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The Missing Prince
A Regency Pride and Prejudice variation with magic from the author of Colonel Darcy and Mr. Collins’s The ruler of the Darcys disappeared years ago… An inexplicable bond had always existed between Elizabeth and a man suffering a terrible imprisonment. She begged her father to help her rescue this man, but instead Mr. Bennet brought her to a physician. Gentry could do many things with their magic, but such a tie between two distant people was an impossible myth. The eminent doctor said Elizabeth had delusions brought about by a surfeit of potentia, and he bled her of magic for a year to cure the illness. But the man Elizabeth dreamed of was real. She knew it, and she had to rescue him, even if she had to do it alone. Their bond led her to his hidden prison. He only remembered that his name was William, and that he had always known she would rescue him one day. But he still needed her to care for him until he recovered and discovered his past. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s deadly enemy hunts him once more
380 pages, Paperback
Published January 29, 2018
123 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 16, 2018
This is a cracking good magical, adventurous, romantic mystery. Aside from passages repeating character thoughts and observations beyond what is necessary that get annoying and bog down the pace, I really enjoyed it.
As other reviewers state, it's way off-canon for a Pride and Prejudice variation. However, an undeniable parallel turns up at a very significant point where Prince Darcy DOES state Elizabeth Bennet is only tolerable and not handsome enough to tempt him. In the context here, the circumstances are heartbreaking.
Prince Darcy has all the pride and prejudice of Jane Austen's original character--and maybe even more. Interestingly, aside from a tantalizingly brief opening scene, we get to know the warmer end-of-P&P version of that character FIRST in this creative re-imagining. The amnesiatic prince, known to Elizabeth as William, quickly learns to be far more open-minded about women, gentlemen of lesser importance, and non-magical commoners than he is as an arrogant, class-conscious prince.
Unsurprisingly, Wickham is the villain who participates in imprisoning and draining power from Darcy, which also results in Darcy's memories of who he is being deeply submerged. His betrayal and capture are described in the very first scene. But we are left in the dark regarding a significant detail: Who is Wickham's co-conspirator? This is the mystery that spans the entire book.
The plot includes explanations of the various aspects of "portentia," or magic. The psychic connection between Darcy and Elizabeth (each of whom is unaware of the other's identity) is an anomaly in this particular universe. Neither of them understand it, but both feel the undeniable strength of their bond.
Unfortunately, it is not a connection that can be understood by anyone else; Elizabeth cannot convince Mr. Bennet that her pleadings about an unknown man tortured and needing rescue are not hallucinations. Instead, she must endure her own torture at the hands of doctors her father seeks out to "cure" her. Mr. Bennet is sympathetically painted as loving Elizabeth deeply, but he does what he thinks is best for her based on the science of portentia proven in his books. He distrusts the great families and prefers to remain far from their sphere of interest. His ingrained indolence is another factor in his decision-making.
The Gardiners have an important role in the plot. They are tradespeople, or commoners, from the perspective of the gentrified Darcys and Bennets. No portentia. But they're not as sympathetic to Elizabeth as one might expect. Mr. Gardiner is the more understanding of the two, since his father's first wife had been a gentlewoman. He grew up with his older half-sister (now Mrs. Bennet), who has portentia even though he does not. Meanwhile, Mrs. Gardiner completely disapproves of Lizzy's involvement in William's troubles.
Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley are already married, but Darcy and Bingley don't know each other. As usual, Mrs. Bennet's misguided efforts to get Elizabeth married have the opposite effect. Colonel Fitzwilliam is a harder-edged character than usual, having sustained magical injuries in the war against Napoleon. Georgiana, who has not seen her brother over the six years of his imprisonment, is led to believe he's an imposter. As usual, Lydia Bennet is presented as a silly, foolish girl, but she has an experience that proves transformative.
It's a fascinating story when the author is driving the plot onward. As I mentioned earlier, some ideas are described more often than necessary. I do enjoy Mr. Underwood's unusual writing style overall, and especially the dialogue...as long as he keeps pushing forward instead of belaboring a point that's already effectively made.
I also have to point out that all the neighbors around Meryton can clearly see how much time Elizabeth and Darcy spend together in public. It's way beyond what would be considered proper without a betrothal, but no one comments or even seems to notice. Despite not being relevant to the rest of this particular story, I felt like it should have been addressed somehow.
This is a thrilling, unpredictable adventure that makes the sizzling romance between Darcy and Elizabeth integral to the plot. Probably not for P&P purists because it IS very far afield of the original plot, but I found enough similarities to keep me content. Content is steamy but clean.
As other reviewers state, it's way off-canon for a Pride and Prejudice variation. However, an undeniable parallel turns up at a very significant point where Prince Darcy DOES state Elizabeth Bennet is only tolerable and not handsome enough to tempt him. In the context here, the circumstances are heartbreaking.
Prince Darcy has all the pride and prejudice of Jane Austen's original character--and maybe even more. Interestingly, aside from a tantalizingly brief opening scene, we get to know the warmer end-of-P&P version of that character FIRST in this creative re-imagining. The amnesiatic prince, known to Elizabeth as William, quickly learns to be far more open-minded about women, gentlemen of lesser importance, and non-magical commoners than he is as an arrogant, class-conscious prince.
Unsurprisingly, Wickham is the villain who participates in imprisoning and draining power from Darcy, which also results in Darcy's memories of who he is being deeply submerged. His betrayal and capture are described in the very first scene. But we are left in the dark regarding a significant detail: Who is Wickham's co-conspirator? This is the mystery that spans the entire book.
The plot includes explanations of the various aspects of "portentia," or magic. The psychic connection between Darcy and Elizabeth (each of whom is unaware of the other's identity) is an anomaly in this particular universe. Neither of them understand it, but both feel the undeniable strength of their bond.
Unfortunately, it is not a connection that can be understood by anyone else; Elizabeth cannot convince Mr. Bennet that her pleadings about an unknown man tortured and needing rescue are not hallucinations. Instead, she must endure her own torture at the hands of doctors her father seeks out to "cure" her. Mr. Bennet is sympathetically painted as loving Elizabeth deeply, but he does what he thinks is best for her based on the science of portentia proven in his books. He distrusts the great families and prefers to remain far from their sphere of interest. His ingrained indolence is another factor in his decision-making.
The Gardiners have an important role in the plot. They are tradespeople, or commoners, from the perspective of the gentrified Darcys and Bennets. No portentia. But they're not as sympathetic to Elizabeth as one might expect. Mr. Gardiner is the more understanding of the two, since his father's first wife had been a gentlewoman. He grew up with his older half-sister (now Mrs. Bennet), who has portentia even though he does not. Meanwhile, Mrs. Gardiner completely disapproves of Lizzy's involvement in William's troubles.
Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley are already married, but Darcy and Bingley don't know each other. As usual, Mrs. Bennet's misguided efforts to get Elizabeth married have the opposite effect. Colonel Fitzwilliam is a harder-edged character than usual, having sustained magical injuries in the war against Napoleon. Georgiana, who has not seen her brother over the six years of his imprisonment, is led to believe he's an imposter. As usual, Lydia Bennet is presented as a silly, foolish girl, but she has an experience that proves transformative.
It's a fascinating story when the author is driving the plot onward. As I mentioned earlier, some ideas are described more often than necessary. I do enjoy Mr. Underwood's unusual writing style overall, and especially the dialogue...as long as he keeps pushing forward instead of belaboring a point that's already effectively made.
I also have to point out that all the neighbors around Meryton can clearly see how much time Elizabeth and Darcy spend together in public. It's way beyond what would be considered proper without a betrothal, but no one comments or even seems to notice. Despite not being relevant to the rest of this particular story, I felt like it should have been addressed somehow.
This is a thrilling, unpredictable adventure that makes the sizzling romance between Darcy and Elizabeth integral to the plot. Probably not for P&P purists because it IS very far afield of the original plot, but I found enough similarities to keep me content. Content is steamy but clean.
February 22, 2018
The greatest mistake in the treatment of diseases is that there are physicians for the body and physicians for the soul, although the two cannot be separated. ~ Plato
Compelling Story.
Magical Story.
Unbelievable Story.
Chilling Story.
But not a Pride and Prejudice story.
No Meryton Assembly.
No Netherfield Ball.
No Disastrous Hunsford Proposal.
No Prejudice.
And just a few chapters of excessive Pride.
A doctor who cannot take a good history and a patient who cannot give one are in danger of giving and receiving bad treatment. ~ Author unknown
Bad doctors are to blame for the entire fiasco.
Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy have always felt a “magical” connection with another person. Magical is in quotes because in this world magic is a vulgar term – those with the gift of magic refer to it as “potentia” and potentia rules their world.
Darcy is betrayed and imprisoned. Fifteen-year-old Elizabeth feels his pain and begs her father to travel north with her to aid the prisoner. Instead, Mr. Bennet takes Elizabeth to London to consult a doctor who insists Elizabeth must be bled of her potentia and kept confined until she recovers from her infatuation. All doctors know a connection such as she describes cannot exist and therefore is in the girl’s imagination.
How can Elizabeth come to the aid of the prisoner when she has been confined at Longbourn for six years?
How can Darcy be restored to his former position of power when his potentia has been drained during his imprisonment?
What medical advice will remove Darcy from his deep connection and love for Elizabeth?
I very much enjoyed this story but it would have been just as good if the characters were named Fred and Ethel. Read this as a magical adventure but not JAFF.
It is a mathematical fact that fifty percent of all doctors graduate in the bottom half of their class. ~ Author Unknown
Compelling Story.
Magical Story.
Unbelievable Story.
Chilling Story.
But not a Pride and Prejudice story.
No Meryton Assembly.
No Netherfield Ball.
No Disastrous Hunsford Proposal.
No Prejudice.
And just a few chapters of excessive Pride.
A doctor who cannot take a good history and a patient who cannot give one are in danger of giving and receiving bad treatment. ~ Author unknown
Bad doctors are to blame for the entire fiasco.
Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy have always felt a “magical” connection with another person. Magical is in quotes because in this world magic is a vulgar term – those with the gift of magic refer to it as “potentia” and potentia rules their world.
Darcy is betrayed and imprisoned. Fifteen-year-old Elizabeth feels his pain and begs her father to travel north with her to aid the prisoner. Instead, Mr. Bennet takes Elizabeth to London to consult a doctor who insists Elizabeth must be bled of her potentia and kept confined until she recovers from her infatuation. All doctors know a connection such as she describes cannot exist and therefore is in the girl’s imagination.
How can Elizabeth come to the aid of the prisoner when she has been confined at Longbourn for six years?
How can Darcy be restored to his former position of power when his potentia has been drained during his imprisonment?
What medical advice will remove Darcy from his deep connection and love for Elizabeth?
I very much enjoyed this story but it would have been just as good if the characters were named Fred and Ethel. Read this as a magical adventure but not JAFF.
It is a mathematical fact that fifty percent of all doctors graduate in the bottom half of their class. ~ Author Unknown
September 7, 2021
This is a gripping story. Two points where i could not put it down. The middle got a little long. But I love it. The suspense and story line was so unique. I think this may be one of the best supernatural stories of this genre of JAFF i've read. I agree it's not much related to P&P, but i did think the charcters were similar. I still want to hurt Mr. Bennett. I did not like him at all. Overall, grippng suspense and romance. A fantastic ride. If you love adventure, supernatural and JAFF you will like this. But don't expect it to be anything like a typical variation. The entire plot is extroardinary.
August 31, 2018
The title does say "An Elizabeth and Darcy Story"; so be forewarned. This is not a P&P variation. It is a long story dealing with potentia/magic. "Only children with mothers who were gentlewoman can inherit" powers and even the homes which belong to them can be commanded to certain acts, i.e., keep an offspring from leaving the premises.
In this story Elizabeth's relationship with her father works against the strong link she has with someone...a male...anonymous...but she can sense when he is in danger and when he needs her help. Mr. Bennet is sure she is hallucinating and takes her to see a 'doctor' who specializes in knowing of this potentia and being able to manipulate and/or diagnose perhaps a wrong interpretation of its flow. In this case E. must be bled as her senses are not going to let up. She is only 15 so what can she know?
Years pass. Elizabeth has been living a lie but she knows that her father is just perceptive enough as to not acknowledge or act in regards to the continued pull she feels to help HIM. He thought her bled out of her hallucinations.
The story has two highpoints/climaxes in first telling us how William and Elizabeth finally meet and how he, an amnesiac, heals...all but his memories. Then we read as he seeks out that lost part and AGAIN it is the doctor who cuts the connection and that latest block of time is lost while earlier memories come back.
However in settling the score with an enemy assumptions are almost fatal as to just who the enemy comprises. When Elizabeth (and Mr. Bennet) show up at the palatial London house and Elizabeth is devastated when she is denied and even accused of trying to seduce Darcy.
This story was very interesting even as the middle part of Darcy's healing proceeded slowly - a reflection of the process during which his atrophied body must regain its powers and strength. Mr. Underwood's "voice" is different from most variations of Jane Austen's stories. At times it is just the order of words in the sentence and other times it is the vocabulary used. I am not criticizing but simply noting what I perceived.
I enjoyed this story. Many of the characters are the same although their part in the actions might be totally different from canon.
In this story Elizabeth's relationship with her father works against the strong link she has with someone...a male...anonymous...but she can sense when he is in danger and when he needs her help. Mr. Bennet is sure she is hallucinating and takes her to see a 'doctor' who specializes in knowing of this potentia and being able to manipulate and/or diagnose perhaps a wrong interpretation of its flow. In this case E. must be bled as her senses are not going to let up. She is only 15 so what can she know?
Years pass. Elizabeth has been living a lie but she knows that her father is just perceptive enough as to not acknowledge or act in regards to the continued pull she feels to help HIM. He thought her bled out of her hallucinations.
The story has two highpoints/climaxes in first telling us how William and Elizabeth finally meet and how he, an amnesiac, heals...all but his memories. Then we read as he seeks out that lost part and AGAIN it is the doctor who cuts the connection and that latest block of time is lost while earlier memories come back.
However in settling the score with an enemy assumptions are almost fatal as to just who the enemy comprises. When Elizabeth (and Mr. Bennet) show up at the palatial London house and Elizabeth is devastated when she is denied and even accused of trying to seduce Darcy.
This story was very interesting even as the middle part of Darcy's healing proceeded slowly - a reflection of the process during which his atrophied body must regain its powers and strength. Mr. Underwood's "voice" is different from most variations of Jane Austen's stories. At times it is just the order of words in the sentence and other times it is the vocabulary used. I am not criticizing but simply noting what I perceived.
I enjoyed this story. Many of the characters are the same although their part in the actions might be totally different from canon.
February 10, 2018
This story is Pride and Prejudice inspired with the concept that the upper class has magic. Elizabeth and Darcy each know that they are drawn to each other even though they have ever met. Darcy has to overcome his memories and his Pride to find his true love. This story is also mystery.
February 4, 2018
A gripping tale
Such a well written novel and just a lot of detail! I expect to read this over and over. Very different plot but, wow, what a complete winner.
Such a well written novel and just a lot of detail! I expect to read this over and over. Very different plot but, wow, what a complete winner.
February 5, 2018
A Magical Tale
This was a very different telling of Pride and Prejudice. Darcy and Elizabeth are connected by an unknown magic that Mr Bennet does not understand. This leads to Darcy being kept in captivity for 6 years by an unknown assailant. The story is unique and I have a feeling it will stay with me for a long time. If you are looking for a very different P&P read, don't miss this one, it is well worth reading.
This was a very different telling of Pride and Prejudice. Darcy and Elizabeth are connected by an unknown magic that Mr Bennet does not understand. This leads to Darcy being kept in captivity for 6 years by an unknown assailant. The story is unique and I have a feeling it will stay with me for a long time. If you are looking for a very different P&P read, don't miss this one, it is well worth reading.
February 22, 2018
4,5* rounded to 5*
While I'm not usually tempted by stories in a magical world, I was taken by this compelling plot.
The tale revolves mostly around Darcy, Elisabeth, Mr Bennet, doctors and the villains. It's not a Pride and Prejudice retelling but an entire different story with new characters and an equilibrium with the usual ones that are different or missing.
I appreciated the rhythm, which is sometimes slower but not annoying.
As it is set in a magical world, the rules of an everyday life are not the same. Therefore I find it relaxing to distance myself from our mad life.
While I'm not usually tempted by stories in a magical world, I was taken by this compelling plot.
The tale revolves mostly around Darcy, Elisabeth, Mr Bennet, doctors and the villains. It's not a Pride and Prejudice retelling but an entire different story with new characters and an equilibrium with the usual ones that are different or missing.
I appreciated the rhythm, which is sometimes slower but not annoying.
As it is set in a magical world, the rules of an everyday life are not the same. Therefore I find it relaxing to distance myself from our mad life.
February 1, 2019
Very very different P &P. It is way off from cannon. It’s a magical journey and Elizabeth and Darcy seem to be connected by there magical souls. The story starts out very dark and the journey is to find the light towards each other.
I enjoyed this story but I’m almost a little perplexed as to if it really is a P&P story. The characters are there but they are different.
I enjoyed this story but I’m almost a little perplexed as to if it really is a P&P story. The characters are there but they are different.
March 17, 2022
I have been wanting to read this book for a long time. I assumed this was a magical tale of the hero captured by an evil wizard and the heroine rescues him, they fall in love and HEA. But I was so wrong. Though this story is basically that it was so much more. It was thrilling, angsty, sweet and at the same time touching. Good writing! On a lighter note, I thought this author was a fan of doctors but this story suggests otherwise.
September 8, 2018
Interesting and engaging
I liked the magic elements of this story, and loved the ever present connection between them. A unique read that engages the imagination.
I liked the magic elements of this story, and loved the ever present connection between them. A unique read that engages the imagination.
April 19, 2019
Pride and Prejudice, Paranormal variation.
I thought that Elizabeth and Darcy, connected through the magical bindings of their souls, as thrilling as it was romantic...
Hooked from the first page, this book was not easy to put down.
Darcy was attacked and imprisoned, a spiritual connection to a girl he had never met in flesh, the only link to the outside world.
Elizabeth had the odds against her but she did not lack cleverness.
As there was two "crisis" in this book and the first came early. The middle felt a little soggy but as the undertow made me aware that another crisis was coming, I believe it was as much my own impatience as any real lagging.
Besides, the ending was utterly spellbounding.
Heartily recommend this book!
I thought that Elizabeth and Darcy, connected through the magical bindings of their souls, as thrilling as it was romantic...
Hooked from the first page, this book was not easy to put down.
Darcy was attacked and imprisoned, a spiritual connection to a girl he had never met in flesh, the only link to the outside world.
Elizabeth had the odds against her but she did not lack cleverness.
As there was two "crisis" in this book and the first came early. The middle felt a little soggy but as the undertow made me aware that another crisis was coming, I believe it was as much my own impatience as any real lagging.
Besides, the ending was utterly spellbounding.
Heartily recommend this book!
February 13, 2018
A different world
If you are new to P&P variations, you may not want to start with this book because the P&P story and characters are merely given a nod. But, if you are open-minded about entering a world where magic shapes society in a time when science and reason challenge faith and instinct with bold characters, powerful villains, breathtaking beauty and harsh elements— you will like this read.
I only took off a star because, for magical newbies like me, I would have liked even more description about potentia in other venues of life because I still had so many questions. But, I caught on well enough as I devoured the story.
If you are new to P&P variations, you may not want to start with this book because the P&P story and characters are merely given a nod. But, if you are open-minded about entering a world where magic shapes society in a time when science and reason challenge faith and instinct with bold characters, powerful villains, breathtaking beauty and harsh elements— you will like this read.
I only took off a star because, for magical newbies like me, I would have liked even more description about potentia in other venues of life because I still had so many questions. But, I caught on well enough as I devoured the story.
February 7, 2018
Interesting
I love variations where most of the angst comes from outside sources, instead of conflicts between Darcy and Elizabeth. While there is some conflict between the two main characters, most of the angst comes from other places. That the majority of the book focused on establishing their connection is a breath of fresh air.
I love variations where most of the angst comes from outside sources, instead of conflicts between Darcy and Elizabeth. While there is some conflict between the two main characters, most of the angst comes from other places. That the majority of the book focused on establishing their connection is a breath of fresh air.
February 21, 2018
Unreadable
It is rare that I give up on a book, but I find thid one to not be worth my time. Frantic. Too few sentences. Choppy. Annoying! And what is it about? To choppy to tell. Why use P&P for your fantasy setting? Seemed to want to tread into adult areas I did not wish to follow.
It is rare that I give up on a book, but I find thid one to not be worth my time. Frantic. Too few sentences. Choppy. Annoying! And what is it about? To choppy to tell. Why use P&P for your fantasy setting? Seemed to want to tread into adult areas I did not wish to follow.
March 5, 2018
Another good book by the author
Another good book by Tim Underwood, the plot is really unique like all his other books. On top of that he created magical universe too. Very well written book.
Another good book by Tim Underwood, the plot is really unique like all his other books. On top of that he created magical universe too. Very well written book.
March 5, 2018
It was not reading about Lizzy and Mr Darcy as we know them. But the setting, the families were there, and it kept me interested throughout. But, there were not the usual misunderstandings, no mistaken pride, only magic. Be prepared, and it is almost a 4-star read.
March 15, 2018
Not very much of a prince and one of the very silly Lizzys ever. Filled with the slippery middles the author mentioned. ed
Should have been much shorter. Nothing much in the middle half of book. Magic is overdone. Book is creative but not great.
Should have been much shorter. Nothing much in the middle half of book. Magic is overdone. Book is creative but not great.
March 7, 2019
A little bloated but a compelling read nonetheless. I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to finish it. I just had to get to the next part...and then I just had to get to the NEXT next part, and so on.
May 16, 2024
Kept me going
I needed adventure and excitement and something different. This hit the spot. With a little bit of magic. Ok, a lot of magic. Not just with people but also the homes. If young like fantasy and love, this will be a winner for you!
I needed adventure and excitement and something different. This hit the spot. With a little bit of magic. Ok, a lot of magic. Not just with people but also the homes. If young like fantasy and love, this will be a winner for you!
March 2, 2018
Too magical
I didn't care for the magical, mystical aspect of the book. I felt it was too far away from reality for me to really enjoy it.
I didn't care for the magical, mystical aspect of the book. I felt it was too far away from reality for me to really enjoy it.
April 8, 2018
Interesting read
Very different story but also very interesting. May be hard for some folks to suspend disbelief to enjoy but it is a good read.
Very different story but also very interesting. May be hard for some folks to suspend disbelief to enjoy but it is a good read.
April 18, 2019
An intriguing story! I liked the worldbuilding and the integration of magic into the P&P universe. It rendered the storyline quite different as well.
September 9, 2022
Magic
Enjoyable reading experience with magic. Not your typical light hearted fantasy. A darker realism challenging the characters to be better.
Enjoyable reading experience with magic. Not your typical light hearted fantasy. A darker realism challenging the characters to be better.
April 7, 2025
I couldn't finish this one. I have enjoyed all the other Elizabeth and Darcy stories I've read so far, but this missed the mark for me as an avid reader of fantasy.
April 26, 2021
4.5 points
Fun read, only thing common with P&P is really the names of the characters but this did not bother me the slightest. Interesting magic system. Mr Bennet is quite unlikeable. Elizabeth is a wonderful and strong character here.
Fun read, only thing common with P&P is really the names of the characters but this did not bother me the slightest. Interesting magic system. Mr Bennet is quite unlikeable. Elizabeth is a wonderful and strong character here.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews