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.

Book Summary

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.