The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O.

By: Neal Stephenson & Nicole Galland

Suitable age: 14 and above

Written by Neal Stephenson and Nicole Galland, The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. is narrated by Harvard linguist professor Melisande Stokes. The novel begins in 1851 England, where Melisande explains in her diachronicle how she ended up 160 years before present time. Her gripping journey initiated in that time zone after meeting the government agent, Tristan Lyons. They collaborated to bring to life D.O.D.O. (Department of Diachronic Operations), whose mission was to use time travel in order to prevent the departure of magic.

The plot is very interesting and humorous. Time travels brought historical figures to the present and enabled the readers to visit historical moments such as the Fourth Crusade. It was hysterical, factual and entertaining. Although the story is mainly about magic, you may consider that this is a fantasy novel. However, I would think otherwise and classify this book as a science fiction. Highly recommended for lovers of sci-fi and history books, although it is no where near perfection as the beginning was very sudden and the end was not very concluding.

3.5 Elliot Stars (out of 5)