Apr 8

Apr 8 Local dentist pens magical tale

From old relics to daring escapes, former West Davidson High School English teacher Daniel Siceloff describes Yuri and the Dragon Key as a coming-of-age fantasy story set in the future. The book, based in Yukon, Canada, centers around young protagonist Yuri Yountz.

The fictional Yuri used to enjoy taking old relics from a forbidden crash site. When he gets caught by a mysterious black-armored being, that all changes. In his struggle, Yuri escapes with a stolen key. Next, he must uncover the truth behind the Dragon Key while he travels through a land long-isolated by the Net.

Siceloff began working on the story up until September of 2019. He admitted it might be hard to believe he had an interest in writing a book.

“I despised reading when I was a kid! It wasn't until I was in eighth grade that I would actually read for pleasure,” said the Thomasville High School graduate. “I had some really good English teachers in high school who suggested great books that contributed to reading for fun. In college, I actually majored in English due to my profound love for literature.”

Siceloff went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1998. He chose the path in the medical profession and graduated from UNC School of Dentistry in 2010 with a DDS, Doctor of Dental Surgery. He currently owns a practice in Welcome.

His love of writing has grown throughout the years. “I originally started writing fiction in 2000. I wrote short stories mainly for myself, but then stopped in 2006 when I went back to school to become a dentist. I didn't start writing again until 2019, after my stepdaughter found some of my old short stories and suggested I start writing again. I actually ended up using some of the old characters I created in Yuri and the Dragon Key.”

The 230-page novel is filled with twists. “Ideas for Yuri and the Dragon Key came from a multitude of sources. An unforgettable trip to the Yukon in Canada is the perfect setting for a land that is grand and isolating,” Siceloff assured. “While I harvested some of my characters from old short stories I had written years ago, other characters came to me in dreams that I would quickly write down upon waking.”

This includes a tale inspired by a true story where Siceloff and his friends encountered a Sourtoe Cocktail with the main ingredient being a mummified human toe.

Since the story doesn't exactly fit into the genres of science fiction or fantasy, Siceloff has crafted his own subgenre.

“Powerpunk is a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates elements of power metal music. Fantasy stories set in a technologically-advanced future are fast-paced, lighthearted, and uplifting with dramatic finales. Their focus is on fantasy and mythology, camaraderie and hope, personal struggles and emotions, war and death, with no themes of religion or politics.

“Everyone who knows me knows of my passion for heavy metal music, specifically power metal, which I find to be very positive and uplifting. I actually blared power metal while writing to make sure I stayed focused. I learned of this technique from Stephen King's On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft book.”

Siceloff is already planning a sequel for the book. “I had hoped to become an author years ago, but hadn't really imagined that happening in over 20 years. Might I add, it was also a lot more difficult than I had envisioned,” Siceloff admitted.

It has received several glowing reviews including this from an Amazon customer in Feb: “Totally bought this on a whim from the cover art and the description, which seemed right up my alley...and it did not disappoint! It’s intriguing from the start and I found myself wanting to read on to see what happens to the main character, and where this rabbit hole goes. Only problem is now I’m invested, so here’s to hoping the next book in the series comes out soon.”

Yuri and the Dragon Key is available in hardback and paperback at www.barnesandnoble.com. The digital version can be found at both Amazon.com and the aforementioned www.barnesandnoble.com for less than a dollar.

Paperbacks may also be purchased at Top Hat Comics in Lexington.