Kingdom of Paradise: The Hawk's Shadow

By John Hurt

Embark on an unforgettable journey through 18th-century Europe with The Kingdom of Paradise: The Hawk's Shadow (Part III), a gripping historical fiction novel that brings to life not only the tumultuous era of the War of the Austrian Succession.

Based on a true story in late 1744, Christian Gottlieb Priber, a man presumed dead, sails from Georgia to London, then treks to Zittau, Saxony, seeking his family. His lean frame, Cherokee face tattoo, and radical demeanor shock his wife Christiana and their sons, who shun him as a stranger. A tavern brawl, where he fells three hoodlums, earns him a gig in illegal street fights, but his utopian preaching draws imperial agents. Arrested and hauled to Munich, Priber meets Emperor Charles VII in January 1745, winning his trust with Cherokee remedies and bold ideas. Charles's death on January 20, 1745, triggers chaos, and Francis I, the new emperor, imprisons Priber in a brutal dungeon. Escaping in 1746, Priber returns to Zittau, only to face final rejection from his family. His writings-manifestos, poems, letters-spark hope and strife, ending with Priber vanishing, his dream enduring in whispers.

Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic, London, Zittau, Munich, and Frankfurt, this novel immerses readers in a world of political intrigue, family drama, and unyielding idealism. Priber's Cherokee face tattoo and utopian dreams set him apart, while his interactions with historical figures like Charles VII and Francis I add depth and authenticity. The raw, melancholic tone is balanced by humor in Priber's defiance, creating a rich, emotional experience.

Join Priber on his quest to build a kingdom of paradise, and discover how one man's dream can echo through the ages. Perfect for fans of historical fiction, adventure, and stories of unyielding idealism, this book is part of the acclaimed The Kingdom of Paradise saga, making it ideal for series fans and newcomers alike.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0F5HGGNZJ
• ISBN13: 9798280200708
• Release Date: April 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 206 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"