Michael Crichton was an expert storyteller, a man whose love for stories have far outlived him. One of the stories he is most known for was Jurassic Park. It examined man’s search for ingenuity while clinging to history. Of course, if your education in Crichton started and stopped with that infamous story about Dinosaurs you are seriously missing out on a brilliant mind and storyteller.

Crichton’s fascination with technology found new and innovative ways to stretch into the world. With his book Disclosure he combined technology with gender politics. One of my favorite books of his was 13^th Warrior which told of a man whose lust for a woman gets him banished to a different part of the world. It showed us just how similar we all were despite where we came from. In Adventures In The Empire: The Caliph’s Gift we meet two young upstarts looking for a way forward.

We are taken to 1621 Amsterdam, where we meet Mathias, a young clerk whose keen instincts guide a delicate treaty, an act which draws him detractors. It also draws him, surpassing allies, one of them being the Vezier Sokkolu, one whom sees the potential he holds. As Mathias’ ambition outgrows his employer, he strikes out on his own, which only harkens death and betrayal to his feet. By issue’s end, a gift given to him Sokkolu reminds him of the coming storm and the serenity he must glory in now.

Overall, an engrossing debut which is both well developed and wholly character driven. The story by Tom Durwood is encompassing, intelligent, and layered. The art by Well-Bee is luminous and gorgeous. Altogether, a heightened experience of a read that will only elevate the reader.

Story: Tom Durwood Art: Well-Bee
Story: 10 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy