When Maps Lead To Peril Instead of Adventure…

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: It isn’t just an entailment and lack of heir that makes Mr. Bennet reclusive and negligent, it is the mistake he made in his past and the crushing consequences it brought to his door. When Elizabeth catches wind of the situation she tries to urge her father into action before tenants and the estate suffer. But what happens when Elizabeth and her rescuer find themselves in a situation made more dangerous by Mr. Bennet’s indifference and neglect…

WHAT I LOVED:

• New Villain, New Conflict: Trouble comes from a new and interesting avenue in this story. It was a refreshing change from Wickham, Mr. Collins, and Lady C being the primary antagonist. The challenges this character brought forth directly effect the Bennets and only indirectly impact Mr. Darcy…at first. I appreciated the inventiveness of this new conflict and its interesting ties and links to other characters.

• History: This story begins with a first encounter for Darcy and Elizabeth that took place fourteen years before the events of the Pride and Prejudice timeline. It was such an adorable moment and I love how it reveals the essential traits of these characters as children – Elizabeth with her spirited adventurousness and Mr. Darcy with his selfless intervention and responsibility. I love how this scene was remembered later and helped reframe Elizabeth’s thoughts about Mr. Darcy. In addition, I appreciated how this introduced the internal challenges Mr. Darcy faces and his own history with tragic experiences.

• The River Lea: Water plays an interesting role in this story – and this river in particular. It is where the opening scene takes place and it is where the climatic action begins. Moreover, in a way, it is symbolic of Mr. Bennet’s neglect, Elizabeth’s childhood desires, and Mr. Darcy’s fears. I’m impressed with how Ms. King creatively utilized this body of water in such an instrumental and unique way. It is an important reminder of what force and impact nature can have on peoples’ lives.

• The Children: I absolutely adored this storyline! These two orphaned siblings have a knack for getting into prickly situations and it seems like Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are always around just in time to save them! Their history is sad, but their childish antics are endearing. Readers will easily understand how Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy grow to care so much for these two children. The scenes and interactions between this group of characters share together are so heartwarming and sincere. I loved it!

• Time Together: Unpredictable and perilous circumstances bring Darcy and Elizabeth to be isolated alone together. And as always, this type of situation is formative of them growing to fully understand one another. I loved witnessing all of their emotions, thoughts, and reactions towards each other. But even before this prolonged experience alone together, there were other conversations and scenes that where readers can observe some admiration and esteem begin to develop and they were all quite lovely.

WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER:

• Some Parts Uneven: I felt this with some of the pacing – some of the action sequences started to slow down a bit and then the conclusion picked up abruptly. I wouldn’t have minded more time spent with the conclusion, and maybe more time spent joining the two halves of the story together – Mr. Bennet’s conflict and the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

🗺️  Maps can be prized possessions for both adventurers and collectors alike.

😧  Greed, negligence, apathy, detachment, selfishness – parental flaws come in all different varieties in this tale!

💕  Readers who love Darcy and Elizabeth facing peril together and interacting with children can experience their two delights united in this enthralling and endearing variation.

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