Review by 'Ian' - 21st May 2026
“Two Worlds” By Tony M. Adams (2026) First Edition
Plot
Masie Myres, our 13 year old protagonist, happens upon a Scondi (an ancient lockbox with a mysterious opening mechanism). The contents are confusing but Masie feels the secret(s) it contains might just be her raison d’etre. Catapulted into saving two worlds, can Masie (and her friends) solve the puzzles and save the Human race (Altrams) and the Mythosians before they are destroyed?
Writing Style
Easy flowing sentences. Modern, with small flourishes of adornment. Juvenile script (as intended). Easy to watch the movie in your head.
Point of View/Voice
Written in the 3rd Person / Past Tense (standard convention)
Critique
I am willing to bet that, at some time or other, you have thought there may be something special about yourself or that you are destined for “something” wonderful.
Aimed at, and written for, the young adult, the author explores precisely this paradigm in a most interesting manner.
The prose is very similar to that of C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia) and it would be very easy to believe that “Two Worlds” was encapsulated within Lewis’s imagination.
This adventure holds many of the fantasies that we all (as children) imagine might be true. A secret (and ancient) lockbox with something hidden inside, a wizened old man that mysteriously appears and disappears, a book of strange words and pictures, a magical necklace, the ability to “pop” anywhere you want, another world full of wonders and paradise and, of course, an overwhelming (and imminent) danger to the existence of the planet Earth (and beyond!).
Of course, nothing in the story is that simple. Our protagonist (Masie) begins her journey when she wins a toy unicorn from a passing fairground (cue the wizened old man). In the words of Monty Python, “It’s no ordinary Rabbit”. Well, it’s a unicorn, not a rabbit, but it holds a secret that kicks everything off … (and you will be treated to some pseudo Python (Life of Brian) later in the book!)
As the reader, you follow the trials and tribulations of Masie as she discovers the truth about the two worlds and the role she must play in securing salvation for both. Troubled by a neighbour (Lizzie) and adored by Archie (her pet dog), Masie and her friends travel the path that any one of us could have journeyed had our own fantasies come true.
The plot is very compelling and clever. The author has found a way to address myths and bring them into reality in a most original and credible manner. At the same time, those childhood fantasies that we have all experienced and enjoyed are tickled back into the forefront of your mind. Perhaps they are real after all?
If I could go back in time and be a child again, I would do it in a flash, because I now know what the wizened old man looks like, and I want to go find him …