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The year is 1875 in California. Bob and Bill Larsen have just witnessed a horrific crime. The fourteen-year-old twins intend to find the Yuma prison convicts that took their parent's lives, even if it takes a lifetime. Thus, begins their journey of vengeance, but first they need to find a way to survive. After arduous traveling to Prescott, Arizona, the boys find help from Boyd Baxter, a local emporium proprietor, who brings them home to live and work on his enormous ranch. More troubles await them at the Baxter home, especially when Bob saves a wounded Yavapai girl.
Set in the times of the Old West, Dunaway's debut novel is as much a coming of age as it is for two brother's desire to bring closure in their lives. Written in third person, Dunaway has definitely created dynamic protagonist characters in Bob and Bill. Already toughened by the difficult lifestyle of that time period, the boys still have more challenges to face as they grow up. Balancing the conflicts that befall them, Dunaway includes a small but interesting cast of antagonists, such as the constantly nagging Gwen and the Baxter's ranch hands. His mix of characters and frequent unhackneyed situations keeps his narrative fresh and moving. The author or a handful of unpublished books, Dunaway states, "I challenged myself to write a western and found it rather simple with a little research." Two Brothers indeed reflects this goal. Earmarked for adults, it is also appropriate for young adult readers.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review