Billy Bartram joins his father John, the Botanist, on an
expedition with the secret American Philosophical Society
founded by his father and Benjamin Franklin and based in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their mode of transport, a
massive flying aeroship baptized the de Terzi. Their
destination, the lost Welsh Kingdom of Prince Madoc. Billy
and his father set sail for the frontier with a crew of
philosophers and patriots and the French on their tail. The
colonies and England are close to war with the French over
the Ohio Country. The crew of the expedition hope to get to
the Kingdom of Madoc first to gain their help in squeezing
out the French.
With bear-wolves and mastodons, French enemies, a stowaway
and the great unknown Billy will have the adventure of a
lifetime. The race is on to find the lost Welsh Kingdom of
Prince Madoc.
THE LOST KINGDOM by Matthew J. Kirby is a young adult novel
set in a fantastical colonial America in the year of 1753.
Matthew J. Kirby tinkers with history, perceived truths, and
fantasy to create a good read for all ages. I loved the
little asides Kirby added like Franklin and coon skin caps.
THE LOST KINGDOM is written in first person form the
perspective of young Billy. The reader sees through his
eyes, but without his knowledge, luckily Billy is good with
descriptions. The name of his father is not revealed until
a third person comes into the mix. Information slowly
trickles to the reader, giving clues to the puzzle of this
book sparingly.
The style of writing in THE LOST KINGDOM
draws the reader in so they can't wait to find the next
piece of the puzzle. THE LOST KINGDOM reminds me of a role
playing game where you have to talk to several characters to
learn your mission, each one giving you just a tidbit of
information. Saying that makes me want to play this book.
A remarkable adventure by award-winning author Matthew J.
Kirby brings a fantastical American West filled with secrets
and spies and terrifying creatures to vivid life.
In this extraordinary adventure story, Billy Bartram, his
father, and a secret society of philosophers and scientists
venture into the American wilderness in search of the lost
people of the Welsh Prince Madoc, seeking aid in the coming
war against the French. Traveling in a flying airship, the
members of the expedition find their lives frequently
endangered in the untamed American West by terrifying
creatures, a party of French soldiers hot on their trail,
and the constant threat of traitors and spies.
Billy will face hazards greater than he can ever imagine as,
together with his father, he gets caught up in the fight for
the biggest prize of all: America. THE LOST KINGDOM is an
epic journey filled with marvelous exploits, courage and
intrigue, and a bold reimagining of a mythical America.
Matthew J. Kirby brings his signature storytelling prowess
and superb craft to this astonishing story of fathers and
sons, the beginnings of a nation, and wonder-filled
adventure.
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