Title: Once Upon Two Kingdoms
Author: Anna del C. Dye
Genre: Young Adult Medieval Romance
Page count: 240 pages
Blurb:
Freedom to Choose is Paramount for any human
An arrangement made when Elizabeth was just a babe ties her to someone she has never met, never spoken to, never loved. Now she desires freedom—a way to choose her own path—her own husband. The moment Elizabeth meets Patrick she knows he is her soul mate. But when you are bound to a crown how is any choice your own?
Book Links:
Snippet:
“People should be free to choose, once they are old enough to know what they want, and can take responsibility for their choices,” I whispered, watching you, my little baby, asleep so peaceful in contrast to the rage that brewed in me.
“How could your father condemn you this way while forcing me to stand by, unable to do anything but despair? I know he felt wretched. That doesn’t help the pain in my soul.
“I begged him on my knees, but it was no use. Your path in life was sealed and no human could break it asunder. All I could do was leave the sad scene, crying miserably with you in my arms.
“Still, I am not alone in my misery. Before they left, she murmured that she wanted something different, but it was too late. She was as devastated as I.
“I … could hardly bear the burden put on my shoulders by them. Oh, Elizabeth, I tried my child, I tried to protect you and I have failed you…”
Once Upon Two Kingdoms is a marvelous comedy of errors on this young adult medieval romantic fantasy. A number of years ago, the rulers of two neighboring countries, Bella Vista and Trebolett, made an agreement that their children would marry when they came of age. This would unite the two kingdoms and was considered customary practice. Royal children were expected to serve their country rather than marrying for love. Prince Patrick of Trebolett and Princess Elizabeth of Bella Vista are both infuriated when their parents finally tell them of the arrangement. Neither of them relishes the idea of marrying a stranger, and they both leave their parents in a huff. Patrick rides into the woods that he loves so well, and Princess Elizabeth takes off on her horse and gets lost. She wanders until a distant campfire's light acts as a beacon. There she meets a charming young man who offers her food and lodging for the evening, and he also shows her the stars.
Praises for Once Upon two Kingdoms
Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite said:
The author tells her story in a wry and slightly humorous tone that fits the plot perfectly. Her writing is smooth and easy, and the story just reaches out and grabs the reader. Once Upon Two Kingdoms: A Royal Romance delivers the magic and promise that is all too often missing in epic fantasy, and it does so brilliantly. It's most highly recommended.
When I first started reading, I thought it was a re-telling of the Sleeping Beauty story where two royal heirs are forced into an arranged marriage, fall in love with each other without knowing who they are, and have a happily-ever after. In the beginning, it had that feel, but it quickly turned into a different story with an evil counselor designing for both thrones.
Anna must've studied some fencing, because her description of the sword battles was well done. I had a hard time putting the book down because I really had no idea how the story would go. This is a book suitable for all ages.
About the author:
Anna received the Editor’s Choice Award from the International Library of Poetry and had her article entitled A New American Mother published by Desert Saints Magazine. Her short story entitled Amerine—Fairy Princess won an award in a League of Utah Writers contest later to be published by Kalkion Magazine. (Now it has been published as an e-book.) Other articles about family and relationship have been published frequently in the MOMS CLUBÒ of Salt Lake Valley-West. She has published 7 books on her Elf series. Her and Rodney’s love story was published by Deseret book in the anthology entitled Angels Round About compiled by July C. Olsen. Another of her articles was included in the Anthology Mother’s Message in a Bottle, edited by Tyler Hayden and published by Nimbus Publishing.
She and her husband have four children. Three princes and a princess and live in Taylorsville, Utah.
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