Matthew J. Kirby's "The Lost Kingdom"...A Book Review

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The Lost Kingdom is the second book I’ve read written by Matthew Kirby and I liked it as much or possibly more than the first. The story reminded me of a Jules Vern adventure. In fact, I could easily imagine it coming from the mind of the Science Fiction pioneer himself.

In this alternative history story a father and son team join an expedition to find a lost people in hopes of recruiting help against the French. Billy Bartram and his father begin their journey aboard a flying ship. Those on the mission experience the thrills of flying that in our world, people will not come to know for hundreds of years. On their way to find this secret civilization, the group is attacked by a terrifying monster (very Hunger Games-esk...) as well as spies and battles with the enemy.

Again, I kept thinking this was a modern telling of a classic science fiction thriller. The author gives us enough of what we already know about Colonial America with the prospect of how things would be in there were hybrid creatures, ancient civilizations, and steampunk flying ships.

In our library this book can be found in the Young Adult section, but I think many adults would find this story engaging and entertaining. Yes, The Lost Kingdom is the second Matthew J. Kirby novel I've read, and considering I've enjoyed both very much, I'm pretty sure it won't be my last.

* Photo used without permission from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17219052-the-lost-kingdom

Matthew J. Kirby's "The Clockwork Three"...A Book Review

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Three years ago, or there about, before I began attending writing conventions and functions, I knew very few published authors. But as I've come to attended more and more of these events, I've gotten to know more and more of the stable of local writers more and more. At the last Salt Lake Comic Con FanX, I met Matthew Kirby.

I'd seen his name from time to time. Many of my friends on social media are also friends with him. When I took time and spoke to him at his FanX book signing, I didn't know much about Matthew. I certainly didn't know how successful he's been. Getting a book published by a reputable publishing house is a major accomplishment. Getting multiple books published, well, that shows the man has talent as well as dedication.

I found the The Clockwork Three audiobook at our local library. I quickly downloaded it and began listening. In short, I really enjoyed this story. It's YA, which is something I find myself reading all the time. Many of the local authors I know write YA and they're quite good at it.

The Clockwork Three revolves around three main characters in a fantastical world set in the Northeastern coast of the United States. Giuseppe is an orphan who must earn enough income by playing on street corners to avoid being beaten by his evil master. Hannah works in a hotel to support her family now that her father has serious health concerns. And Frederick is an apprentice clockmaker who is building his own mechanical man. The genius of this story is how Kirby weaves three main characters into one story. This EASILY could have been written as three separate stories. Though each of the children's stories intersect with each other, Giuseppe's story could fill a novel by itself. The same goes for Hannah and Frederick.

Using their collective talents, as well as help from benevolent adults, the three change their fortunes. It's a story of magic, of steampunk, and of intrigue. The audiobook is just over twelve hours long. I listen to audiobooks on 2X speed, but even at that, it felt much shorter. I can imagine it would be a fast read, too.

It's the first of Matthew's books I've read. Luckily for me (and for you...), there's a lot more to read.

* Photo used without permission from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7935687-the-clockwork-three?from_new_nav=true&ac=1&from_search=true