Two Kings, One Throne- high fantasy reluctant hero suitable for adult and child: Book 1 of the The Jade Pandora Saga.

by A.D. Stevens

The Jade Two Kings, One Throne
A.D. Stevens
A humble farm boy.
A weapon of the gods.
A destiny that could save—or shatter—the world.

When Zenith of Grissam inherits the Echidna Flame, an ancient sword forged in the war of creation, he’s drawn into a battle far beyond his fields. Joined by Lemma of Sciran, and Cathal of Vastuk.
Zenith discovers their weapons are part of the legendary Rysendar—three relics whose united power can end the rising darkness… or unleash it.

As twisted creatures stalk the land and an ancient god stirs from his prison, alliances will be tested, legends will awaken, and the fate of two kingdoms will rest on the choices of reluctant heroes.

Perfect for fans of high fantasy epics, richly built worlds, and fast-paced quests, The Jade Pandora is the gripping first chapter in a saga of loyalty, legacy, and the unbreakable bonds forged in war.

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2025

Reviews

[T || · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star rating from me

Congrats Andy on taking me back to my childhood vibes of middle earth etc!!! Full of fantasy and fantasy prophecies and animal companions (i do love me animal companions) and get so overprotective of them 👀🤣.
The way Andy did his world building was incredible. It was so immersive and you really felt like you were one of the main characters.
It was paced perfectly, full of action & romance (closed door) and although the character's were complex to understand they had alot of layers, character and humour that is easy to understand. Some parts had me laugh so much (in that kick your feet kind of giggle)👀🤣

If you enjoy an immersive, fantasy intense action romance. Then this read is 100% for you!

[GLOSSY · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Jade Pandora - Wow!
Congratulations Andy on writing your first book - this is amazing!
This book has Thrilling and Mysterious elements which sucks the reader in.
The story overall is really good with
Romance
Adventure
Magic
Action
and more

[Laura WeeWoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Updating my review as I’ve done a re-read in anticipation of book 2.***

Since I first read this, I’ve read a lot more books and know what I want in what I read now. Don’t get me wrong, the concept of this book is great and it was a great read, and I still stand by it sucking you in from the get go. I just felt as though during my reread, I noticed some things the story lacked.

One of those things is consequences. There isn’t really any serious consequences in the book. If I’m reading fantasy, I want my heart ripped out, I want to feel a deeper connection to the character’s and feel their pain. Leave the real world and be immersed so thoroughly in the world of Two Kings.

I still enjoyed the twists and turns in the book and really enjoyed the humour. Especially the one dad joke in there about the horse. IYKYK.
However, it seems that any conflicts don’t last very long. There seems to be a quick solution to them all. Mostly by the Echidna Flame doing a whirlwind of fire. A weapon that is so overpowered, it can’t be beaten, nor can its wielder.

I really enjoyed the descriptions of the environments and the characters. My favourite character is still the short beefcake that is Cathal. You will never change my mind.
I’m still to this day wanting to find out what The Jade Pandora really is and I’m excited to continue the series, which I will have to read on KU as I’m unable to get a signed copy anymore. I just really hope that there are more lasting consequences and that my heart is ripped out in the sequel.

***Original review and rating of 5 stars***
This book sucks you in from the get go. it's so descriptive, you can just see the environment and people as you read it!
I stayed up till 1am to finish this book because I just couldn't put it down! The twists and turns in this book, you wouldn't expect! There's humour in it and great news names to call people in real life which will have them looking at you confused. The individuality of battles in the book are amazing, it's never how you think it's going to be. You form a connection with each character and hope that they all make it and get their happily ever afters. Honestly worth the read, I would recommend this to anyone that loves fantasy!

[Barney Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an epic high fantasy about a man called Zenith.
He's a farmer, doing farmer related things when -bam! His quiet life is shattered and he gets an ancient magic sword put in his hand.

This book has:
God-like weapons,
Prophecy,
Slow burn,
Detailed fight scenes and an animal companion.
I enjoyed this book, and I finally learnt what a salt weasel was. There was well written fight scenes and original creatures, which i tip my hat off to the author, for going that extra mile instead of using the atypical fantasy creatures.

I rate this 4 stars and would recommend to any epic high fantasy reader.

(Sidenote: i have now learnt an assortment of funny new curse words!)

[Bella Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an absolute honor to beta read this and to even be a small part in this book, reading this has made me speechless on countless occasions throughout the chapters and I felt so many emotions while reading this (All good).
The level of detail that was put into this book is amazing and the book as a whole is breath taking! From the art cover to the map it really is my book of the year.

This book is by far my favorite book I have read! The amount of detail that went into each chapter is unreal! The battle scenes are written so well, while reading I just could not put the book down for a single second. The pace the battles are, while reading I can picture the whole parts in my head like I'm watching a movie!
I loved reading along and seeing the characters grow each in their own way and the adventures they go on and I positively cannot wait to see what is in store for them in the future!

I must say my favorite characters are Rath and Cathal! The way you wrote Cathal was amazing and some of the scenes with him in made me absolutely die with laughter! He is such a fun character and no matter the situation, leave it to Cathal to turn the mood around.
And Rath with her forever growing motherly instinct and connection to the others but most certainly Lemma. I honestly cannot wait to see how all these relationships continue to grow within the group!

This book is a MUST READ!!! I cannot recommend this enough it is absolutely outstanding and for sure going to be a re-read for me!

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jade Pandora isn’t your typical fantasy series filled with constant epic battles and grand wars. Instead, it feels like a real D&D campaign, where the characters are simply trying to navigate life while facing the challenges thrown at them. It blends slice-of-life storytelling with larger quests in a way that feels incredibly refreshing.

What makes the story stand out is Zennith. He never truly asks to be king, yet he’s willing to take on that burden to protect the world and the people around him. It’s refreshing to read a protagonist who feels so human and grounded rather than driven purely by destiny or power.

The series also does an amazing job humanising its characters and exploring nuanced relationships, especially between Zennith and Lemma. Their dynamic feels authentic, and the interactions with the side characters add so much depth to the world.

Don’t go into this expecting nonstop huge fantasy battles. The strength of this story lies in its characters, relationships, and emotional depth, and that’s exactly what makes it such a worthwhile read.

[Kiran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I am an extremely picky and analytical reader in general. I can recognise that this book is written to encourage hope and joy in a really crappy world. If you read for vibes, that is completely valid. I just read for the small details, which is why I end up having such strong opinions.

If you are looking for an easy YA fantasy with amazing imagery, a plethora of mythical creatures and all round feel good vibes, this is a great place to start.

I would say this is a solid start to a series. You get a good sense of the world straight away. You know the places, the atmosphere and the characters, and the whole thing feels very warm and cosy with definite Merlin vibes. It is what I would call a world building book, where you are being settled in so the rest of the saga can unfold.

There were only a couple of things I struggled with. A lot of the conflicts the characters face seem to have very immediate solutions, which felt a bit unnatural to me. I also kept bumping up against the idea that everyone is always understanding and considerate of each other’s feelings, even the people who have caused harm. I know it is fantasy and anything can happen, but it did not feel entirely believable to me that every character would be that empathetic all the time as opposed to going through the acceptance in stages

Despite these criticisms I will be continuing with the series to see what happens now we are firmly planted in the world.

[Darren Woodford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A smooth descriptive style helps to explore an obviously well developed world. With loveable main characters and a fleshed out supporting cast (I enjoyed Asger’s practicality/honour), the humour interspersed made for a thoroughly entertaining read.

Looking forward to seeing where the reluctant hero heads next

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Love the relationship building between characters, makes them relatable. My favourite character is Lemma, she's bad ass. I would love to hear more about the forge master who creates the amazing armour, I just find that fascinating.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow, what a story. The Jade Pandora, Two kings One Throne is a tale that just draws you in. As someone who does not read at all with always the inability to pick up a book and continue reading this story had be absolutely hooked. A gripping fantasy that draws you into this beautifully crafted world with characters that feel so real and relatable you cannot take a step back out into reality. As the book continues to explore elements of friendship, family love and betrayal you are drawn into the lives of the characters wanting to know what’s next, every page is beautifully detailed without throwing too much at you all at once, with pacing that feels like your almost playing a classic RPG.

This is a must have for any reader if you are a fan of Fantasy or not, an avid reader or just a beginner.

I look forward to the next part of this story.

P.s If anyone figures out what the Jade Pandora is please let me know

[Jemma Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is absolutely amazing!! its full of suspense,humour,seriousness, undertone of romance which is beautifully written,

This follows Zenith who is a forgotten prince and he is presumed dead who is just a humble farmer until one day he gets a sword placed in his had and a prophecy told that he has to follow, Zennith with no fighting experience must go on a journey to find 2 other "God weapons" and there welders to save not only his own country but that of another and possibly the whole world! along the way he realises what true loyalty is.. he finds out that his path was already written... only now he has to be the one to change his own future!

several immense battles, a quest to learn more about himself as a person, the future he must have and the past he thought he already had the answer for!

[Honeybee reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skyrim vibes plus nonstop adventure—this fantasy grabbed me from page one, engaging, intriguing, and totally immersive. I felt like I was right there on the quest with the characters, thanks to world-building that’s rich yet easy to follow and epic set-pieces without the confusion. The pacing is so tight I finished it in a week—pure momentum—and it gave me that “just one more chapter” itch throughout. If you love accessible fantasy, quest-driven plots, and open-world exploration energy, this is your next pick. Honestly, it’s one of the best fantasy reads I’ve had so far—5/5, straight onto the TBR.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is engaging and intriguing from the very start. The characters and Andy's absolute abuse with the rule book for writing fiction keeps you drawn in and thinking about the story when you're not reading. The writing style is very clever and witty, I have laughed out loud, gasped in shock and worried for my favourite! The battle scenes are written with exemplary tempo and you feel the anxious energy almost as if you were there. I can't wait to find out what is in store for the characters next. The trilogy is set up well but the book isn't lacking substance and leaves you feeling satisfied

[Natalie Horner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An fantasy with characters and storylines woven together than plays out like scenes from a movie making the imagery all the more real in your mind as you read.
I have a new vocabulary of bad names to call people that also sound like terms of endearment.
A epic and if you want to get into high fantasy, this is a grand first step to take.

[William Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. If you're a fan of fun fantasy stories with different encounters and fight scenes, then this will be up your street. I had a blast reading this, and look foward to more stories set in this world!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not usually my go to genre but I was hooked from the moment I started reading it. The characters Zenith and Lemma I came to love and adore as they love their people & will do whatever it takes to protect them and their land.

Zenith had a quiet life as a farmer as he never wanted a throne, until one day a weapon chooses him. He was joined by a warrior from a distant land and a guardian of forgotten lore.

Along the way he meets Lemma and falls inlove but he must uncover the truth behind this place called Rysender, three ancient weapons tied to the gods. As the darkness awakens and the kingdoms falter the fate of the world may end up in the hands of a reluctant hero.

Highly recommended, a fantastic read, the best fantasy I’ve read so far and looking forward reading more from this author. I also loved that it was world building and I felt like I was there.

[J.J. Foraday · Rating 5 out of 5]

the world building is phenomenal

4.5/5
The world building was incredible I got those middle earth vibes and was completely transported. The characters were complex, with humour, soft romance, and a lot of action. I love action sequences and this had several! My favourite character was Lemme and out of the three weapons I preferred hers. If you love fantasy with prophecies this books for you!

[Chris Revill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and zenith was my favorite character.

[Raven is zesty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a steadily paced high fantasy novel set in a fictionalised medieval era, with language that vividly evokes the period through archaic terms and elaborate descriptions. I love how each chapter is action-packed, filled with intense battles against mythical creatures. The chapters vary in length, from over ten pages to just a few, but each kept me thoroughly engaged. I very much enjoyed reading this book and am eagerly awaiting the release of the second instalment in the series. If you love fantasy and a little bit of romance, you will definitely enjoy this book. Well done, Andy.

[Jazz's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this.
I want to start by saying that I am used to fantasy books being in 1st person, while The Jade Pandora was in 3rd person so that was an adjustment to begin with. It is very obvious that this is the author's first book, but to me, that is a good thing because not only will you see the story and characters evolve and grow over the course of the book but you'll see the growth of the author as well. I also want to point out there are the odd spelling mistakes or two, but that is also to be expected. In my personal opinion, the odd spelling mistake gives the book "character", pun intended.
Once I had gotten used to the characters and the world, I found that I struggled to put it down, even when I did, it was the only thing I could think about. To say I was hooked is an understatement, because it was more than that, it was an impulse to read it, to know more. I was pleasantly amazed by how much was squeezed into this book, just when I thought everything would slow down something else happened. To list everything, I loved about this book then I might as well copy and paste the whole book. I didn’t realise it was possible but it has made me love fantasy even more.
The attention to detail is amazing and made me feel like I was there with the characters themselves. I can honestly say that no situation or detail was spared in the making of this fast pace fantasy, The Jade Pandora Two Kings One Throne. This is one amazing adventure and I can't wait to see what else the author has planned.

[Alice Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant read. Great story and easy read. Will read more of these books 📚

[Nicolle Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Lordy what can I say....
I was thrilled to be lucky enough to be an arc reader for The Jade Pandora Two Kings One Throne by A.D. Stevens.

The first thing I noticed was that it was written in the 3rd person which I haven't seen much when reading fantasy before, however I loved the way it felt like the whole story was unfolding in front of me as I read it.

I immediately loved the Zenith and Lemma and loved seeing how their dynamic progressed throughout the story. I felt that I needed to know more about the characters even as I learned more.

I thoroughly enjoyed the world description and building throughout the book and the descriptions were perfect for me to be able to vividly imagine the scenes as they happened.

Zenith and Lemma's interactions had me smiling and laughing and fawning over them as I wanted to learn more about them. I also loved how even minor characters stood out in the book and had their own roles to play.

For me this is a book that captured everything that a reluctant hero, high fantasy story should have and showed the idea of loyalty and brotherhood in a way that made you feel it. It is very well written and I very much enjoyed every part. It is definitely something I will be re-reading.

When I say run, I mean run and get your copy, because this is a fantasy book you absolutely NEED in your life.

[Emily Leggat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved EVERY second of this book. The world building is phenomenal and the characters are all written so well. I originally had Cathal and Lemma as my favourite characters but by the end I had done a complete switch and Zenith climbed right to the top for me. His growth arc throughout this story is on another level. I felt like I was there in those battle scenes & in the more heartwarming scenes. This is everything I hoped it would be and more, I was finding myself putting the book down for a break but immediately picking it back up again because I needed to know what happened next.

I am really excited to see what happens in Book 2 because Book 1 is a gazillion star rating for me if I could do so. It turned out to be the breath of fresh air I needed from an epic fantasy and this will be a story that lives rent free in my mind for a long time! 🖤

[Millie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest… fantasy is not my usual chosen topic that I read but I thought ‘why not, it won’t hurt’. So I chose to pick up this book written by such a genuinely kind author, and as much as it felt odd for me at times to read a new genre I am not familiar with I ultimately ended up enjoying this book. Not only for the whole plot and story overall but for the quality the book has been written too. I can tell from a reader standpoint and from a writer one that this is a book that has a lot of love, time and effort that has been poured into it. A.D Stevens is great in his writing, it has great details and the action scenes are written wonderfully.
I would 1000% recommend this book to a friend!!

- Millie Jean

[Ryan-Lee Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the Novella based around Lemma I was very excited to read more of this world and story and I can say it did not disappoint me at all! The story is amazing, like the Novella there’s a perfect amount of action, emotion and comedy mixed together! A very enjoyable read leading to me staying up later than usual most nights to read more!
I am very much looking forward to and excited for the sequel of 2K1T to come out this year!

Thank you for an amazing story and world Andy!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you like...
* Mythical characters?
* Epic quest journeys?
* Slow-burns that are closed door?
* Animal companions?
* Fantasy prophecies?
* Humorous scenes that will have you giggling at the page?
If so, then you will enjoy this fantasy read.

Zenith (MMC) & Lemma's (MFC) relationship is most definitely a sub-plot giving the characters more depth as it focus's on their emotional connection, however, if you are one who loves spice the author has been very clever with creative wording that leaves the reader can conjure up certain scenarios! Then you have the supporting characters, for me the note-worthy ones have to be Rath & Cathal who brought some fun & humour to the narrative which softened the tone of the book, creating a great balance.

The world building is detailed giving the escapism you want in a fantasy book - as they travelled throughout their quest I really got flavours of the world in 'His Dark Materials'. However, there are influences from a multitude of areas - Celtic / oldy worldly flavours in the language used by characters, to Far Eastern vibes surrounding the mythical creatures who roam the world.

Like the prequel novella, this book had fabulous fight scenes, which are fast paced & action packed, some of which did surprise me as they were more graphic than I had expected! which was excellent as for me, as details like these give fantasy novels more depth & relatability to the reader.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I did do the fully immersive reading the physical book along with the audio which always adds another dimension to the reading experience & would thoroughly recommend it.

[Saoirse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two King's, One Throne lays the foundations for an epic fantasy saga that promises to keep getting better.

The ebook suffers from needing re-edited for grammar and spelling but the errors are sparse enough to not overly detract from the story.

The characters have a tendency to almost presciently know things and have immediate solutions, but that is generally the nature of divinely chosen prophetic heroes.

Now for the good stuff! The characters are consistent and well thought out. You have Zenith, the farm boy with a magic sword and a throne thrust upon him, reminiscent of King Arthur but with more extreme pets. Lemma is the warrior princess with a soft heart and a disregard for the confines of the royal protocol. Cathal rounds out the trio, a juxtaposition of a battle hardened general and a naive soul in a brand new world to him that often leads to hilarity.

These three are thrust into a sprawling quest to regain a stolen throne, fulfil a prophecy and above all try to save as many people as they can and redeem those they cannot.

If you are a fan of The Wheel of Time you should definitely give this book a chance. It is faster paced and not mired down in politics but still retains the charm.

Definitely going to read the prequel novella and eagerly anticipate the sequel!

[Lucy Brighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jade Pandora: Two Kings, One Throne by Andy, a fellow TikTok indie author, is an impressive debut that showcases remarkable attention to detail and a strong command of world-building. The story is rich with vivid descriptions, immersive settings, and well-paced action sequences that capture the grandeur of high fantasy. Zenith and Lemma’s evolving relationship provides emotional depth, while supporting characters such as Cathal and Rath bring balance, humour, and warmth to the narrative. Written in third person, the novel allows for a broad and cinematic perspective, enhancing the scope of the story. From its striking cover and map design to its carefully crafted plot, this is a well-executed and engaging read that highlights Andy’s promise as an emerging voice in fantasy fiction.

[Amy Maunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a incredible book. Wow Author A.D.Steven what a incredible talented author you are. I highly enjoyed the story so very much and adore Lemma and Zenith so very much. I am very much speechless how incredible this book really is. I can't wait for book two in the nearly future. I highly recommend everyone reads this book today. Enjoy!. 9.5 out of 10 experience. Simply remarkable.

[Tracy Herring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to be taken on a mystical adventure,a power of the gods given to three,magical creatures,friendship love and loyalty,then this book is for you.With each turn of the page you are taken along their journys as if you were there.Different povs provide the historys you need to know.A beautifully told tale.