Driven by an unslakable desire to kill and conquer, the black-feathered magpies-aided by their brutish cousins, the crows-have hunted down and slaughtered countless species of smaller birds into extinction. Led by the malevolent, power-mad Slyekin and his sadistic assassin, Traska, a reign of terror has laid waste to the beauty and freedom that was once Birddom. Now, Slyekin is preparing to launch his final assault against all that was once pure, and proclaim his vile dominion.
To stop the gathering storm, Kirrick, a lone robin who witnessed the massacre of everything he loved, must undertake a journey beyond all reckoning. Through danger and deceit, Kirrick soars to all corners of the land, rallying those who would fight to save Birddom. From the proud might of the eagles, to the ancient wisdom of the owls, to the unlikeliest earthbound creatures, the allies of good must join together to oppose the shadowy menace that threatens them all-or fall from the sky forever.
In an epic conflict of bloodied beak and razor-sharp talon, of undaunted courage and unspeakable evil, of love, loyalty, and wings of honor, the battle for very soul of Birddom is about to begin.
This is a jewel of animal fantasy, with all the players being real birds, not anthropomorphic caricatures. -- Colleen Cahill, SFRevu
Cross Watership Down with Jonathan Livingston Seagull and readers will have some idea what the allegorical ONE FOR SORROW TWO FOR JOY is like. -- Harriet Klausner, The Best Reviews
While the novel may be deemed inappropriate by some parents of elementary-school-age children (there are a few brutally violent scenes, as well as a reference to a rape), there is no doubt that Woodall's wondrous novel will be remembered decades from now as a cherished tale filled with beloved characters and invaluable life lessons -- especially if Disney comes out with a big-budget animated motion picture. -- Paul Goat Allen, Barnes and Noble
One for Sorrow, Two for Joy is a commendable first novel, and I have no reservations in recommending it. However, the dialogue and character development are a bit weak, and it hardly belongs in the class of Watership Down. -- Mark Graham, Rocky Mountain News