The Secret of the Lost Kingdom

This is a very good book for children in the 10-12 year old age range. Michael and Jennifer are two children that are part of a school group visiting a large castle and they get separated from the others. While they are viewing two paintings of a man and a woman, a man comes up to them and offers to tell the story of the people in the paintings. Prince Marlon is the heir to the throne of Mentoria, but his heart is uneasy. While leading a band of the king's soldiers against some peasants he fights a strong warrior until they agree to stop fighting. At that point, another of the king's soldiers deals the other warrior a deathblow. After returning from the battle, Marlon leaves the castle dressed as a common man and wanders out to meet the people. He comes to the aid of a man named Gug and he goes home with him. Gug's daughter Nicole is beautiful and Marlon quickly becomes infatuated with her. After Marlon spends some time working on Gug's farm, a herald of the king arrives searching for Marlon. The king is on his deathbed and the kingdom has fallen under the evil sway of the high priest Mordal. Marlon returns and leads an army against a rival kingdom. He emerges victorious, banishes Mordal and assumes the throne. He rules very wisely and the kingdom thrives. This book is also beautifully illustrated; the characters are drawn with exquisite detail. The coloration somehow manages to be subtle yet sharp, the quality is as good as I have seen. The story itself is a fairly standard one of the crown prince trying to achieve an understanding of how the people in the kingdom actually live. It is a good story with a happy ending, as Marlon and Nicole become the king and queen of Mentoria and ascend to the throne to the genuine cheers of the populace.

There is nothing wrong with this book that should keep you from reading it. It has very detailed illustrations that look real. It also has a good story. It also teaches that tour guides don't always tell you everything. It tells the story of a prince who doesn't belive that rich people should be able to take poor people's land just to make themselves richer. It is a great book as long as you don't hate stories that take place in Midievil times.

When I saw the first advertisement for this new children's book, I will admit that I cringed. Not being a huge Michael Bolton music fan, my initial impression was to assume that someone had given this man some crazy idea for a new market and he had jumped right in with limited knowledge or talent. I was incredibly mistaken and apologize forthrightly to him for such an ill assumption!!! I read the book at a book store one day this week and was very, very impressed! Working as a Children's Librarian, I have the opportunity to see a great deal of children's literature and I loved what I saw in this book. A charming story. Chivalry. Morality. Social responsibility to one's place of origin and background. Love and respect for people and situations. Romance intertwined. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! A book worth reading -- for all ages!

Mr. Bolton has written a book to be treasured for years to come, it will be passed down for generations to come and I'm sure they will find it just as meaningfull in the future as it is today. He proves to be very skillfull at weaving some important lessons into an intrigueing story. The beautifull illustrations are a delight to explore. I look forward to reading more by this team.

Michael Bolton has written a beautiful story of truth, honor, and love. It is a book that all ages can enjoy. The book is beautifully illustrated. Michael has proved that there is much more to his talent then being a terrific singer/song writer.