Tales of Khayaal: Book 1 - Aron
Set in the third epoch of the planet Ikleel, the arrival of a comet signifies the approach of the Final Standing, an apocalyptic end time when an ancient enemy of humanity, Mörtan, is set to return.
Zorar and his apprentice Alifa, both Grand Conduits of Nur, urgently prepare for the coming time along with other Nurani Conduits. Meanwhile, Arön, their home, has fallen under the control of the Syndicate, a sinister organisation seeking to plunder centuries of imperial wealth.
Cataclysymic events, a fracturing of society, a loss of what was sacred, will all beg the question - what does it mean to be human in a time of relentless techno-scientific change?
Tales of Khayaal
Rehan is author of the recently released novel Tales of Khayaal. Watch him discuss the story and creative process with his co-creator, Peter Gould. The novel invites readers into a realm where imagination meets reflection, tracing the soul’s search for meaning in the third epoch on the fictional planet Ikleel.
Characters
What Readers Say
In Tales of Khayaal, Assassin’s Creed meets Dune and The Lord of the Rings . Embark on an exciting spiritual adventure in fantastic lands inspired by Islamic history and cultures! Rehan Khan and Peter Gould are masterful storytellers and world builders.
Tales of Khayaal is sensational. There is so much symbolism and metaphor: the dichotomy of traditionalism versus modernity, the eloquent explanation of mystical traditions, tariqahs, and the embodiment of Divinity. Many hidden mystical messages—and techniques—throughout. It was such a joy to read and it brought me back to my youth, reading fantastical stories of good versus evil. But, also a reminder of the spiritual struggle that we all face as we traverse ephemerality of life. Absolutely phenomenal story and excited to read the next book.
Tales of Khayaal is an absolute epic read! The plot is amazing and kept me guessing and completely hooked from start to finish. The best part is how the story embedded key concepts from Islamic spirituality and cosmology in a beautiful way, all presented through compelling fiction. Incredible work! Can’t wait for Book 2 and hope to see this as a movie one day!!
Tales of Khaayal is one of the best fantasy novels I’ve ever read. Rehan Khan takes us through a riveting spiritual journey through a world inspired by history, reflecting contemporary issues, and imagining the future. Many profound layers and themes draw the reader deeper into the story: the clash of civilizations, the struggle between the forces of good and evil, the importance of self-cultivation and honing one’s skills to better serve humanity, and many other themes that are relevant to this day and age. I have read several of Rehan Khan’s books and absolutely loved them, but I must say that this one is my favorite. I highly recommend this book!
I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading Tales of Khayaal since I don’t usually read fantasy, but I was pleasantly surprised — I was blown away! Rehan's trademark world-building and masterful storytelling shine through once again, creating a rich and captivating narrative. The Islamic-inspired concepts added depth and familiarity, making the story even more relatable and unique. By the end, I was fully immersed and didn’t want the journey to end. I can’t wait to see what’s next for these characters and to explore more of this world in future books
Tales of Khayaal is an amazing blend of Star Wars, Dune and Lord of the Rings with a uniquely Islamic feel to it. The world building is nothing short of incredible— weaving international politics, religion and eschatology into a sci-fi pre-industrial world. The cast of characters is vast, exploring themes of forbidden love (a favorite of author Rehan Khan), moral awakening, and the role of loyalty as both a positive and negative force. Much of the setting echoes our own colonial history, and as a history buff, I enjoyed the allusions. I can’t wait to see how this saga unfolds!
Novels Collection
Browse through Rehan’s collection of novels.
