The Lost Kingdom by Nicholas and Alison Lochel
Zarkora bk 2. Hachette, 2015. ISBN 9780734416445
(Age: 10+) The Lost Kingdom follows the Fyrelit Tragedy
and is the second in the four-book Zarkora series. The main
characters, Neleik and Ervine continue their quest to rescue their
sister, Skye. Accompanied by Princess Kyia and Uncle T'shink they
commence the final leg of their journey to the kingdom of Lo'rin to
outwit the evil Versalos.
This book begins slowly as the reader is reminded of the events of
the first book in detail. The story as it unfolds is described
elaborately. The twists and turns see the group encountering old
foes and being rescued by unexpected champions. The Fyrelit family
holds a dark secret, and this becomes clear to Neleik and Ervine as
their lives are held in the balance in Lo'rin in a battle of good
against evil. The epilogue sets the scene for the third book The
Mark of the Jackal revealing Versalos as a pawn of a much greater
enemy.
For Middle Primary readers who can't resist a book that begins with
a map, this is an exciting read with lots of adventure to keep the
reader involved. For adult readers the romance between Neleik and
princess Kyia may seem overly intense given her age of thirteen.
Linda Guthrie