The Lost Kingdom

July 8, 2013
Continuing to explore new ground and ideas, Kirby (Icefall) mixes American myth with characters based on historical figures in an imaginative story set in 1750s North America. Billy Bartram is thrilled when his father allows him to come along on a westward expedition, but he never dreamed the journey would involve a secret philosophical society, a flying vessel crewed by geniuses, and a mythical kingdom founded by an ancient Welsh prince, which could hold allies against the encroaching French. The trip doesn’t go as planned, though, with a suspected traitor aboard, the French in hot pursuit, hostile Native Americans on the ground, and a deadly bear-wolf stalking them. While taking some liberties, Kirby skillfully draws on 18th-century beliefs, legends, and personages to construct a historical fantasy that touches on the scientific disciplines of the era to create wonders both natural and manmade. The only drawback is a necessary adherence to less-than-admirable views toward women and minorities on the part of certain characters, but even this serves to push both the story and Billy forward. Ages 8–12. Agent: Stephen Fraser, Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency.

July 15, 2013
The historical meets the fantastical when key members of the American Philosophical Society, circa 1753, employ an aeroship to search for the lost Kingdom of Madoc, of Welsh legend. Ben Franklin encourages young Billy Bartram to accompany his father, botanist John Bartram, on an expedition to determine if Madoc's kingdom will solve England's territorial problems in the New World. Characters loosely based on real-life Philosophical Society members are sprinkled throughout the story, demonstrating diverse motivations and interests, from electricity to immortality. With a ship designed by Francesco Lana de Terzi, they fly above challenges posed by weather, advancing French troops, Native Americans, herds of incognitum and bear-wolves. Edgar winner Kirby deftly combines historical truths with rich, multilayered creative imaginings including mystery, cultural discord and ongoing father-son conflict. While the one female character aboard ship seems disproportionately at fault and the end feels like a crescendo of hodgepodge elements, readers will enjoy the vigorous blend of colonial struggle with a touch of Jules Verne. An old-fashioned adventure story to curl up with on a rainy afternoon. (author's note) (Steampunk. 8-12)

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November 1, 2013

Gr 5-9-In the growing but still relatively small genre of steampunk alternative history comes this adventure of a group of naturalists, scientists, and explorers heading west just prior to the French and Indian War. Famous figures such as George Washington and Ben Franklin make appearances, but most of the plot hinges on the search for a lost kingdom of the Welsh prince Madoc, a flying ship, threats from a dangerous bear-wolf, and French soldiers who pursue the travelers. The daughter of one of the men of the Philosophical Society that sponsors the search provides a tiny hint of diversity of gender roles, but this is a mostly male world. The main character is Billy Bartram, of an unknown age, but on the cusp of manhood. He is learning from all of the specialists, which provides a device for many of the explanations that are needed. He also is an accomplished artist able to depict the exciting natural world and thus contributes to the expedition in a way that requires him to be an observer. It becomes clear that someone is a traitor to the ideals of the group, adding a suspenseful element. Leaving open the possibility of a sequel, Kirby also provides some helpful notes on what he has changed from actual history. An engaging entry into colonial history and westward expansion.-Carol A. Edwards, Denver Public Library, CO

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September 15, 2013
Grades 4-7 In 1753, noted American naturalist John Bartram and his son Billy join an expedition to search the frontier in the di Terzi, a flying ship powered by vacuum balloons and wind. Their mission is to find the centuries-old Kingdom of Madoc, a Welsh settlement rumored to be on the frontier. Along the way they encounter the young George Washington, hostile French troops, a herd of enormous incognitum (mastodons), and a terrifying bear-wolf. Though his father mistrusts their guide, who is part Indian, Billy finds himself increasingly convinced that the man is true to his word. This alternate-history story, propelled by scenes of suspense and rousing action, traces Billy's growing independence from his beloved father. As the stakes grow higher, he comes to rely increasingly on his own judgment. Billy's first-person narrative offers insights into varied colonial American views on a number of topics. Inspired by history and legend, this inventive novel takes flight as a grand adventure with elements of fantasy and steampunk.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)