The Lost King by Ursula Jones

The Lost King (Lost King Trilogy)
by Ursula Jones
Inside Pocket Publishing (UK)
September 2012


I know it's cliche, but Harry Potter fans--this one's for you.

OK, no Hogwarts or muggles, but Jones' kids are scrappy, on their own, and there's a certain kind of magic afoot in a maze-like castle.

After that, the novel is completely different--with a bit of a steampunk feel.  However, the romping story, the quirky, over-the-top characters, the real danger, the cast of intrepid kids, the murdered parents, the fast paced writing and action--all very compatible with the Potter readers' tastes.  And no wonder--British author Jones has already been a winner of the UK Smartie Award, an award Rowling herself won early in her career.

The main character is Watt, a prince-in-hiding who's real name is Avtar. Watt's personal journey takes him from frightened to resolved...and the result is a page-turner.  Jones does a stellar job of the slow reveal--we only learn bits of the situation at first, go down the wrong path when Watt goes down the wrong path, and have aha! moments then Watt has them.  By the end of the novel, readers have discovered a more complete, twisty story.  I personally love this in a novel.

I did read the ARC, however.  Some editing issues, but these are likely resolved in the print edition.

Two thumbs way up!  An enjoyable read--can't wait for the rest of the trilogy!

Find of the Week

First off, I'd like to make a shout-out to fellow librarian Nancy Pearl (of Book Lust fame) and her 50 page rule. 

"If you're 50 years old or younger, give every book about 50 pages before you decide to commit yourself to reading it, or give it up."

As a busy professional, I'm a firm believer in the rule of 50. 

What "find of the week" caught my eye and got me to read more than 50 pages?    Surprise--not a big six title...and a children's fantasy novel--for 4th grade up.

The Lost King  by Ursula Jones, Inside Pocket Publishing (UK) Released this week!

The story has sucked me in--it's one of those intriguing reads that I can't stop thinking about.  Great voice and pacing, and enough tension to keep me turning the pages.

Basically, the story question is: What if a young prince survived the slaughter of his royal family and has found refuge by becoming a baker's boy--a "ghostie boy" perpetually covered in flour--in his own castle kitchens?  Can he remain anonymous and alive?  Will his true identity be discovered?  Will he ever challenge the usurpers and retake his true place?

My first impression was that the writing style is very similar to J.K. Rowling's style (though the story is nowhere near the same.)  And for good reason--author Ursula Jones, like Rowling, has been the recipient of Britain's Smartie Award (although for a picture book rather than children's fiction.)

This book is *just* out in the US--released September 2012.  Available now!

Other ARC's on deck:

The Moonstone and Miss Jones by Jillian Stone, release date 9/25/12
Cover has a Gail Carriger look...new Phaeton Black, paranormal investigator novel. What catches my attention is the hint at Indiana Jones-esque action.  Evil Professor Lovecraft is tinkering with body parts and needs the power of the fabled Moonstone--and wants Phaeton Black to help find it.  Phaeton would rather investigate the stunning America Jones. 

Ghost Planet by Sharon Lynn Fisher, release date 10/30/12

I'm always on the hunt for good, true Science Fiction--and just got this one.  What if humankind discovered a new world populated by ghosts who manifest in the form of dead loved ones?  Would you accept a job there?  City of Dark Magic by Magnus Flyte, release date 11/27/12 What if you were a young musicologist who went to Prague to study Beethoven manuscripts, but instead found yourself caught up in a murder and the secrets of a 16th century alchemist toying with time travel?  Promise of romance, suspense, paranormal, and intrigue.  Author is pseudonym for a two person writing team. The Constantine Affliction by T. Aaron Payton, released 8/7/12 More steampunk, this time set in 1864 London. What if there was a case of science-gone-wrong, resulting in a mysterious affliction that physically transforms victims into the opposite sex?  A woman journalist and male amateur sleuth team up to investigate...making me wonder who will be which by the story's end.  Getting good reviews.