Alec Thrace and the Lost Medallion – Book Review

Is Atlantis: The Hidden Kingdom Series Here to Stay?

Oct 12, 2009 Nikola Stepic

Although an ambitious novel, the story of Alec Thrace never quite grows on the reader.

Alec Thrace and the Lost Medallion is the first book in the Atlantis: The Hidden Kingdom series by author M.D. Griffith. It is a fantasy novel that centers on the enigma that is Atlantis, the mythical island. It also tends to delve into historical fiction from time to time, thus hoping to spice up the plot of this ambitious novel.

Who Is Alec Thrace?

The titular character is also the novel’s protagonist. Nineteen years old, he is a resident of Atlantis. Atlantis is a prosperous, beautiful island tucked away in the furthest corner of the known world. It is not long before Alec learns of a mysterious golden medallion, as well as the prophecy that goes with it, which just so happens to involve him as well. In order to find the answer to this secretive gadget, he goes on an epic journey across the world – and of course, from one adventure to another.

M.D. Griffith’s novel, no matter how imaginative it is from time to time, can easily be compared to other fantastical novels of our time. The main character is everything you should expect from a protagonist, and sometimes too much of an adventurer. What this novel, as well as many other fantastical ones needs, is some grounding. Everything in Alec Thrace and the Lost Medallion is too magical, too fantastical. And although the basic ideas of bravery and loyalty are present, one cannot be sure if the novel successfully introduces a new idea or two to the genre.

The Pros and Cons of Alec Thrace

Of course, every writer excels in something, and in Griffith’s case, it is the descriptions. Obviously enjoying writing descriptive pieces, his portraits of Atlantis, Babylon and other places the book takes us are detailed and beautiful. They also provide welcome diversions – breaks from remembering who the numerous characters are and what they are up to.

There is a strange friction between the novel’s setting and the dialogue of the characters. In the narrative, the author insists on archaic language and long, drawn out sentences. However, there are odd bursts of Americanisms in the character’s dialogues from time to time (“Oh, my aching bum!”, Alec exclaims at one point). The conflict between the setting (both relating to space and time) and the style of writing is also evident in somewhat modern names the author sprinkles throughout.

The Story Continues...

Despite all this, the book is not a fast read. The descriptions, the many details the author offers, all contribute to this book being read for some time. It requires patience and focus. However flawed, fantasy-lovers will surely find many things to like about Alec Thrace and the Lost Medallion, as well as anticipate the next book in the series.

  • Publisher: Small Dogma Publishing
  • ISBN-10: 098179422X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0981794228

The copyright of the article Alec Thrace and the Lost Medallion – Book Review in Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction is owned by Nikola Stepic. Permission to republish Alec Thrace and the Lost Medallion – Book Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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