Rating: 
Summary: A wonderfully rich story
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Triumphant beginning
Review: As you move through the world of Urdin, you can't help but be challenged to consider deeper meanings to issues. Mr. Parviaz's wonderfully developed characters keep the reader enthralled with the tale and the tapestry of the story is woven with threads of religious conflict, a man's loyalty and societal transformation. Hopefully, this book is only the beginning for the talented Mr. Parvaiz.
Rating:
Summary: Intriguing and fun.
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: An Impressive Novel - with some improvements possible
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: An Impressive Novel - with some improvements possible
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Novel
Review: I thought Urdin was very thought provoking and interesting. The author shows a great deal of insight into the human mind as well as the political situations people face on a daily basis. I was impressed and did not want the novel to end. Good work. Very pleased customer.
Rating:
Summary: Finally a novel that is deep and not self absorbed
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Finally a novel that is deep and not self absorbed
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A Modern Epic
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A Modern Epic
Review: 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.
|
