The Lost Prince by Ethan Bale is historical fiction set in a time and country I haven’t come across before- medieval Hungary.
I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.
I didn’t realise there was a book ahead of this one featuring two of the main characters and this reading this may have made a difference to my enjoyment. I struggled with this book a bit and can’t explain. The things I usually like in a book are present- a strong mysterious woman with an ulterior motive, a group of people with unusual backgrounds who are on a quest to find Vlad Dracula and lush world building. The pace was a little too languid for me and I really couldn’t really get behind the characters or their motivations which might because I haven’t read the first book
We get to see a different version of Vlad Dracula, perhaps, the more realistic version than ones we normally read.
While this wasn’t a book for me , I’m sure many others will enjoy reading a book set in a unique setting and reading about Vlad Dracula

1480’s medieval adventure. Hungary and Vlad the Impaler!

I loved, loved, ‘Hawker and the King’s Jewels’ but ‘The Lost Prince’ not as much. All that dark and gloomy night stuff should have been entrancing but didn’t quite take flight. Still there’s intrigue, mystery, traitors and battles enough to keep me involved.
I must admit to being somewhat hazy on the history of this part of the world, although Dracula of course raised interest. Now the people of Wallachia, the Otterman Empire and the search for Dracula coalesced into a ferment of fascination for me. Hawker is persuaded to take his company and find out the whereabouts of the father of Hungarian noblewoman Maria Hunyadi, Prince Vlad Dracula. Hawker owes Maria and she’s called in the debt. What game is Maria playing?
And let’s not forget that the illegitimate Plantagenet Prince, Giles Ellingham, rides with Hawker.

A Canelo ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

The blurb was exciting but i wasn't a fan of the story as there's a lot of fighting but not much action.
Not my cup of tea
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

First time reading this author. If you like vampire books you will like this book. Good book read at night.and I will think about buying this book when come down on price in store or online.

DNF.

I love historical fiction and I like this time period - I'm a historian and early modern Europe is my area of specialization. This was not bad, but just not for me. Too many men, maybe. It seemed like a series of fights and skirmishes interspersed with a wee bit of plot. The writing and detail were good. Just not for me.

Although legend claims in a mist shrouded forest just outside Bucharest Vlad Dracula met his end in an armed attack by his Wallachian enemies but what if he didn't?What a great premise for a book,right?Well,yes and no.While this seemed to be keeping with some of the history of Vlad's story including his personality I just wasn't a fan of the characters.Most seemed one or two dimensional and I felt cheated when Vlad finally did make an appearance.I mean I definitely got what the author was aiming for but I still felt let down.The writing was also a bit dry but it was enjoyable so I'm willing to go for a sequel when and if one does appear.

Much thanks to Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review

An interesting look at the world of the real Vlad Dracula, the lands of Wallachia , and the chaos created by people fighting for their freedom against the Ottomans.

I have not read much historical fiction set in the fifteenth Century before, but this was a fairly good read, with well drawn characters. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.