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TWO KINGS AND TWO POPES
In the kingdom of Naples, between 1300 and 1400, Raimondello is the youngest son of count Orsini. His father has planned a clerical career for him, but the boy is madly in love with a girl destined to become a countess and refuses to accept a fate he does not want. He is helped by Raimondo del Balzo, his grandmother's brother and grand chamberlain of the kingdom. The great-uncle, who has no children, solves all his problems by naming him as his successor. The only condition to inherit his fortune is that Raimondello adds his benefactor's surname to his own. But things do not go according to plan, and the boy is forced to leave as a squire for the northern crusades, without even a final farewell to his beloved.
Inspired by the life of Raimondello Orsini Del Balzo, it is a story of love, friendship, betrayal, family conflicts, and adventurous battles. There is also room for incursions into the world of the teutonic knighthood and the mysteries of the Holy Grail. All this, against the historical backdrop of the dispute between two kings claiming the throne of Naples and the western Schism, with a Catholic Church governed simultaneously by two popes in conflict with each other. An ancient story but with many curious analogies with contemporary times.
This second volume begins after Raimondo's return to the Kingdom of Naples, invested with the title of knight and having become the Count of Soleto, and narrates his new exploits and triumphant rise. Will Raimondo succeed in freeing the Pope of Rome from the clutches of the King of Naples who wants him dead? And what is the secret of the last templar? If you want to discover the hidden social message between the lines of this adventurous saga, read the second part.
Inspired by the life of Raimondello Orsini Del Balzo, it is a story of love, friendship, betrayal, family conflicts, and adventurous battles. There is also room for incursions into the world of the teutonic knighthood and the mysteries of the Holy Grail. All this, against the historical backdrop of the dispute between two kings claiming the throne of Naples and the western Schism, with a Catholic Church governed simultaneously by two popes in conflict with each other. An ancient story but with many curious analogies with contemporary times.
This second volume begins after Raimondo's return to the Kingdom of Naples, invested with the title of knight and having become the Count of Soleto, and narrates his new exploits and triumphant rise. Will Raimondo succeed in freeing the Pope of Rome from the clutches of the King of Naples who wants him dead? And what is the secret of the last templar? If you want to discover the hidden social message between the lines of this adventurous saga, read the second part.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2025
About the author
Antonio Chirico
7 books5 followersAntonio Chirico is a lawyer and lives in Lecce. He spent his childhood in Torre Santa Susanna, in the province of Brindisi. This is his third novel.
His first book, "Ramondo lo scudiero," was published in June 2021. Inspired by the real-life Raimondello Orsini del Balzo, it consistently ranked first in the Amazon rankings for "Medieval Comedies and Dramas" and "Medieval Historical Fiction for Children and Adolescents."
His second novel, "Chi non ama il proprio fratello," was published in April 2024 by Castelvecchi.
"You Shall Not Have Another Woman Before Me," published by Readaction (also part of the Lit group, which includes Castelvecchi), is her third novel and was:
- Finalist in the Argentario National Literary Competition & Caravaggio Prize 2025 – 9th Edition, Section A - PUBLISHED HISTORICAL FICTION
- Finalist in the Mario Luzi International Prize 20th Edition – 2024/2025, Section VI – "Premio Italia" (PUBLISHED FICTION)
Antonio Chirico è avvocato e risiede a Lecce. Ha vissuto l’infanzia a Torre Santa Susanna, in provincia di Brindisi. È al suo terzo romanzo.
Risale al giugno del 2021 il suo primo libro, “Ramondo lo scudiero”, ispirato alla figura realmente esistita di Raimondello Orsini del Balzo, risultato stabilmente al primo posto nella classifica Amazon categorie “Commedie e drammi medievali” e “Narrativa storica medievale per ragazzi e adolescenti”.
Il secondo romanzo si intitola “Chi non ama il proprio fratello”, pubblicato nell’aprile 2024 da Castelvecchi.
“Non avrai altra donna all’infuori di me”, pubblicato da Readaction (sempre appartenente al gruppo Lit, di cui fa parte Castelvecchi) è il suo terzo romanzo ed è risultato:
- Finalista al Concorso Letterario Nazionale Argentario & Premio Caravaggio 2025 – IX Edizione sezione A - NARRATIVA EDITA STORICA
- Finalista al Premio Internazionale Mario Luzi XX Edizione – 2024/2025 sezione VI – “Premio Italia” (NARRATIVA EDITA)
His first book, "Ramondo lo scudiero," was published in June 2021. Inspired by the real-life Raimondello Orsini del Balzo, it consistently ranked first in the Amazon rankings for "Medieval Comedies and Dramas" and "Medieval Historical Fiction for Children and Adolescents."
His second novel, "Chi non ama il proprio fratello," was published in April 2024 by Castelvecchi.
"You Shall Not Have Another Woman Before Me," published by Readaction (also part of the Lit group, which includes Castelvecchi), is her third novel and was:
- Finalist in the Argentario National Literary Competition & Caravaggio Prize 2025 – 9th Edition, Section A - PUBLISHED HISTORICAL FICTION
- Finalist in the Mario Luzi International Prize 20th Edition – 2024/2025, Section VI – "Premio Italia" (PUBLISHED FICTION)
Antonio Chirico è avvocato e risiede a Lecce. Ha vissuto l’infanzia a Torre Santa Susanna, in provincia di Brindisi. È al suo terzo romanzo.
Risale al giugno del 2021 il suo primo libro, “Ramondo lo scudiero”, ispirato alla figura realmente esistita di Raimondello Orsini del Balzo, risultato stabilmente al primo posto nella classifica Amazon categorie “Commedie e drammi medievali” e “Narrativa storica medievale per ragazzi e adolescenti”.
Il secondo romanzo si intitola “Chi non ama il proprio fratello”, pubblicato nell’aprile 2024 da Castelvecchi.
“Non avrai altra donna all’infuori di me”, pubblicato da Readaction (sempre appartenente al gruppo Lit, di cui fa parte Castelvecchi) è il suo terzo romanzo ed è risultato:
- Finalista al Concorso Letterario Nazionale Argentario & Premio Caravaggio 2025 – IX Edizione sezione A - NARRATIVA EDITA STORICA
- Finalista al Premio Internazionale Mario Luzi XX Edizione – 2024/2025 sezione VI – “Premio Italia” (NARRATIVA EDITA)
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 1, 2025
Two Kings and Two Popes by Antonio Chirico is a masterful continuation of his historical fiction series centered on Raimondello Orsini del Balzo. In this second installment, Chirico once again proves himself to be both a meticulous historian and a gifted storyteller.
Set during the turmoil of the 14th-century Western Great Schism—when rival bishops in Avignon and Rome each claimed to be the true pope—the novel captures the political and spiritual chaos of a world divided. Chirico’s scholarship shines through every page; the power struggles between the papal courts and the sovereign kings of Europe are rendered with clarity, depth, and a command of historical detail. Yet, despite the complexity of the era, the prose remains wonderfully accessible and compelling.
What makes this novel stand out is Chirico’s ability to marry authenticity with adventure. Raimondo and his companions navigate not only the grand sweep of history but also personal trials, daring exploits, and moments of genuine camaraderie. The blend of intrigue, action, and humor keeps the story vibrant and human—reminding us that even amid political machinations, laughter and friendship endure.
Chirico’s deft hand at balancing research with characterization makes Two Kings and Two Popes a delight to read. Fans of historical fiction will be captivated, and newcomers to Raimondo’s saga will surely be inspired to seek out the first volume. This is historical storytelling at its best—immersive, intelligent, and unexpectedly fun.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at
www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
Set during the turmoil of the 14th-century Western Great Schism—when rival bishops in Avignon and Rome each claimed to be the true pope—the novel captures the political and spiritual chaos of a world divided. Chirico’s scholarship shines through every page; the power struggles between the papal courts and the sovereign kings of Europe are rendered with clarity, depth, and a command of historical detail. Yet, despite the complexity of the era, the prose remains wonderfully accessible and compelling.
What makes this novel stand out is Chirico’s ability to marry authenticity with adventure. Raimondo and his companions navigate not only the grand sweep of history but also personal trials, daring exploits, and moments of genuine camaraderie. The blend of intrigue, action, and humor keeps the story vibrant and human—reminding us that even amid political machinations, laughter and friendship endure.
Chirico’s deft hand at balancing research with characterization makes Two Kings and Two Popes a delight to read. Fans of historical fiction will be captivated, and newcomers to Raimondo’s saga will surely be inspired to seek out the first volume. This is historical storytelling at its best—immersive, intelligent, and unexpectedly fun.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at
www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
December 30, 2025
Antonio Chirico’s “TWO KINGS AND TWO POPES (The Adventurous Story of RAIMONDELLO ORSINI DEL BALZO Book 2)” completes the story begun in the author’s first book, “RAIMONDO THE SQUIRE.” This sequel finds Raimondo returning as a knight from the northern crusades to the Kingdom of Naples and becoming the Count of Soleto.
As he does, King Luigi and King Carlo III are both claiming the throne of Naples, and Pope Urban VI and Pope Clement VII are both trying to rule the Catholic Church in the aftermath of the Church’s Schism. King Carlo III wants Pope Urban VI dead, and Raimondo finds himself in the middle of their conflict.
What follows are even more historical curiosities. Perhaps the most intriguing is the Holy Grail, and characters discussing what it is and where it is.
Author Chirico has given readers a well-written, thoroughly researched, and extremely interesting sequel that, as in his first book of the series, lends names and faces to one of history’s most celebrated periods. His characters show their true mettle as they move from one challenge to another on their individual and collective ways toward the ending of this formidable piece of historical fiction.
As he does, King Luigi and King Carlo III are both claiming the throne of Naples, and Pope Urban VI and Pope Clement VII are both trying to rule the Catholic Church in the aftermath of the Church’s Schism. King Carlo III wants Pope Urban VI dead, and Raimondo finds himself in the middle of their conflict.
What follows are even more historical curiosities. Perhaps the most intriguing is the Holy Grail, and characters discussing what it is and where it is.
Author Chirico has given readers a well-written, thoroughly researched, and extremely interesting sequel that, as in his first book of the series, lends names and faces to one of history’s most celebrated periods. His characters show their true mettle as they move from one challenge to another on their individual and collective ways toward the ending of this formidable piece of historical fiction.
October 26, 2026
A medieval historical adventure set in 14th-century Italy, following Raimondello Orsini del Balzo as he returns from the northern Crusades as a knight and rises to become the Count of Soleto. Caught amid a fierce struggle between two rival kings claiming the throne of Naples and two competing popes during the Western Schism, Raimondello must navigate political intrigue, betrayal, personal loyalties, and dangerous battles. Blending historical events with themes of love, friendship, faith, and the mysteries of the Holy Grail, Chirico delivers an engaging tale of medieval power struggles and adventure.
An interesting historical novel with plenty of medieval intrigue, political conflict, and religious drama. I enjoyed the historical setting and the story’s mix of kings, popes, knights, and power struggles. However, at times the narrative felt a bit complicated, and I found it difficult to stay fully engaged with the numerous characters and plot. Overall, it’s a decent read for fans of medieval history, though it didn’t quite have the pacing or storytelling to make it a standout for me.
An interesting historical novel with plenty of medieval intrigue, political conflict, and religious drama. I enjoyed the historical setting and the story’s mix of kings, popes, knights, and power struggles. However, at times the narrative felt a bit complicated, and I found it difficult to stay fully engaged with the numerous characters and plot. Overall, it’s a decent read for fans of medieval history, though it didn’t quite have the pacing or storytelling to make it a standout for me.
November 4, 2025
Having previously read Antonio Chirico’s Raimondo the Squire, I was eager to dive into Two Kings and Two Popes as well. In this novel, the author skillfully portrays the new chapter that begins with Raimondo’s return, blending historical events, political tensions, and a deeply personal journey into a rich and immersive narrative. The complex nature of the era, paired with themes of faith, power struggles, loyalty, and perseverance, results in a story that is both engaging and layered. I believe it offers a compelling reading experience for those who enjoy historical fiction and appreciate following meaningful character development throughout a story.
October 31, 2025
I love history and reading. One of my favorite things is when an author writes so well that you feel like you’re inside the story. Antonio Chirico does exactly that with this novel. The worldbuilding is fantastic. He brings history to life so vividly that I felt pulled right into the book. Two Kings and Two Popes took me straight to the 14th century from the first page.
I also enjoyed the little humor sprinkled throughout. “Make way. Make way, damn it. Make way for the great captain” made me laugh.
The only issue I would change is that some paragraphs are extremely long. Otherwise, 10/10.
I also enjoyed the little humor sprinkled throughout. “Make way. Make way, damn it. Make way for the great captain” made me laugh.
The only issue I would change is that some paragraphs are extremely long. Otherwise, 10/10.
October 20, 2025
Two Kings and Two Popes is an extraordinary historical novel that swept me straight into 14th-century Naples. Antonio Chirico brings history to life with such depth that you can almost smell the medieval streets and hear the clash of swords. Raimondello’s struggle between love and duty made me reflect on how fate can twist even the best-laid plans. I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves history mixed with passion and adventure.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews