Although I haven't read the earlier three books in this series, my first impression of the prologue and first two chapters is that there will be enough back-story incorporated to enable me to read 'The Heretic's Mark' as a stand-alone story. It appears to be very well-written and by the end of the second chapter I already felt drawn into the sixteenth century Elizabethan world the author has evoked. There's promise of darkness and intrigue and I now feel invested in what is going to happen to all the characters I've been introduced to.
The cover of the book is both eye-catching and highly atmospheric.
The cover of the book is both eye-catching and highly atmospheric.