The Lost Kingdom - Hardcover

Kirby, Matthew J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0545274265 ISBN 13: 9780545274265

Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2013

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

Matthew J. Kirby is the critically acclaimed author of the middle-grade novels Icefall, which won the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery and the PEN Literary Award for Children's Literature; The Clockwork Three, which was named a Publishers Weekly Flying Start; The Lost Kingdom; Last Descendants, an Assassin's Creed novel; The Quantum League: Spell Robbers; and Cave of Wonders, the fifth book in the Infinity Ring series. He was born in Utah and grew up in Maryland, California, and Hawaii. Matthew is currently at work on his next novel.

Reviews

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. Grades 4-7. --Carolyn Phelan

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

From THE LOST KINGDOMThe bear-wolf stood on its hind legs, looked up at us, and slammed both of its front paws against the ship's hull with its full weight. The de Terzi jolted, and I felt the reverberation through my boots. "We don't have two minutes!" my father shouted. "That thing is strong enough to crack the hull!" The bear-wolf heaved itself against the ship a second time, and I heard the sound of wood splintering. "I'm working as fast as I can!" Mr. Faries shouted. "Someone take the helm!" Mr. Kinnersley raced to the controls. "I'll do it!" "Wait for my mark!" Mr. Faries said. The ship thundered with a third blow from the bear-wolf. The animal roared, and something in it sounded triumphant. Almost as if it had realized it was breaking through. "Mr. Faries?" my father said. "Now!" Mr. Faries said, letting a rope lose in his harness. I shouted in alarm as he plummeted toward the deck, but he pulled the rope tight just as he was about to hit and stopped his fall. Mr. Kinnersley threw a lever, and the de Terzi eased upward out of the bear-wolf's reach. We all looked over the edge, watching the animal grow smaller as our ship moved slowly down the river, and I began to feel safe enough to relax a little. But the bear-wolf pursued us, never taking its eyes from us as it stalked down the riverbank, parallel with the ship.

Edition details

• Publisher: Scholastic Press
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0545274265
• ISBN 13: 9780545274265
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 352