Two Moons of Merth - Book Review

Two Moons of Merth by Ruth Mitchell is an allegorical tale of a fictional land and the royal Karda family. Mitchell creates a magical world with the two illuminating twin moons, a magic orb, and more, but it is also a world that mirrors ours in many ways. A world historically ruled by men, a place where poverty is rampant, war rages, use of drugs impair its citizens, dogs are part of the family, horses that are loyal to their owner, and many other similarities.

In Two Moons of Merth, Mitchell makes her novel uniquely interesting and different by creating a space, a society for women that focuses on their lives and their power rather than being a conventional, male-centric novel. She uses iconographic illustrations and imagery to convey the power that women possess.

Aadya, the novel's protagonist, finds herself intrigued by a young warrior named Poma. He is handsome, strong and appears to have a romantic interest in her. She finds him different from other warrior types. He confesses that he does not enjoy nor have the desire to kill animals but will eat the meat of animals slain by others. He becomes more attractive to her when she discovers he is a member of the royal Karda family. Aadya and Poma continue their relationship, and finally, she realizes that she is in love with him. He is a prince who will soon become the king of their realm. She soon realizes that he loves her, and their union is also sanctioned by the Matong, an all-knowing and all-seeing magical Orb.

She had initially been very offended by Poma referring to her as a breeder. But she knew she was much more than that. Offended or not, she eventually does breed children who become very important in their realm.

Aadya also proves herself as an able warrior – she knows how to use weapons and how to fight. She has also learned much about how the realm is governed and becomes more and more interested in exercising what Heshe and others have taught her.

A lot goes on in Mitchell's novel, from romance to kidnapping, from being a peasant to becoming royalty. 

Two Moons of Merth, with its gorgeous storytelling and compelling characters, all crafted with meticulous devotion, will immerse readers in this thrilling world. Mitchell spins a fantastical tale full of heart, adventure, intrigue, and modern parallels.