The Salamander (The Dawn of America series Book 2) by Regan Walker

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 5, 2026

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 by Regan Walker is an historical romance set during the American Revolutionary War.

I’ve not read anything by this author before, nor the first book in this series, but I intend to go back at some point as I really enjoyed the characters and the story.

The story follows Jon, a sea captain who loses his beloved young wife Hannah to fever just as the Revolution erupts, leaving him grieving and raising two young daughters. 😢

Devastated, he throws himself into naval service, first with the Massachusetts Navy, capturing British prizes and delivering vital intelligence to General Washington. He leaves the navy to become a privateer, (he was unhappy with delays and excuses.)

At home, his daughters are cared for by Eunice Mason, she’s a preachers daughter, so ideal to look after children, she’s a widow herself, she might be meek and quiet, but Eunice is no pushover. And her steady presence brings stability, and slowly, perhaps, the possibility of new love. 🤔

Jon and his crew are becoming a legend. His dating raids make him a feared man among enemies and a hero to his crew.

I have to admit, I grew to like the nautical action, vivid descriptions of sea battles, privateering exploits, and the tension.

Jon’s internal struggle (the sea as his mistress vs. opening his heart again) had me keeping my fingers crossed for him and Eunice.

Jon’s daughters (Hannah and Polly) were cute, and I did want a little more time with them.

This does focus more on the man/the legend, rather than the romance. But the story was so fascinating, that it really didn’t need romance.

If you enjoy Revolutionary War fiction with brave sea captains, second chance romance, strong family bonds, and the thrill of privateering this is the one for you.

🦋 Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review