Brothers Divided by P.C. Nottingham

Two young squirrel brothers have just buried their parents. On that same day, they encounter a knight who is seeking to warn the townsrodents that he believes their town is in danger from suspected nearby raiders. He has come to offer the villagers safety in shelter in the town of Olihort (still called ZelZaytum by those of the Grovekeeper faith), under the Sapling’s protection. But given that many of the families can remember when their grandparents who lived in the town were slaughtered by the army that invaded to claim the sacred Gnaverwood tree as their own, no one from the town will believe such an offer is meant in peace.

That same day, the army of Nasalid the Liberator sets a trap for the armies who claimed the lands as theirs. As the two forces meet, the brothers believe they each see the other killed, unaware that their family member still lives and has been rescued by the opposing army. In turn, the brothers decide to aid the side that rescued them, hoping to find a way to restore peace to their land. But where religious differences are involved, is such a thing actually possible? Can multiple religions actually coexist peacefully together?

I read a review copy of this book and found it entertaining and thought provoking. And for a short book that is quickly read, it did manage to contain quite a bit of story and action. In some ways, it made me think (very loosely) of some of William Shakespeare’s plotlines. Though not truly the same, I could see vague similarities in several places.

There were both heartwarming and heartbreaking moments in this book, as each brother truly believed the other was killed, and they must cope with a very trying time, with a religious war looming and them being unable to avoid it. Many involved do seem to want peace, but unfortunately, there are also those who are determined to continue to provoke the other side in an attempt to justify a complete destruction of their supposed enemies, including those who are innocents.

I believe this young adult novel would be a good fit for anyone interested in reading fantasy stories that involve religious differences and that attempt to show how often peaceful solutions and coexistence are possible, if only everyone involved is willing to talk out their issues and find a compromise. I enjoyed reading this book, and found the ending hopeful, though clearly the adventures of the two brothers, Jeb and Sanu, are not yet over, as peace between this land and opposing kingdoms cannot be assured unless everyone is willing to accept a peaceful solution. I will be looking forward to seeing what happens next in this series.

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