At the end of the `Prisoner of Zenda', all was well in Ruritania. Black Michael was defeated and King Rudolph was restored to the throne and wedded to Princess Flavia. But Michael's co conspirator, the dashing Rupert of Hentzau had escaped, and what of the love Rudolph Rassendyll bore the Princess?
This book picks up the story some years later. The King is now a paranoid wreck, and Rupert is endlessly scheming to get his revenge. The theft of a letter between the Princess and and Rassendyll gives him the opening he needs, and once again Rassendyll must act to save the throne of Ruritania, and, more importantly, the woman he loves.
Re uniting the team of the loyal young Fritz von Tarlenheim, the stout and cunning Colonel Sapt and the resourceful Rudolph Rassendyll, pitted against the daring Rupert, this is another classic read. Full of romance, chases, fights, desperate missions against impossible odds and daring escapes, it's a nonstop action thriller. Hope once again writes with a clear narrative style that makes the characters live, and not mere plot devices. The action sequences are compellingly and clearly written, and leave one quite breathless with excitement.
As with `Prisoner of Zenda', this is a thoroughly gripping read, which will help get young readers interested in books, and appeal to older readers looking for a decent bit of escapism. A true original, I can't recommend this (and `Prisoner') highly enough.