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Tales of Khayaal: Book 1 – Aron
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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?
BOOK DETAILS
Publisher : Uhibbook Publishing
Publication date : September 26, 2025
Language : English
Print length : 366 pages
ISBN-10 : 9948684737
ISBN-13 : 978-9948684732
Item Weight : 15.5 ounces
Dimensions : 6 x 0.91 x 9 inches
Reviews:
“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 worldbuilders.””
– Professor Jörg Matthias Determann, Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar and author of Islam, Science Fiction and Extraterrestrial Life.
“An epic read!”
“It 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.”
– Sohale Sizar, Founder of Soul
“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!!”
– Mohammed Faris, Author of “The Barakah Effect” & “The Productive Muslim”
“Tales of Khayaal" is yet another pioneering example of creative fiction from its author. Except this time, he takes us into a parallel imaginative realm full of spiritual symbolism and deep meaning. The story "threads" together seemingly diverse themes such as the destruction of local crafts and economies in the face of imperialist ambitions, spirituality and its corrupted shadow, romance versus egoic infatuation, architecture and plenty more. Those with a penchant for Islamic metaphysics will not miss the reference to "conduits drawing from source" and the role of the isthmus in opening up its travelers to higher layers of ascending light alongside descending layers of darkness. Overall, this offering shows potential to be the start of a timeless classic, we await with bated breath to see where author's khayaal will take us next.”
- Dr Yusuf Jha, Specialist in Religious Sciences and Translator of Religious Texts
“Over the years, I followed many superhero stories. Almost all of them, one way or another, talk about the triumph of good over evil, however, in a “light touch” and some may address cultural and societal issues. What makes Tales of Khayal stand out is that it addresses culture, society, spirit, economy, good, and evil, in an easily recognizable emphasis, making the readers contemplate and challenge themselves, while at the same time keeping the story line entertaining and exciting. That is not an easy task! Congratulations on a job well done!”“
- Dr Qais Mekki
“Tales of Khayaal is a well-written, gripping novel that blends adventure, history, and strong characters into a story that’s both exciting and easy to get lost in. Set in a vivid Islamic historical world that is brought to life with rich detail and energy. The historical setting isn’t just a backdrop - it adds real texture to the story, giving it weight and authenticity. The writing is smooth and immersive - I could easily picture every scene, from ancient cities to secretive nighttime escapes. It reads almost like a movie, pulling you straight into the action. The story moves at a great pace, keeping you hooked from start to finish without ever dragging.One of the biggest highlights of Tales of Khayaal is the many strong characters. They’re bold, smart, and none of them are ever sidelined - actively shaping the story rather than being part of the background. It’s refreshing to see each character written with so much depth and purpose. The plot is packed with adventure and tension, with twists that kept me guessing. It’s thrilling without being over-the-top, and there’s always something happening that kept me invested. Overall, it is a fun, adventurous read with heart. If you enjoy historical fiction with a fast-moving plot, strong female characters, and adventure, you’ll love this!”
- Aqsa Khan, Director Advertising & Marketing
“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!“
- David Williamson, Executive Producer, CEO, AudioIlm
“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.“
- Dr Lamya Tawfik, Certified Kids Life Coach
“Tales of Khayal 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!“
- Mostafa Allam, author of Daydreaming in Cairo, What These Eyes Have Seen, and The Young Man & the Sea
