Thorn Heart

In 2285 it would be exactly two hundred years since the Mountain and the Valley Kingdoms had been created. It had taken time and many errors, even when everyone did their best to avoid the mistakes of the past that had led to destruction of life.

The human world was destroyed. Technology was gone, electricity and running water were no more, whole cities had been obliterated, and food supply was scarce. The survivors awoke to a new world where humans once more were weak and defenseless, stripped of their protective towns and comforts, tools and weapons, machinery and cars. The food chain was no longer what humans had created and believed, but it reverted to how it had been before they took over the world. All they had left now was their common sense and the will to survive in this post-apocalyptic world.
They knew their place.
They knew that they could not repeat past mistakes.
Never again.

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Two kingdoms, opposed in philosophy and action

The Mountain Kingdom is a place of peace and respect for all sentient beings. The Valley Kingdom clings to the old destructive ways.
Special talents such as animal speech, top speed, and other superhuman attributes are honed and revered in the Mountains, but non-existent in the Valley.
Luna, a young noblewoman with the talent of animal speech, and Prince Storm of the Mountain are betrothed, and nothing seems to stand in the way of their arranged marriage. Storm is a good man and Luna needs an escape from her abusive home.
Bluntax, the Valley king, has long desired everything the Mountain Kingdom possesses, and the upcoming royal wedding between Luna and Storm might be just what he needs to provoke the Mountain Kingdom into a battle they cannot win. His son, Thorn, is his strongest asset and the only man who can help him succeed.
The Mountain Kingdom is unprepared for the threats from the Valley, but when Thorn meets Luna, events are set in motion, forcing them both to make decisions that could change their fates forever.
While human and animal refugees seek shelter in the Mountains to flee the terrors of the Valley, King Bluntax prepares for war.
Thorn finds his destiny intrinsically linked to Luna and he must decide. Will he betray her and help his father achieve victory or will he forsake his family and stand by the woman who is also engaged to his rival?