Two Kingdoms

The epic struggle for truth and purpose amidst encroaching darkness - a medieval fantasy

Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
556 Pages
Reviewed on 12/05/2020
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

Author Biography

I have been fascinated with history in general and medieval history in particular since fourth grade, when I opened my history book to find an illustration of two knights in armor. That led to a degree in history from Duke University, followed by an M.D., after which my focus turned to serving as a physician in adolescent medicine. In working with teenagers throughout my career, I observed how the teen years are a time of seeking meaning, purpose, and identity. The paths of the main characters in Two Kingdoms reflect this adolescent journey. When I am trying to understand Scripture, sometimes a story comes into my head that helps me make sense of it. A lifelong fan of parable and allegory, I began writing short stories for family members after I retired. Two Kingdoms was born from one of these stories.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Two Kingdoms: The epic struggle for truth and purpose amidst encroaching darkness - a medieval fantasy by DC Moore is a completely engrossing YA fantasy journey. This debut novel has all you want in a medieval story: character-driven storylines, life-defining choices, compelling conflict and dialogue, illustrations, and a religious theme woven throughout. The plot has two warring kingdoms and three young characters find themselves in the thick of it--Hugh, Marie, and Stephen; a blacksmith, a knight's daughter, and a squire. They each set out to find themselves with the aid of a map that logs their spiritual quest. After losing loved ones, Hugh is torn between vengeance and forgiveness; Marie clashes with her father over her dreams and goals; Stephen's self-doubt and low self-esteem is a barrier to tackling a task that seems too much to handle. But how can they trust in a king they can't see?

This book couldn't have come at a better time for young adult readers. Though written before 2020, the story features a pandemic, but besides that, the internal and external struggles of the characters parallel the struggles teenagers are grappling with today. I enjoyed the religious symbolism of the book (for example, "The Chronicle" representing the Bible), and the dynamic imagery, as well as the multi-dimensionality of the characters. They seem so real, and YA audiences will connect with them right away. I'm sure older readers will recognize their younger selves in some of these scenarios. As you read, you will get caught up in the danger, the mystery, and the suspense as it unfolds for each of the three teens. You'll find an evil overlord out to kill the king and his faithful followers. As the lives of the three converge, they find their trust in this king tested beyond measure. Who will they choose? What price will they pay? This book goes deeper than the average YA fantasy. You will become emotionally attached to this story, and its impact will stay with you and cause you to think about your own experiences and the choices you would make if you were in the shoes of the characters. If you're looking for an entertaining novel with a deep spiritual meaning, your search stops here. Two Kingdoms by D.C. Moore is a YA fantasy novel with substance and heart.

Emily-Jane Hills Orford

It’s all about trust and obedience. Hugh’s parents believed in the King, even though they had never met him. Others believed, too, but no one claimed to have met the King. When his parents died for their faith, Hugh’s anger tore him away from his belief, but the King and his son, the Prince, never lost faith in Hugh. Marie and Stephen also struggled in their beliefs, not knowing if their quest to save their kingdom from the evil that was strangling it would be enough to show their faith in this unseen King. They believed anyway. Banding together, Hugh, the blacksmith, Marie, the knight’s daughter, and Stephen, the squire who aspired to be a knight, fought to regain the kingdom for their chosen unseen King. For after all, “Trust is the key to the Kingdom.” Where darkness threatens, so too does the light of truth.

D.C. Moore’s medieval fantasy novel, Two Kingdoms: The Epic Struggle for Truth and Purpose Amidst Encroaching Darkness, is a meaningful look at the ongoing battle between good and evil. Written with evident and strong reflections of biblical themes, this epic tale of two kingdoms, one good, one evil, suggests the works of many other great novels. As the plot develops and thickens following the young people's quests, I was impressed with the number of biblical references: faith in an unseen King, the King’s son as a shepherd, the King’s son who dies and is resurrected, the King’s son as a healer and a teacher, the twelve Guardians who sat with the King’s son, and so much more. Of course, one could claim some comparison with C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series, especially the references to the Lion. The story is well presented, developed with care and precision, and unfolds with dedicated direction. This is an epic tale on so many levels. Well done!

Rabia Tanveer

Two Kingdoms: The Epic Struggle for Truth and Purpose Amidst Encroaching Darkness by DC Moore is an epic fantasy that will give you an adrenaline rush while making you beg for more. As two kingdoms prepare to face each other in a war that could end them, three seemingly unremarkable young people are tasked with something that can change the course of the future. Hugh (son of a blacksmith), Stephen (a squire), and Marie (daughter of a knight) are all looking for answers that they might never get. Each of them is mysteriously presented with a map that will record their journey towards something that they don't fully understand. They have their reasons to embark on the journey, and they each will discover something new about themselves. On this quest of courage, the three of them will realize that what they want is not what they need. With the war looming over their heads, the three of them have some harsh questions to answer. Will they get what they are looking for?

DC Moore’s decision to divide the story into three parts is excellent. It helps the reader focus on the main plot while enjoying the intricacy added by subplots. Each character has a vital role to play, and their progress is important to furthering the plot. Marie’s story jumped out at me particularly. Her thirst to prove herself, to show her father that what he had planned for her is not what should happen. Hugh’s journey is heartbreaking yet so important for the story. At first, Stephen’s story didn’t jump out, but as the story progresses, he redeems himself and shows why his presence is valuable for the plot. Kudos to the author for building such a detailed and rich universe. The descriptions feel real, the imagery makes the reader feel like a part of the story, and the dialogues are crisp to add excitement to the story. Two Kingdoms is perfect and exceptional!