Lost Under Two Moons

by Lindsay Schopfer

Alone. Stranded. Richards Parks, a college student from Washington State, finds himself on Other World, a place of fantasy and horror. With no companion but a makeshift journal, Richard must quickly learn the unfamiliar dangers around him as he struggles daily to survive. From the approach of winter to eerily intelligent packs of nightmarish creatures, each entry details another trial of life or death. But when Richard finds the remnants of an ancient civilization, he begins to wonder if he is truly alone, and whether or not the lost people of Other World still hold the secrets that could return him home to Earth.

213 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2012

About the author

Lindsay Schopfer is the award-winning author of The Adventures of Keltin Moore, a series of steampunk-flavored fantasy novels about a professional monster hunter. His second Keltin Moore novel, Into the North, won first place in the OZMA Award for Fantasy as part of the Chanticleer International Book Awards. He also wrote the sci-fi survivalist novel Lost Under Two Moons and the short story collection Magic, Mystery and Mirth.

Lindsay’s short fiction has also appeared in Merely This and Nothing More: Poe Goes Punk from Writerpunk Press and Unnatural Dragons from Clockwork Dragon. His nonfiction includes a series of articles for ParentMap Magazine on his experience of being a first-time father of twins.

Lindsay’s workshops and master classes on the craft of writing are top-rated in writing conferences across the Pacific Northwest. He is also a volunteer mentor for Educurious, a Gates Foundation-funded program designed to connect high school students with professional writers. Currently, he teaches creative writing for South Puget Sound Community College.

Reviews

[Connie Jasperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOST UNDER TWO MOONS, by Lindsay Schopfer is an intriguing debut novel by an indie author. I was up until 2:00 am reading it--I found it that compelling.

The Blurb:
Alone. Stranded. Richards Parks, a college student from Washington State, finds himself on Other World, a place of fantasy and horror. With no companion but a makeshift journal, Richard must quickly learn the unfamiliar dangers around him as he struggles daily to survive. From the approach of winter to eerily intelligent packs of nightmarish creatures, each entry details another trial of life or death. But when Richard finds the remnants of an ancient civilization, he begins to wonder if he is truly alone, and whether or not the lost people of Other World still hold the secrets that could return him home to Earth.

My Review:
Lost Under Two Moons is an unusual science fiction adventure. It is a castaway tale, with a real twist. There are only two characters, which is an intriguing notion in itself. The majority of the novel is comprised of journal entries written by the protagonist, Richard. His frank observations and wry commentary are impossible to put down. There are also journal entries written by an alien archeologist, and this juxtaposition is quite well done.

It soon becomes clear Richard is never going home. Despite the weight of severe depression and loneliness he is unwilling to die. He finds the strength within himself to do many things he never thought himself capable of through trial and error, using only the things he has available from his crash landing. The author never resorts to conveniently placed items. Richard has to craft what he needs and his tools and his efforts are crude, but he is able to survive by using his creativity.

There is a great deal of action, as Richard must deal with alien wildlife and learn what plants and animals he can eat, and which beasts he should fear. Shelter and reliable sources of water remain a struggle for him, and what works one day often does not work the next. His basic resources are limited, though his difficulties are not. Richard must adapt or die.

The tale is exceedingly well-crafted, not at all a rehash of Robinson Crusoe gets lost in another dimension, as it so could easily have become. Schopfer weaves the story in such a way the reader experiences Richard’s triumphs and tragedies as he recounts them in his diary.

I found myself thinking about Richard Parks long after I finished the book—a sure sign of a great tale.

[Laurie Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a moon child, so two moons will always make me pick up a book. Double the tidal pull, eh? Anyhow, this was an unusual read. It’s been a while since I've read sci-fi, but this story made me realize I need to read more of what used to be one of my favorite genres.

Being journalized, I wasn't sure at first that I'd like it. But this feels like an authentic depiction of someone thrust into the protagonist’s situation. He angsted, got depressed, celebrated his accomplishments, all the emotions someone stranded would go through. And his journal...well, it didn't take long for me to realize this was his Wilson (think Castaway).

I’ll admit, I got a bit confused by all the animals. But I had to continue the journey, had to see where it ended up. I honestly wanted more. I can’t say anything else without giving the story away, except to say I was nowhere ready to leave what this author created. I’ll be hoping there’s a sequel.

[Jayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I stayed up until 12:00 at night trying to finish it. Now, I need to do a project on it and I’m a little confused. What do the bigamouths look like and what about the alien journalists? I need to create a model.

[Lee French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told in the form of journal entries, this book is an intriguing exploration of the psyche. Richard records his life while trapped in an alien environment, eventually coming to a point where he--unknowingly--regards the notebook as a listener to whom he's telling a story. He grows and regresses and grows again. Sometimes he can tell that's happening, and sometimes he can't.

There is a lot of minutia, though I imagine the little details of survival would occupy one's mind quite a bit in this type of situation. Generally, it works, as his excitement, despair, fear, and pride show through. There were a few places that I glazed over for a paragraph or two as bizarre creatures were described, but these bits were few and far between.

While it's good, the only thing this book couldn't manage was to keep me from putting it down. I had no trouble tearing myself away from it. On the other hand, I also had no trouble picking it back up. The short sections and entries really worked well for wedging a bit of reading here and there into a busy day.

As others have said, this is a lot like Castaway, only set on an alien planet instead of an island. If you liked Castaway, you'll like Lost Under Two Moons.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.

It's a very well written story with rich description of the environment and wildlife of an alien planet. Richard finds himself stranded on what he must accept is an alien world, adjusting and surviving as best he can as he travels the landscape. His story is told through his journal entries. I was impressed with the way those entries were written. Richard is talking to the reader, explaining his days as though speaking to a friend. It was a great way to tell this story, making it easy for the reader to identify with the character and appreciate what he is dealing with and how he feels about his solitary adventure.

No spoilers here, but I'll say the author portrayed well the human ability to adapt and survive, as well as appreciate beauty in unexpected places. This was a lot of fun to read, and I'll be watching for other works from the author.

[Ty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading "Lost Under Two Moons." The alien world was well described and the format of the book worked well. I felt like I had found a lost diary and was the first reader of the words it contained. Great if you love the mystery of discovery when you are reading.

I felt empathy and connection with the main character. It was interesting to relate to them while being glad I wasn't in their situation.

"Lost Under Two Moons" is a quick and satisfying read. I enjoyed the world building and the characterization. The descriptions were interesting and helped me visualize the settings and elements of the book.

[Amanda NEVER MANDY · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.**

What a contrast between a bad first impression cover and a wonderful, attention holding story! It was one of those books that I love the most. The kind that takes you on a journey, letting you see and feel everything just as vividly as the characters do. Nothing to complex or overwhelming here, a simple tale that allows a brief escape from reality.

[Christine Herbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sci fi adventure from a young writer is an enjoyable—albeit treacherous and wholly unexpected—journey into an alien realm. The character is faced with many dangers and keeps the reader turning pages to see how they are going to get themselves out of the latest catastrophe and return home, if only they can.

[LaJane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!!! Engaging! Waiting with bated breath for sequel! Creative writer with an astute perception of the Robinson Crusoe paradigm.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable page turner. Vivid imagery and believable protagonist. Quite fun.

[Eric Bingham · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars really. I liked the different style of writing this book (which was all done through journal entries of a young man who was lost on another planet.) There were some fun new creatures that were encountered and described. My disappointment with the book came in it's repetitive nature. It was really a recurring theme of:
1- here are the new creatures that I saw today
2- here is what I ate today
3- here is how I felt today
There was the occasional run in with large scary creatures, but the fact that it was in journal format took some of the suspense out of these encounters, because you already know that he survives.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read this book twice now and enjoyed it both times. It's a different style of book than I normally read but still very enjoyable - think Castaway but on an alien planet.