Customer Reviews

Urdin

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I was really impressed by how this novel deals with some really deep issues, yet keeps the story moving along at a rapid pace. I found myself thinking about philosophical ideas (God vs. No God), yet also found myself thoroughly engrossed in the happenings of the novel. The characters are wonderfully complex and occupy their world so convincingly that one can't help but feel sympathetic toward them.

Well done. Thanks for writing a novel on deep ideas without self indulging.

I enjoyed Urdin, and thought that the plot was very well laid out. The conflict between two friends from rival houses, sparked by ideological differences sets up the novel nicely and drives it toward a convincing and satisfying climax. The characters are also well developed, and through their thoughts, the reader is challenged to think and sometime question one's own reality. Joshua, the "protagonist," (depends on your religious beliefs) is one of the more complex and haunting characters I've come across in quite a while.

Yet, I felt that the author could have focused more on the details of this new world he's created. Urdin, the world, is believable, and created nicely (very visual), but there are details that the author chooses to ignore. As a Tolkien fan I hoped to learn more about the world, its origins etc. I wanted to see more about the Stymphalian birds, about the Kalabaash mountains and especially about the "beacon" city, Nanak. There is so much in this novel that the author could have focused on. I'd like to emphasise that there are no loop holes, just more opportunity. A part of me was glad that he chooses to focus on the plot and the characters, but a part of me was curious about the little details, as I've mentioned above.

Regardless, a fast paced novel, with deep themes, ideas, and a central conflict worthy of classic greek mythology. The final conflict, between the "modern," hero, Joshua, and the "classic" hero, Stone, is one not just between two men, but between two time periods - between traditionalism and modernism. Give it a look, if you're interested in mythology, philosophy, etc.

Urdin led my mind to a land where I had never been before, yet I recognized the familiar themes of religion, corruption, love and betrayal. Urdin disarms its reader with its simplistic writing but intricate themes in the many layers that are hidden behind each word. This book is certainly one that will leave a a strong imprint on the reader's mind. I hope the author revists this world in the future.

This novel was a quick read for me, it was a true page-turner. I did have a second read and found that there is more to this book then one may realize. You easily see Parvaiz's ability to indirectly discuss today's social issues. I would highly suggest a second read of this book. I looked for other books by Parvaiz and was astonished to find that this may be his first book published, absolutely outstanding. FIVE STARS!!!!!

This book was truly a pleasant surprise. Extremely visual in its description. The world of Urdin - the desert landscape, the ragged mountains, the rival cities etc, even though fantastical, feel real! Even though the plot is somewhat epic in proportion, its the characters and their motivations that drive the story. Most importantly, Parvaiz has created a completely compelling protagonist, in the mold of the modern tragic hero. If you enjoy the "hero's journey," I highly recommend it.

This is a nice read. A small book with big ideas. Probably the most complete novel I've read in long while.

Urdin is one of those unique novels that deals with deep philosophical issues, such as the existence of God, while engaging the reader in a breathtaking plot. The characters and the novel's climax are truly memorable.