LAST OF THE TASBURAI
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This was my first significant attempt to write and publish a novel. As a result, it took about four years, as I spent a lot of time figuring out the technicalities of how to construct a plot with multi- protagonists, and devising their unique character voices. The novel centres around one important theme, which is Aristotle’s ideas on seeking the Golden Mean - the desirable middle way where courage manifests itself as valour, thriving between two extremes, one of excess and the other of deficiency. The arc of the novel follows the Tasburai’s journey to return to the Golden Mean. I wanted to formulate a fictional world, Avantolia in this case, in which the Tasburai warriors were unwittingly caught up in a story of power, politics and war. To move the narrative forward I looked to build the tale around five main characters: Adan a Tasburai apprentice, Ylva a feisty young thief, Rikard an army captain, Elsta an ungrateful princess, and Suri-Yi a jaded and weary Tasburai grandmaster. Having spent years with the characters, I certainly grew very fond of them and hope you will as well.
FROM THE BACK COVER
‘We are the last of the Tasburai. We have to keep the faith.’
The kingdoms of Avantolia are in trouble but they don’t know it yet: war is brewing amongst them,while their ancient enemies, the Magrog demon-masters, are poised to invade.
The legendary Tasburai warriors once guarded the kingdoms, but now their elite order triggers more fear than respect. Grandmaster and elite sword-fighter Suri-Yi must come to terms with the ghosts of her past and find the courage to revive the Tasburai as a force for good, not a tool of persecution.
Along with her gifted but volatile apprentice Adan, she must rebel against the tyranny of her one-time masters and liberate the people from oppression. She and Adan must stop the Avanist Republic exporting revolution to the kingdoms and along the way come to the aid of a spoilt princess, a feisty young thief and an army captain with no self-belief.
Redemption for past evil calls – but it may have to wait until present evil is defeated. Time is running out..
BOOK DETAILS
ISBN-13: 978-1497471382
Publication Date: Jun 24 2014
REVIEWS
“Valour, vanity, vengeance” - The National
“A new superhero is born. An impressive mixture of time-tested fantasy and fresh additions” - Gulf News
“Khan’s flowing penmanship and savoir-faire give each character a unique feature and voice” -Bookfabulous
“A promising epic fantasy series, with diverse characters and a solid storyline” - Kirkus Indie Reviews
“All in all a speedy entertaining read, reverberating with engrossing deeper meaning” - Buzzing Tales
“Mythical and mystical read. The characters are well developed and it’s great to see a female lead written about sympathetically and with passion, some may see similarities with GOT, and other fantasy novels. Tasburai brings Viking, Greek, Japanese, Chinese and the undoubtedly Islamic traditions together, its mystical and mythical, a difficult feat to pull off. It’s evident that it’s about good versus evil and it’s a pleasure to say to the children that they can read it, as it is eminently suitable, can’t wait for the next instalment” – MoP (Amazon review)
“Elegant Twists on a Classic Adventure Tale. This is a captivating tale that blends the classic ingredients of high fantasy - a medieval setting, a humble hero of mysterious origins, demons at loose in the woods, an ominous secret prison - with fresh elements that satisfy the modern reader’s demands for emotional and cultural complexity: two convincing female warriors, a Shufi mystic, and a subtly presented moral quest. The emphasis on the spiritual qualities of martial arts reminded me of Steven Barnes’ Lion’s Blood, while I was fascinated to learn from a talk by the author that the Norse characters are based on the Rus’, Vikings who traded in Slavic lands, well-attested in Islamic histories. The writing style is crisp and dry, the plot elegant and swiftly moving, and the intriguing revelations coming thick and fast toward the end left me eager to read the sequel” - sevensisters007 (Amazon review).
“Intriguing, fast-paced, and well written. Hope to see more from the writer” – Miah (Amazon review).
“Lovely debut, original ideas. I loved this book, it’s rare to have a female hero written by a male author. With political intrigue which isn’t too deep for youths to understand and characters with mysterious backgrounds, I’m awaiting part II eagerly” – RAH (Amazon review).
“A very good read. An excellent fantasy adventure a mystical order, war intrigue adventure martial arts. All in one book amazing warriors fight descriptions awesome!!” - Al1186 (Amazon review).
“A brilliantly written and totally absorbing page-turner with great pace and twists and turns that kept me hooked to the end, which came way too soon. I can’t wait for the next book in the trilogy please please!” - Pete Challand (Amazon review)
“Easy to read and entertaining. Fantasy fiction lovers do not miss it” - Hana Woutersen (Amazon review).
“Really enjoyed the book, great play on the concept of what the world would be like if the best of us went rogue. Can’t wait for the next instalment” – StevenY (Amazon review).
“Loved the story and characters! Definitely worth the price and can’t wait to read what happens next in the series” - Robertskm1829 (Amazon review)
“The tale brings you to a different world but with everyday topics such as bravery, betrayal and friendship. I enjoyed reading this book, can’t wait for the sequel” - Stadt028 (Amazon review)