[This review is long, long overdue. I received a copy of S. D. McPhail's debut novel some time ago and I hope she'll accept my abject apologies for not delivering this review sooner.]
Treasures of Dodrazeb: The Origin Key is a science-fantasy set in ancient Persia. It follows prince Rasteem, on the trail of a mysterious warlord called The Viper. He follows the trail of this rebel to the city of Dodrazeb, a hidden land full of wondrous art and knowledge. Now Rasteem must uncover the secrets of Dodrazeb and defend both the hidden city and the Persian Empire against The Viper's plots.
If I did not know from hearing the author discuss it herself, there is no way I would have known that this is a debut effort. The characters start as archetypes, but she keeps coloring them in with details until they finally come to life. Her writing is clear, the pacing brisk, and the dialogue very believable.
The best part is the setting. Many historical settings are modeled on Medieval, Greek, Roman, or even Egyptian civilizations, but very few have dealt with Ancient Persia. The very unfamiliarity lends an air of mystery to the tale. You can tell both from the book and from the author's other writings that she is very well versed in the history of this era.
Add to this fantastical elements that would feel at home in H.G. Wells or Jules Verne and you get an even more heightened sense of wonder.
The Origin Key is an excellent blend of action-adventure, palace intrigue, and mythic legend. I enjoyed reading it tremendously and look forward to future installments.
You can keep up with Susan at her blog.
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