Title: A Story of Two
Author: A.E. Gray
Publisher: Daughter Harvey Creative
ISBN: 979-8218506902
eBook ISBN: 979-8330450817
Genre: Fantasy, Family/Relationships, Suspense, Thriller, Young Adult
Availability: Paperback or eBook
Language: English
Paperback: 168 pages
Item Weight: 9 ounces
Dimensions: 6 x 0.39 x 9 inches
Review:
Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is a success.” And no quote rings truer than A.E. Gray’s fantastical A Story of Two.
The story begins in the fourth age of The planet of Tyrangst, in a small humble village. We are introduced to our first protagonist, Takka of the Skyhawk clan, loathing her situation of searching for a flock of sheep while missing a grand feast to celebrate her cousin’s, the often beloved Becca of the Skyhawk clan, betrothal, while her family attends the event. We are then introduced to Becca preparing for the feast, feeling ecstatic over her betrothal to the son of the Red Eagle clan’s leader. However, her joy is a short-lived one as her village is soon attacked by these strange creatures and when she awakens, both her and Takka’s worlds are forever changed and intertwined….
There are many highlights to this novel. The first is the lore behind the planet where the story takes place. It is a very Promethous-like creation that will make readers curious about how much the world and those on it were influenced by such a chaotic birth.
Outside of the lore, our two main protagonists, Tekka and Becca, are the most advisory protagonists. For the better part of the story, their dislike for one another oozes from every insult and accusation each would spit at each other.
Even in their introductory sections, we see this animosity spill over with Tekka complaining about Becca being this perfect manipulator and Becca blaming everything negative on Tekka’s family, particularly her brother, Tekken, which happens at a very poor time once they interact with one another. Their mutual venom for one another was so strong that it led to them unlocking a gift in each other that neither knew about.
The pacing is handled well as the relationship between the two girls progresses from bitter enemies to friends, which coincides with their personal growth, allowing readers to see the hidden potential of each protagonist. It is here that I want to give a special mention to Becca. Throughout the story, we see Takka being the “breadwinner” of the duo with her resourcefulness, courageousness, and ability to hunt/track while with Becca, we are given a negative view of her from the beginning due to her spoiled, vain personality.
However, during the pair’s meeting with a group of nomads, Becca shows that not only can she hold back her abrasive and antagonistic nature, but she also reveals her ability to be diplomatic, thus gaining favor with the nomads that they would eventually travel alongside. This small moment reveals why Becca was chosen to represent her clan in the betrothal to the son of the Red Eagle Clan’s chief. While she could be vain and egotistical, Becca shows that she can approach a situation with as much skill as Takka but with a different tool, as long as she keeps her anger in check, of course. Grey also does a great job of fleshing out the myriad of side characters that readers will eventually meet and travel with our two protagonists.
On the opposite side of the situation is the reveal of the unique but highly ravenous enemy they face in the Pylos. Despite the issues that Takka and Becca face throughout the story, the Pylos’ presence looms over the story as a whole to the point where the readers will worry about a sudden and devastating attack from them, which adds to the skill that A.E Grey in creating such a fearsome species.
While there are a few small quibbles with the author’s writing style, it is very serviceable and doesn’t take away from the overall story. A Story of Two is a grand adventure and gives the lesson that even your greatest adversary can become one of your closest friends. Add in the superb world-building and engaging characters, A Story of Two earns a solid recommendation from me – ★★★★★ – Elijah B. (Explore Authors Magazine)
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