Surena and the Coffin of Phoenix -Surena and the Bubble of Death
One of the most prolific Iranian authors for young adults has written Surena Trilogy. Moslem Naseri, with an PhD in history knows the realm of ancient mythology and he also knows his way around words and stories. He endeavors to create worlds beyond our world and invites his reader to join him on this adventurous ride through fantasy and imagination. One of the key elements of this series is its entanglement with history and picturesque scenery. Naseri graciously guides his readers through the unknown and help them relate to the characters, follow the flow of the narrative, and let their minds fly in this fantastical land of magic and sacrifice. Surena, the protagonist, must face three different journeys to reach his destination. In book one, this is a journey to get to know himself. In the second one, he seeks his father, and in the third, he returns to the land, faraway from himself and his father, explores different adventures. Surena Trilogy is the fruit of a decade long investigation and studies of Persian’s old mythologies, folk stories, verbal narratives, and traditional storytelling gatherings around Iran. The element of surprise is boldly woven into the fabric of the series. Young readers crave mythical stories and more importantly, book series. The fables and stories, yet Persian in nature, can be relatable to any reader anywhere, for those who love mysterious adventures, unexpected twists, and a touch of magic to brighten their imaginative minds. All three books start with a journey. The author narrates that in order to reach maturity, one must travel a lot and let the flows take control. Surena learns to not judge too quickly and it is a valuable lesson. In the first book, Surena learns about his abilities. In book two, a little bit deeper than the first, he goes to save his father, but must face the truth. He decides on taking revenge from his father and that is when he enters the world of shadows and darkness. The world of darkness polishes his soul and makes him a better person. He then reaches the realm behind the falls and gains the truth and nothing but the truth. In book three, he must face the bubble of death, made by others, and save the time, literally, from disruption.