5.0 out of 5 stars An antebellum hero we can all root for

L.D.W. · June 10, 2025

I’ve been hooked on Roger Smith’s historical fiction series, collectively called Rian Krieger’s Journey, since the first book – The Conductor – came out three years ago. At that time, I wrote that its protagonist, just eleven years young, was “whip smart, curious about everything, and wise beyond her years – a likeable hero we can all root for”. Two months ago, the fourth volume arrived, called The Prodigy. Those same characteristics remain true for fourteen-year-old Rian Krieger. It’s the 1830s in bustling Philadelphia, although the recent economic depression has slowed the bustle a bit for her father’s coach-making business and her uncle’s steam locomotive manufactory. Despite her age, Rian has increasingly insinuated herself in the operations of both as bookkeeper, parts designer, and visionary. Her ambition is to run these firms one day.But Rian, a curious, adventurous soul, has always involved herself in lots of other things, too; and in the four books of this series so far, including this one, she serves as a wonderful guide to the issues of the day in rapidly changing antebellum America. Such as the economic and ethnic tensions between the monied and the working classes and, within the latter, between the recently arrived Irish and German immigrants. Or such as the accelerating effect of the industrial revolution on all these groups.From its very start, this series has emphasized, as well, America’s original sin of slavery and race prejudice - from Rian’s participation in the underground railroad to the trials of Jules Freeman, the black manager of the Krieger Coach company, to the legislative debates in Pennsylvania over whether free blacks should have the right to vote. In The Prodigy, Smith weaves in the voice of a second young protagonist, Rian’s friend Olivia Tucker, a privileged daughter of South Carolina’s plantation system to give us more of an insider’s view of the “peculiar institution”. All of this makes for a dazzling, rich depiction of an oft overlooked period in American history.Rian has always been what was once referred to as a “tomboy” - interested in stuff usually reserved for boys and vehemently uninterested in “girly” things like dresses and domesticity. She’s also far too independent-minded to look forward to the demure, respectable life as a wife (and mother) that her Papa wants for her. But now, in The Prodigy, she’s a teenager, which means puberty, a state of being which is a confusing time for even the most hetero kids. How will these changes affect this most unusual young person?

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for all readers

E.H. · August 10, 2025

This is another great addition to the series. It beautifully describes the times and with its historically accurate base, is fascinating to read and learn about the many things that were happening at that time. Whether political, social or personal, it is a rich storyline with greatly relatable characters and reflects on our many aspects of society today. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

5.0 out of 5 stars A gem - historical fiction with strong female characters

A.C. · May 20, 2025

Another great historical novel by Smith that offers interesting and well developed characters. Rian continues to grow and learn and impact her surroundings, so much so that an influential true historical figure recognizes her as a brilliant prodigy. Her South Carolina friend Olivia, nicknamed an Abo for her anti-slavery beliefs, is a key character in this book. I enjoyed getting to know her and see glimpses of how her and Rian’s paths may develop.