Urdin [Paperback]

Oz Parvaiz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 23, 2003

The Promised Land of Nanak, in the plains of Urdin, stands as a sole reminder of man's past. Ruled by a Judge and divided over an heir, the city of Nanak falls into a bloody war of succession. The war ends with a group of Nanakites defeated and exiled to the land of Shur. Fueled by religious prophecy about a savior and a return to the Promised Land, the exiled Nanakites hold fast to their belief of an inevitable homecoming. Yet, one thousand years pass and the prophecy remains unfulfilled. Shur develops into a city controlled by two opposing ruling bodies: a dominant theocratic council led by the Elders and a renegade secret guild of protectors led by the anti-religious Joshua. Undercut by Joshua's efforts to weaken the grip of the Temple, the Elders are blessed with a miracle in the form of lost scriptures. The ancient writings proclaim Joshua's closest friend, an influential councilman, as Shur's savior, which reignites religious fervor. Obliged by friendship, yet understanding the need for social reform, Joshua finds himself torn between his loyalty and his convictions. On his actions hinge the fate of a people who have been waiting one thousand years for a return to the Promised Land.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Oz Parvaiz was born in Indonesia and lived in Pakistan before his family immigrated to the U.S. Oz wrote Urdin while attending the College of William and Mary. The religious and mythological concepts in the novel are crafted from research conducted during his years in school. Currently he lives in Richmond, Virginia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 194 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (November 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595289231
• ISBN-13: 978-0595289233
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,952,375 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing and fun., March 24, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Urdin (Paperback)

I enjoyed reading Urdin on many levels. Firstly, it provided my mind with an intriguing story that the author - Parvaiz, unfolds articulately and at a fast pace. Secondly, Parvaiz' effective use of imagery transported me into the rich world of Urdin. I felt that I experienced the events first hand! All I had to do was let my imagination run with the words. Furthermore, I enjoyed Parvaiz' use of symbolism which added yet another dimension to the book.
Wherase Urdin is of great entertainment value, it offers the reader with more than just fun filled pages. Woven into the intrigue and adventure of the book, are themes such as friendship, family, religion and politics - all gently touched upon in a way that is very pertinent to contemporary life. The story coaxed me to examine my thoughts about the world I live in.
I highly recommend Urdin and eagerly look forward to the next book by Parvaiz.

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderfully rich story, March 23, 2004

By 

Donald V. Hillbish (Richmond, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Urdin (Paperback)

A wonderfully versatile work! This book can be read for entertainment as Parvaiz takes you on an amazing journey with vivid details, or can be utilized to explore universal truths. The reader finds himself/herself in the center of an adventure so enthralling, you can't put it down. Upon closer examination, however, the reader discovers the author raising deep philosophical questions, encouraging the reader to engage in an internal dialogue with his/her beliefs. I thoroughly enjoyed the book! And would recommend it to anyone seeking an entertaining tale and/or thought-provoking work.

4.0 out of 5 stars A philosophically rich story, March 23, 2004

By 

Donald V. Hillbish (Richmond, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Urdin (Paperback)

A wonderfully versatile work! This book can be read for entertainment as Parvaiz takes you on an amazing journey with vivid details, or can be utilized to explore universal truths. The reader finds himself/herself in the center of an adventure so enthralling, you can't put it down. Upon closer examination, however, the reader discovers the author raising deep philosophical questions, encouraging the reader to engage in an internal dialogue with his/her beliefs. I thoroughly enjoyed the book! And would recommend it to anyone seeking an entertaining tale and/or thought-provoking work.