Kadonnut prinssi : Historiallinen seikkailuromaani by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Edgar Rice Burroughs is famous for creating Tarzan and John Carter, but 'Kadonnut prinssi' (The Lost Prince) shows he could master historical adventure just as easily. Set against the turbulent backdrop of 13th-century England, it's a story built on a classic 'what if' scenario that Burroughs runs with full speed.
The Story
The heart of the tale is Norman of Torn, a knight so skilled and ruthless in battle that he becomes a legend—and a terror—across the land. Leading a private army, he operates outside the law, clashing with nobles and royalty alike. But Norman is a puzzle. He wears a mask, both literal and figurative. He doesn't know his own origin, raised by a mysterious old man who filled his head with a hatred for the English aristocracy. As Norman's path violently crosses with that of Prince Edward, King Henry III's son, and the beautiful Lady Bertrade, the cracks in his identity begin to show. The story becomes a race against his own destiny, as long-buried secrets about his birth threaten to surface and rewrite history.
Why You Should Read It
Look, this isn't a dry history lesson. Burroughs writes with pure, propulsive energy. The appeal is in the dual-layered hero. On the surface, Norman is an unstoppable force of nature, a medieval action hero. But underneath, he's driven by a deep, confused ache to understand himself. You're constantly pulled along by two questions: 'How will he win this fight?' and 'Who is he, really?' Burroughs balances epic siege warfare with intimate moments of doubt and burgeoning romance, making the stakes feel personal. It’s a story about the masks we wear and the past that shapes us, wrapped in a cloak of chivalry and steel.
Final Verdict
This book is a perfect match for anyone who misses the thrill of classic adventure novels. If you enjoy the derring-do of Alexandre Dumas, the relentless pace of early 20th-century pulp, or even the hidden-identity tropes in modern fantasy, you'll find a lot to love here. It's also a great pick for historical fiction readers who don't mind a author taking some creative liberties for the sake of a fantastic story. 'Kadonnut prinssi' is a reminder that before complex grimdark worlds, there was a simple, powerful joy in a lone knight, a shining sword, and a secret that could topple a throne. Dive in for a straightforward, satisfying escape.
Jennifer Brown
1 year agoLoved it.