Two Royal Foes

"Two Royal Foes" by Eva Annie Madden is a historical fiction set during the Napoleonic Wars, introducing us to a young girl named Bettina and her grandfather, Hans, as war with Napoleon's French army approaches. The story explores war, family ties, and courage against the backdrop of German history. Bettina and her grandfather journey through the dangerous forest to visit her godmother in Jena, the child's innocence sharply contrasting with the growing threat of war, especially when they meet a French officer and hear tales of Napoleon. The tone is set with uncertainty as the family prepares for the impact of war on their lives, but it also highlights the warmth and familial bond amid rising tensions due to the impending war. Her grandfather fills her with stories of battles of the past, instilling in Bettina the hope of a brighter more peaceful future after triumph against their foes.