Song for a Lost Kingdom: The Prequel

Song For A Lost Kingdom #0.5

by Steve Moretti

Adeena Stuart and Katharine Carnegie were born nearly three centuries apart. Yet their music and an ancient cello connect them to each other and to a man doomed to die in 1746 after the Battle of Culloden.

Katharine passion is her music, but she is lost for words to complete it in 1745 Scotland.

Adeena is a rebellious teenage musician in 2003. While Katharine must decide which brother she supports in the uprising against England, Adeena and her psychic grandmother glimpse the past calling out to the present.

If you like time travel and historical fiction (with some fantasy and romance,) you have found what you’re looking for here.

The Prequel also includes Chapter 1 of the of the Song for A Lost Kingdom series. Adeena receives an untitled musical score from her dying grandmother in Scotland. When the score is played on the oldest surviving cello ever made in the UK, the music connects her to the past as Katharine, struggling to find words to complete her symphonic tour-de-force in the midst of the Scottish uprising against Union with England.

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/5mcpwxa6p0

But Adeena is not a scientist or historian. What she wants more than anything is to compose music and to join the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa. Just as she is about to realize her wish, she’s lifted away, out of her control, and immersed in her ancient family history. As she is buffeted back and forth between the worlds, she grows to want more of the past, even though the promise of her most yearned for dreams are coming true.

And so begins a journey of discovery between two women who share the same musical soul and love for the same man.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical, Historical Fiction, Paranormal

328 pages, ebook

First published September 19, 2019

About the author

I am drawn to creativity in whatever form it takes, fascinated by all we do still do not understand about the universe and continually surprised by the things human beings do or have done.

My writing journey started in broadcast journalism, public relations, and advertising, then continued into educational software development while running a company I founded and ran for twenty years.
I now concentrate my time on writing historical fantasy, with one series complete, Song for a Lost Kingdom and the first book in a follow-up trilogy, Michael Angelo & the Stone Mistress released earlier this year.

I also co-authored a biographical work on composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky entitled Pyotr which explores key moments in Tchaikovsky’s difficult life.

I grew up in London, Ontario and also lived in Pompano Beach, Florida as a teenager. I moved to Ottawa to attend Carleton University many years ago and now live just south of the city with my wife and a fountain pen full of words.

Please visit stevemorett.ca for information on all my books and audiobooks.

You can download a FREE copy of my novella prequel to the Song for a Lost Kingdom series and join my mailing list to keep updated on new and current projects.

Reviews

[S. Daisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a mainly historical fiction novella prequel to a time travel series. It spans the years 1707-1743 in Scotland, and follows the backstories of the Drummond, St. Clair, and Carnegie families. It then flashes forward to Ottawa, Canada in 2003, and focuses on a family by the name of Stuart that it infers are descendants of the Scottish families previously discussed. Somehow, a specially composed song connects these distant people through time and space.

The author is skilled in the usage of descriptive language to paint a picture in the mind of the reader. The story is vivid, rich, and beautiful, much like the music that the pages describe. Unfortunately, I felt that the ending of this book was quite inconclusive, leaving it as only a teaser to get the reader to read the sequels. The story also contained some mature content not necessary to the theme or plot. Other than these things, the short book would have a much higher rating. Even with only rating it at three stars, I still recommend it to those with the intention of reading the whole series.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having already read Books I and II, I found this prequel touching and sad. I wonder what those who have not read Book I think of it ...

[Fiona Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome wee read. Totally set the scene for the larger volume. Totally in love with this new series. Highly recommend.

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed both the audiobook and the printed prequel. The two narrators in audiobook are what brings the context of the connection of the two woman through music as a basis for the time travel. This is a beautiful story and the narration is quite lively and the music is beautiful. The prequel is fairly short and serves as an introduction to the series. The prequel introduces you to the two main characters, Katherine Carnegie of the 18th century and Adeena Stuart from the 21st century and the connection between them through the Cello and the music. I look forward to the next audiobook in the series!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful short story. Adeena and Katharine are born a long time apart, yet music connects them. You feel the passion of the characters. The audible was just as enjoyable. Can’t wait to read the other books.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sort of teaser that tells a little about two families in Scotland during the last Jacobite wars of the mid-1740s (when Scotland became a part of the UK), and an early 21st century Canadian woman whose Scottish grandmother's nightmares involve a woman who needs help, but she can never seem to help the dream-woman.

Katharine lives in Scotland in 1745. A musician, she has composed an original piece of music, but something is missing - the lyrics won't come to her.

In Ottawa Canada, 2003, Adeena Stewart is a teenage musician and very close to her Scottish grandmother, with whom she shares a unique bond.

I'm excited to read more of this series later this year.

[Mick Dubois · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first half of the 18th century, we meet lady Margaret and her family adamant supporters and followers of the Jacobite uprising in Scotland. Her niece has an unequalled musical talent as a composer and violin player.
In 2003 Adeena Stuart is also a great talent as a composer and as cello and keyboard player. Her grandmother keeps having dreams about a young pregnant girl in danger of rape (and more). Why this girl keeps returning in her dreams and what it means is a mystery but she's certain the girl must be related to them.
This is just the prequel to a series, but could have been the prologue as well; It made me curious about the actual main story, so it worked as a teaser, for there's no real story here, merely an acquaintance with the setting of the series. As I got this short story free, so no harm is done here. But it's not fit to be sold for cash as a true prequel. As an acquaintance with the world of this series it is a pleasant quick read.

[Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review
Story 4 stars
Narration 5 stars

This book is billed as a prequel, but the story just stops… I would call it more of a prologue, introducing a story. Just enough to give you a taste. The narration is nicely done and the recording includes lovely music. Song for a Lost Kingdom is about music as much as it is about history. My ear is ready for the audiobook of the whole story!

Thanks to the author for his audiobook giveaway. My review is my unbiased opinion.

[Rachael Lee Yuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did the audiobook. I would have given it 5 stars but for, my only upset is the narrator keep calling it a Volincello over 10 times not sure if the author wrote it like or she misread what he wrote. It called a Violoncello, with an O not I. Also you dont just rest a cello on the bed.
Other than that...

This is great audio production. Loving the music in the narration !

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading this origin story. It added so much to an already great series!

[Stanley McShane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could music be a generational tether for future generations? This Prequal poses that tantalizing question. The early 18th century is embroiled in conflict between England and Scotland. The Scots do not want to become part of the British Empire but some opportunists see it as a way to grab lands and property. Included in those is Katharine’s older brother who is made a member of Parliament and becomes the owner of the family castle and grounds called Kinnaird. He is also made a Captain in the British army and fights his own countrymen to cement his future.

Chased from her childhood home, her only thread is her music. Katharine is drawn by the notes and scores and feels safest when she is playing or composing. As she leaves her childhood behind, she is drawn deeper into the mystic of the music and its’ connection to the strife gripping her country.

Siding with her older brother slips her into complicity with England and abandons her own needs and desires. Still, she is more loyal to Scotland and loses herself in composing.

Three centuries later another a young lady named Margaret after her aunt is struggling with music and her future in composing. She too plays the cello and finds comfort in the chords and compositions. As she plays, she is in a world of her own.

The juxtaposition of the two celloists is the spice that pulls the story together. Remember this is a “Prequal” and is only an appetizer for the complete series. Yes, I admit to being hooked. I would like to read the whole story and see how the connection is completed between the two family members!

The musical thread premise is enticing in its’ simplicity. Without actually meeting and speaking with each other, can the two women cement a generational bond? 5 stars - CE Williams

See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** INTENSE Scotland 1707-1745- Canada 2003 ***
This prequel had my attention from page one. I felt seduced and was immersed in the lives of the characters in the past and of those in the present. I am completely and utterly enthralled by this story. As I read, I felt the rising tension of the men and women in Scotland 1707 fighting for a free Scotland against the English. I felt the unmistakable urgency the men had to go and fight. To leave behind those they loved and all they owned in the hope for freedom. 1745 there is a young woman who is a gifted musician. Katharine Carnegie played the violoncello. She composes her own music but currently was having trouble finding the words to go with it. 2003 Canada, a descendant of Katharine is also a gifted musician Adeena Stuart. She is into heavy metal, classical fusion. When she and her psychic grandmother go to get her tongue pierced something profound happens and Adeena's life will now intertwine with Katherine's life in the past. The tension in my body would not relent until I finished this book. Now I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. A must read. I highly recommend it.

[James Bowick · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing prologue to what looks like a fascinating series. In this novella, misnamed a prequel, Moretti introduces the main characters and the historical background for his ambitious Song for the Lost Kingdom series of novels. The intriguing premise, that two women can form a relationship across time by means of a song, is teasingly suggested as a connection begins to form between a teenager living in modern day Ottawa, Ontario, and a young woman living in 18th century Scotland. A Kingdom is Lost, a Song is Born conveys a strong awareness of Scottish history as well as a strong feeling for musicianship in a florid and enjoyable writing style.
The only fault I would have with this book is on the front cover. One looking for a complete story with a satisfactory conclusion, will not find it here. The book is more of an introduction to the series. Having said that, I am left wanting to read more. Moretti has laid out engaging characters in fascinating worlds, with an intriguing premise. I want to read more, and believe I will be glad I read this first.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel with historical events in 1700s and present day events in 2003 of a Scottish family and their descendants which are interwoven with so much potential and makes the reader want the next book NOW!!

The story interchanges between Katharine in 1700s and Adeena in 2003 who both play the cello - can’t wait to see how they will be connected…maybe time travel? And the disturbing flashes that Adeena sees, when she gets her tongue pierced, and her Grandma Margaret Rose’s nightmares may well be linked.

Really enjoyed learning more about Scotland’s history and it’s native tongue was excellent. You could feel the anguish of the characters in the 1700s and again in the present day - the first is known but the present day is flashes from the past that Grandma Margaret Rose and Adeena do not yet understand. However, the only gripe is that some of the language and a particular scene in 1700s mentioning an intimacy was not necessary…but maybe this will become clear as to why they are included once this reader devours the next book!

Highly recommended - please read!

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book after having read book number one in the Song for a Lost Kingdom series. I definitely appreciated my background knowledge of the characters and what would happen later, after the prequel to aid my understanding of the story. Without it, I think a reader picking this book up first would have a harder time comprehending what was going on with Grandma and Idena in the present.

I listened to both works and love how the cello composition piece, composed by Catherine, is present in the background and played. Definitely adds dimension and reality to the narrative!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice little novella written in two timelines. In the 18th Century, the Jacobite rebellion is in the beginning stages, and in 2003, teenage Adeena is making avant-guard music on her cello, Although the characters and story lines are interesting, I don't know if the prequel would be sufficient to make me want to read the series. I think maybe the prequel is best read after the first book, Music is Not Bound By Time.

[Donna Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tantalizing teaser of a mystery

This is definitely a prequel and not a standalone story. There are too many loose ends which need to be addressed: Margaret's dreams about her ancestor, the fate of Castle Kinnaird and its occupants and visitors, the meaning of the song played on the cello, and how Margaret's granddaughter fits into the story. I am looking forward to reading the next book and hoping to get some answers.

[Joanna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading book one of this series this prequal fills in the extra details linking Adeena's Grandmother into the bond between music and time. Adeena and Katharine, the talented ladies who supported a bloody historical time period, the only way they could, through music.
A stunning series where you get drawn in to the lives of the characters and are left wanting more.

I received a complimentary review copy and am giving my unbiased opinion of this book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the prequel, but I feel it left me hanging - it has me wanting more, so I'm going to get the next one. The male narrator is fantastic, loved the accent. The female narrator seemed awkward for me at first, but she grew on me quickly and I liked her reading as well.
The story switches periods, and does so fairly easily, between chapters. I am caught up in the story, so I must continue, to find out what happens. Good job Mr. Moretti, I'm hooked so far.

[Holly Lenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Song for a Lost Kingdom prequel is an interesting start to a book series, but it is just an appetizer- not enough to really get a clear opinion.

A lot of effort went into this audiobook. It has original music along with multiple narrators and sound effects.

I look forward to listening to the other books in this series.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this was a nice quick glimpse of the characters from book one of the series, I felt it didn't add anything to the series. The 4 chapters were read quickly, so that was good. I don't feel this has to be read in order to enjoy the other books.