Title: Rise of the Boy King
Subtitle: Lost in Time (Beings within the Myth)
Author: A. K. Solimov
Publisher: XlibrisNZ
ISBN: 978149909946
Pages: 216
Genre: Fantasy / Young Adult
Reviewed by: Jake Bishop
There is a fine line between fiction and what is known as young adult fiction. Generally, young adult fiction features young adults in primary roles. However, that does not exclude the possibility that adults might enjoy an engaging story of young people as well – and that is certainly the case with A.K. Solimov’s rousing adventure, Rise of the Boy King. In this intoxicating yarn, time travel is the vehicle that whisks readers into history made exciting, contemporary events made compelling, and the promise of the future made exhilarating.
The initial setting is New Zealand in present day. Two young friends, Sebastian and Dominic, along with Sebastian’s dog Ash, disobey their parents (as young boys often do). They’ve been told to stay away from the strange crop circle which has mysteriously appeared near their homes. Their curiosity gets the better of them, and before they know it their visit to this potentially alien phenomenon winds up transporting them to ancient Egypt, circa 1333 BCE. Landing in different parts of the country, they all experience wild adventures before eventually uniting and being collectively thrust into palace intrigue, temporary imprisonment, even all out war as Tutankhamen seeks to take his rightful place on the throne.
As the boy’s struggle to survive in ancient times, their families are fraught with worry over the youngster’s disappearance. The parents blame themselves. An older sibling finds a potential clue. A grandparent converses with Sebastian telepathically. And as is often the case, authorities begin to wonder if the families themselves are responsible for whatever has happened to the lads.
Solimov is an accomplished writer and storyteller. Her prose is outstanding whether she’s describing flying through a black hole to another place and time, or vividly recreating the world of the Pharaohs and their antiquated, yet intellectually progressive societies. From sun-parched deserts, to crowded cities, to dehumanizing dungeons, she makes you see, smell, and feel the world as it existed over three thousand years ago. Her dialogue also rings with the bell of real conversation, especially between the two youngsters at the heart of this amazing adventure.
Like the best of authors, Solimov leaves you wanting more. Being a savvy scribe, she seemingly wraps up this tale by leaving clues for the next. The promise of the continued exploits of Sebastian, Dominic, and Ash are dangled teasingly in the upcoming War of the Gods. If it’s as entertaining as this first installment, adults both young and old are in for quite a lively ride.
