The Last Kingdom

The novel "The Last Kingdom" is a Cotton Malone adventure in which the discovery of a lost historical document challenges the global might of the United States. King Ludwig II of Bavaria was an enigmatic figure who was deposed in 1886 and searched for a new kingdom. Cotton Malone and his protégé, Luke Daniels, infiltrate a renegade group intent on winning Bavarian independence from Germany. They race across Bavaria for clues hidden in Ludwig's three fairytale castles, battling deadly adversaries to find the last kingdom.

Format: Hardback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 21 February 2023
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

From the acclaimed pen of New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry, comes the latest thrilling installment in the Cotton Malone series, where the discovery of a lost historical document threatens the immense power of the United States on a global scale.

King Ludwig II of Bavaria, a mysterious figure who was deposed in 1886 and tragically drowned three days later, was an enigmatic character known for his eccentricity and quest for a new kingdom. Prior to his demise, Ludwig embarked on a worldwide search for a separate and independent realm, separate from Bavaria. He sought a place where he could retreat and rule as he desired, free from the constraints of traditional governance.

However, a lingering question remains: Did Ludwig succeed in his quest?

Enter Cotton Malone, a seasoned investigator and Malone's protégé, Luke Daniels, has managed to infiltrate a renegade group dedicated to achieving Bavarian independence from Germany. Daniels has also gained the trust of the prince of Bavaria, a frustrated second son who desires to overthrow his brother, the Duke, and restore the Wittelsbach monarchy. The key to their mission lies in a 19th-century deed that confirms Ludwig's long-rumored search bore fruit. This deed grants legal title to lands that are now coveted by Germany, China, and the United States for vastly different reasons.

In a race against time across Bavaria, Malone and Daniels navigate through a growing list of deadly adversaries, all determined to uncover the last kingdom hidden within Ludwig's three fairytale castles: Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, and Herrenchiemsee. As they delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding these castles, they face treacherous challenges and face imminent danger, as their adversaries become increasingly ruthless in their pursuit of the coveted lands.

With the stakes higher than ever before, Cotton Malone and Luke Daniels must use all their skills and resources to unravel the secrets of the past and prevent a global conflict from erupting. The fate of the world hangs in the balance, and only their unwavering determination and courage can save the day.

Weight: 706g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399706360