Friday, 27 February 2026

The Kidnapped Prince - Roger B. Thomas - The Chronicles of Caol, Book 1

The Kidnapped Prince
The Chronicles of Caol Book 1
Roger Thomas

Ignatius Press
ISBN ‎9781621647621 

The Kidnapped Prince - Roger B. Thomas - The Chronicles of Caol, Book 1

A few years ago I read everything that Roger had in print. So when I found out about this new title I was instantly interested. When the book released I kept checking with the publisher about a digital edition. I have a dual form of dyslexia and my son has eye tracking issues. So I know several people who would pick up a digital edition who will just pass until then. That being said it is an amazing story and excellent beginning to a series. I just checked and 8 of Roger’s other 9 volumes received 5/5 stars, and this one is good enough that if I could give it 6 I would. I absolutely loved this story, the world Roger has created and can see so many possibilities for others stores set in the land of Caol. The description of the book is:

“Two pardoned death-row prisoners unite to search for the missing prince whose birth had earned their freedom. In the face of danger and intrigue, will they be able to rescue the prince and prove they did not kidnap him themselves? Filled with action and adventure, this novel is set in a fanciful place and time with knights and castles, rogues and royalty.”

The back of the book has a paragraph before this that states:

“Rogan owed his life to the Little prince. That baby and his mother were the only reason he hadn’t died on the gallows five years ago. Everything he’d done since he was given his liberty – every morning he’d awakened, every breath he’s taken – was a debt. And now it was time to repay it. The weight of this burden nearly took his breath away, and he knew he had to do something for the missing prince.”

About the author we are informed:

“Roger Thomas, a lifelong Michigan resident, has been married to his wife Ellen since 1981. They have six grown children and eight grandchildren. He is a self-employed computer consultant. He loves reading, and his favorite authors include C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Rudyard Kipling, and P.G. Wodehouse. He has had two collections of short stories published by Ignatius Press, and is working on his second novel.”

The chapters in the volume are:

Freedom
Debt
The Forest
Rescue
Valley Roads
Sight of Home
The Order of St. Michael

This story is written like an epic adventure. It begins with an unexpected turn of events. With Rogan taking this second chance and making the most he can of it. Being appreciative of every day, every moment.  And when a chance comes to try and repay an unpayable debt the decision to action no matter the cost. Rogan and Gareth both owe the prince and the Queen all they have. And both step up in a big way when the time calls for it. Relying on their skills and talents and help from friends and family the two set off on a mission and one of great importance to the Kingdom of Caol and to both the men personally.

This story is so good I was recommending it before I even finished it. I plan to gift copies to my nephews and a close family friend. This is one of those books I know I will be talking about, recommending, and giving away for a long time to come.

The story is marketed as being for ages 9-12, but I can easily see teens and young adults loving the story as well. I am in my 50’s and thought it a most excellent story. This is one of those books that a reader could return to time and time again. It has adventure and excitement like the Narnia books, and it had intrigue and mystery like the Lord of the Rings. One of the best fiction novels I have read in years and I average well over 200 books a year. It is an excellent read! One I can easily recommend.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Roger Thomas:
The Accidental Marriage
From Afar
The Last Ugly Person: And Other Stories

The Ghosts of Midgard Manor And Other Stories
The Crown Jewels of Undlar

Watchful Sky Series:
Under the Watchful Sky
Rising Darkness
The Wounded Land
The Tattered Web


The Chronicles of Caol:
Book 2
Book 3

Author profile and interview with Roger Thomas.

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