courage under fire which earns his nickname, the salamander. His crew looks to him for leadership and will follow him anywhere.

As time passes, Eunice has become an integral part of the household and her young charges’ lives. She also finds herself longing for something more when her thoughts drift to Jonathan. With Jonathan being gone for longer stretches of time, she is steadfast in her faith that he will return home. However, when word of his capture reaches home, her faith, and Jonathan’s, is tested as never before.

Walker has once again woven an exquisite tale that pulls you in from the very first word. The characters are endearing and very beautifully written. Even though this is a work of fiction, many of the characters are real. Jonathan and Eunice develop a chemistry that warms your heart as the story follows them both through these turbulent times. Whether you are reading a scene at sea or in the Haraden home, you feel as if you are there with them and can smell the salt in the air or the fire in the hearth. The secondary characters add layers to the story that leave you feeling as you know them. Especially Martha and Silas. As always, Walker’s world building is second to none and leaves you wanting more. If you are a fan of the genre, you will never go wrong with one of her tales! Well done, Regan Walker! Very, very well done!

Click HERE for Vickie’s review of THE IRISH YANKEE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie

Regan Walker is an award-winning, #1 Amazon bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval novels that are historically authentic.

Among the awards she has won are the Gold Medal in the Readers Choice Book Awards, the Gold Medal in the Illumination Awards, 1st place in the Chaucer Awards, the International Book Award for Romance Fiction, the San Diego Book Award for Best Historical Romance, the President’s Book Awards of The Florida Authors & Publishers Association, the RONE Award for Best Medieval Novel (twice) and the Kindle Book Award.

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