El Secreto del Reino Perdido / The Secret of the Lost Kingdom

by Michael Bolton

Prince Marlon, the heir to the throne of Mentoria, decides sadly that he must leave his kingdom. He is disgusted by the terrible waste and senselessness of the battle he has just fought, and wonders if his father has become as greedy and heartless as the king's closest advisor, the devious high priest Mordal. Dressed as a commoner, with few possessions, Marlon travels the countryside in search of what is true and meaningful in life. He discovers happiness working the land with a generous farmer -- and with Nicole, the farmer's wise and beautiful daughter. But Marlon is soon faced with a difficult to continue his simple, blissful country life, or to assume his role as prince again, defend Mentoria from attacking armies, and save it from the corruption within.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

46 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1997

About the author

Michael Bolotin, known professionally as Michael Bolton, is an American singer and songwriter. Bolton originally performed in the hard rock and heavy metal genres from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, both on his early solo albums and those he recorded as the frontman of the band Blackjack. He is best known, however, for his series of soft rock ballads, recorded after a stylistic change in the late 1980s. He is noted for his distinctive tenor/countertenor voice and "strained" vocal style.

Bolton's achievements include selling eight top 10 albums, achieving two number one singles on the Billboard charts, and receiving awards from both the American Music Awards and Grammy Awards.

Reviews

[Chance Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Michael Bolton. Singer. Songwriter. Jack Sparrow impersonator. Children's book author. What can't this Renaissance Man do?

Well, he can't write kids' books, that's for damn sure. Bolton published this book in 1997, when his music career had dwindled to singing the theme song for Hercules, "Go the Distance." Bolton still had his trademark unruly hair, judging from the author photo, but his writing skills are hardly Herculean.

I felt like I had steel bars wrapped all around me as I waded through this derivative fairy tale. Perfect prince, check. Perfect maiden, check. Dying king, check. Devious grand vizier-type character, check. And it's all wrapped up in a weirdly convoluted framing story, in which two kids on a school field trip to The Lost Kingdom, whatever that is, get sidetracked and told a story by a weird old man.

I'm not sure how much time, love, and tenderness Bolton put into this story, but he left out the originality. And the illustrations aren't that good either. Plus, the blurb -- yes I even read the blurb -- is so strangely written. It mentions Michael Bolton by name three times, and calls him Mr. Bolton once, as if I would forget who the blurb was about by the time I reached the end. The final line is, "This is his first book for children." Whose first book?!

This is also his only book for children, and his Wikipedia page doesn't mention it. I should update that...

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I adore the pictures in this book. With it being medieval themed, this should've been right up my alley. However, the story is awful. It is a compilation of the most overdone fantasy plots. It makes me wonder how much involvement Michael Bolton had making this. I can't see anyone chomping at the bit to get this story written.

[Pamela Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are absolutely incredible, so detailed! The story is somewhat predictable but still a sweet sweet story for children.

[Sarah Limb · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so cheesy and unbelievable. I liked the illustrations but some parts were rushed while other parts were just silly.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got lost in this book. I felt like I was a kid again, reading my favourite fairy tales. This is not a feminist selection but it's great fun!

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story and illustrations!

[Katie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated fairy tale. I like how the prince grows as a character, he learns from the past, he has great courage, wisdom, and compassion for others. I also like how Nicole is content and willing to make the best of what she currently has rather than waste time wishing for what she doesn't have.

[Lisa Rathbun · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was originally attracted to the illustrations, but I found the book to be not particularly compelling at all. Also the illustrations that I first liked have weird inconsistencies in them: two cats in one picture look starved instead of cuddly and two men after a battle look as pristine as if they've been posed.

[TJ Lawrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick read, wish there was more too. It felt a bit rushed but besides that the story is nice, the illustrations are beautiful and it tells a hood story from a lyrical genius.