By: Regan Walker
Publisher: Patriotic Books Publishing
Publication Date: January 6, 2026
ISBN: 978-1735438191
Reviewed by: Lily Andrews
Review Date: December 4, 2025
The Salamander by Regan Walker is a sweeping historical fiction and romance set against the backdrop of the American Revolution Era. The book follows Captain Jonathan Haraden, who is described as a "dashing sea captain" who "captures hearts just as easily as ships" and who has earned himself a legendary nickname, "the salamander," owing to his cold-blooded courage and his crew's belief that he is immune to the fires of the battle.
The story begins at the fog-shrouded graveyard of Salem, where the burial of Haraden's wife, Hannah, is taking place. Left behind is his seven-year-old daughter, Hannah, who is named after her mother, and Polly, his nine-month-old daughter. Right afterwards, Haraden decides to accept a commission as first lieutenant on the Massachusetts brigantine, "the Tyrannicide," leaving them in the care of Eunice Mason, a preacher's daughter who lost her husband just a year into their marriage.
Haraden's reputation soars as his crew captures many ships, including The Dispatch, The St. John, Three Brothers, The Lonsdale, and The Favorite. This is not just about adventure, but a critical part of the war effort that repeatedly pushes him and his crew to the limit, at times forcing them to think on their feet in the face of immense danger and risk. At the helm of his triumph, a devastating disease aboard his ship forces him to make impossible choices, which include leaving behind those who are too sick to sail. The outbreak, however, becomes worse, forcing him to unexpectedly abandon his mission for home where, on arrival, the Massachusetts Board of War criticizes him for the expenses incurred in taking care of his sick men during the crisis. This ungratefulness and insensitivity force him to resign and to seek the independence of a privateer where his life depends entirely on his skill and luck. His decision, however, introduces a treacherous question to the reader; in forging his own path, has he truly become the master of his fate, or has he, in defiance, crafted a more gilded cage that could cost him not just his legendary status, but also the chance of returning home to his children whose strength has become his unacknowledged anchor?
This book uses period-appropriate language as well as diction and phrasing such as: "Beat to quarters," "Aye, sir," "Twas good I baked pies this mornin," which most effectively evoke the period. It constantly alternates between two primary settings—The Sea and The Home—two crucial settings that get twisted together tightly by the thread of communication and care. The tale's strength lies in how it grounds the protagonist's exploits in profound personal stakes and how it builds a believable world—from the salt-stained planks of the Tyrannicide's deck to the warm, herb-scented kitchen on Charter Street. Its strength also lies in its characters, who though flawed and grieving, beautifully employ their inner resilience to propel the plot forward, while illustrating how the revolution was fought on the home front for the survival, dignity and future of families, just as much as on the battlefield.
Quill says: The Salamander is a rare gem that demonstrates how possible it is for one to readily function with clarity and decisiveness especially when surrounded by chaos, grief and terror. It also reveals that the past can be honored without you being trapped in it and that opening up to new beginnings is not a betrayal of the old, but a testament to the human capacity for healing. It is a deeply researched and brilliantly imagined read that will resonate with lovers of historical fiction, wounded readers struggling with trust and love, as well as those fascinated by nautical and revolutionary history, particularly surrounding the often-overlooked role of privateers and state navies.
For more information about The Salamander, please visit the author's website at: reganwalkerauthor.com/
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