Kings in Adversity

"Kings in Adversity" by Edward S. (Edward Sims) Van Zile, is a late 19th-century novel brimming with political games where Crown Prince Carlo of Rexania journeys secretly to America, fearing his kingdom's downfall. The book looks at themes of allegiance, uprising, and who we are, tangling together the lives of people connected to both supporting and trying to bring down the royal family. The story starts with unhappy Rexanian people in New York planning against the prince's arrival. Their talk shows a secret plan related to the prince's trip because they think he shouldn't go back home if they want their revolution to succeed. Simultaneously, we are introduced to Prince Carlo, pretending to be Count Szalaki, struggling with who he is and what's expected of him as royalty, while meeting an American family, the Strongs. As the story goes on, Carlo deals with how complicated his position is and the possible chaos in his country, preparing us for a thrilling story about love, responsibility, and fighting back.