Author: Selden Edwards
Genre: Historical Fiction/Science Fiction
Release Date: June 25, 2013 (paperback edition)
Publisher: Plume
Source: Paperback copy from the publisher
Description:
“The Lost Prince can stand independently of The Little Book … but why deprive yourself of the pleasures of reading both?” —Booklist
Recently returned from fin de siècle Vienna, where she tragically lost the first great love of her life, Eleanor Burden settles into her expected place in Boston society, marries a suitable husband, and waits for life to come to her. Eleanor’s story is not unlike that of the other young women she grew up with in 1890’s Boston, except for one difference: Eleanor believes herself to have advance knowledge of every major historical event to come in her lifetime. But soon Eleanor’s script of events begins to unravel, and she must find the courage of her deepest convictions, discover the difference between predetermination and free will, find faith in her own sanity, and decide whether she will allow history to unfold come what may — or use her extraordinary gifts to bend history and deliver the life she is meant to have.
The Lost Prince is an imaginative and thought provoking novel that tells the story of Eleanor Burden as she returns to her rightful place in Boston's high society, takes a husband, and waits for life to happen. She isn't that different from most other women of her time, except that Eleanor believes she has knowledge of every major historical event that will happen during her lifetime. How does one begin to explain this to others without sounding insane? As Eleanor's predictions start going awry, she is forced to face the forces of free will and predetermination, as well as believing in herself and the knowledge she possesses. The only question Eleanor must finally ask herself is if she will sit back and let history play out or will she use her gifts to change history?
This was an incredible novel - unlike anything I've read before. There's another book before this one, The Little Book, but I was able to read this one without having read the first. The characters are realistic - especially Eleanor - who has her own strong personality along with flaws, strengths, and morals. I truly enjoyed getting to know Eleanor throughout the book - as a person as well as learning more about her amazing gifts. The setting was perfect for the novel and is described with such intricate details and vivid descriptions that I felt as though I was transported back into that era. The plot flowed effortlessly and had me hooked from the first page - and it didn't let up until the last sentence. It's definitely a book that will leave you thinking about a variety of issues - fate, predetermination, morals, free will, among others - long after you've finished. I don't do spoilers in my reviews, so it's hard to talk about much more of the plot without giving away anything. Suffice it to say that this is one of the most intriguing and extraordinary novels I've ever read, and one that I highly recommend to fans of all genres - especially historical fiction, science fiction, and fans of time travel and fantasy.
*A big thanks to the great people at Plume for sending me a copy for review!*
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