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Uruk: A Novel of the First City
The first in an epic series inspired by ancient Mesopotamia, following a small band of misfits who found a new tribe and must best bloodthirsty neighbors before they can achieve their dream--the establishment of Uruk, the first city.
Ki, a member of a nomadic tribe, has figured out how to plant seeds to grow food and invented a dart-thrower, a new weapon that can kill from a distance. Labeled a witch, her sister is the only person who appreciates her genius. That is until Magog, a vicious warrior tribe, attacks, killing her entire family and enslaving her people. The Magog leader discovers Ki’s talent and takes her prisoner, wanting to exploit her knowledge for his own gains. Ki manages to escape down the river, but Jakka, the insecure and cruel son of the Magog leader, relentlessly pursues her, seeking to redeem himself to his father.
Ta has been exiled from his tribe with other unwanted members, his hand cut off for stealing food. When he steals again and is cast out of the small group, he fears he will die alone. Luck comes in the form of a man, woman, and her baby who have fled their tribe to be free of its rules. Hopeful for a new start and more freedom, they are headed toward the Euphrates River and invite Ta to join them. They discover Ki stranded during a storm, and Ta risks himself to save her. The misfits dare to dream of a new tribe that lives by a revolutionary new code, where everyone has a voice and the elderly and disabled are protected, not left to die. But Jakka is coming for them, and they'll need to pool all their talents to stop the Magog from advancing their reign of terror over the region.
Ki, a member of a nomadic tribe, has figured out how to plant seeds to grow food and invented a dart-thrower, a new weapon that can kill from a distance. Labeled a witch, her sister is the only person who appreciates her genius. That is until Magog, a vicious warrior tribe, attacks, killing her entire family and enslaving her people. The Magog leader discovers Ki’s talent and takes her prisoner, wanting to exploit her knowledge for his own gains. Ki manages to escape down the river, but Jakka, the insecure and cruel son of the Magog leader, relentlessly pursues her, seeking to redeem himself to his father.
Ta has been exiled from his tribe with other unwanted members, his hand cut off for stealing food. When he steals again and is cast out of the small group, he fears he will die alone. Luck comes in the form of a man, woman, and her baby who have fled their tribe to be free of its rules. Hopeful for a new start and more freedom, they are headed toward the Euphrates River and invite Ta to join them. They discover Ki stranded during a storm, and Ta risks himself to save her. The misfits dare to dream of a new tribe that lives by a revolutionary new code, where everyone has a voice and the elderly and disabled are protected, not left to die. But Jakka is coming for them, and they'll need to pool all their talents to stop the Magog from advancing their reign of terror over the region.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
510 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
9 people are currently reading
1014 people want to read
About the author
James Zwerneman
7 books27 followersJAMES ZWERNEMAN is an award-winning writer and illustrator living in North Naples, Florida. He studied creative writing at Johns Hopkins and earned his MFA in Fiction from UC Irvine. Upon graduation, he won the Henfield Award, a cash prize given to just five of the top MFA students in the nation. He also published his first story in One Story, one of America’s top literary journals.
After living in LA, he moved to Naples to write novels. He also writes and illustrates the children’s book series The Adventures of Ta and Boddington.
Visit Ta and Boddington at www.wigginspress.com
Visit James at www.jameszwerneman.com
After living in LA, he moved to Naples to write novels. He also writes and illustrates the children’s book series The Adventures of Ta and Boddington.
Visit Ta and Boddington at www.wigginspress.com
Visit James at www.jameszwerneman.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 3, 2025
Sometimes a book comes along. One you haven’t seen plastered all over your Instagram newsfeed. One whose author is new to you. It quietly finds its way to your shelf and you crack it open, unsure what you’ll find. What you find transports you to another time and place with writing that makes every detail come alive. It introduces you to a cast of characters that you never want to leave. Friends, if you have ever loved a book like this, this is that book for me. And I want it to land on your shelf, too.
“Uruk” is a fictional imagining of the seat of civilization. In its pages you’ll find war, ancient tradition, stunning innovation, a journey across a desert, hope, survival, and questions of identity and family. It is at once complex in story and theme, and yet so easy to consume 100 pages without blinking. In all my years of loving historical fiction, I’ve never read anything like it. It has the heart of a family drama, the pulsating pace of a thriller, and the imagination and worldbuilding of a fantasy. And it’s only the beginning! The cliff hanger at the end has me wanting to knock down James Zwerneman’s door begging for the next chapter.
“Uruk” is a fictional imagining of the seat of civilization. In its pages you’ll find war, ancient tradition, stunning innovation, a journey across a desert, hope, survival, and questions of identity and family. It is at once complex in story and theme, and yet so easy to consume 100 pages without blinking. In all my years of loving historical fiction, I’ve never read anything like it. It has the heart of a family drama, the pulsating pace of a thriller, and the imagination and worldbuilding of a fantasy. And it’s only the beginning! The cliff hanger at the end has me wanting to knock down James Zwerneman’s door begging for the next chapter.
November 4, 2025
I want to thank Books Forward Friends and James Zwerneman for this ARC (Advanced Reader Copy).
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to live in the ancient world of Mesopotamia? I love reading books that dive into things like this. Uruk by James Zwerneman is a novel that follows a group of outcasts that have decided to build their own city. Ki and Sargon are the main characters, both come from different areas and types of people. However, they, and a few others, find each other on the journey to find a safe place to live that will provide steady food and water. They have to battle other clans and settlements while also trying to overcome natural obstacles to achieve their goal.
This book was so well done! While Zwerneman did take some creative liberties to help relay the story, overall, I feel like he did a phenomenal job at portraying what life may have been like in the early days. The biggest difference is that he had a communal language that they could all use for communication purposes. We know that was not a thing, but it helps to keep confusion out of the story so that the reader can focus on the adventure itself. Otherwise, he just filled in the blanks as to the everyday as best as he could based on what historical facts we do know for sure.
The characters in this story are all outcasts from their tribes for different reasons. One, because he was hungry and decided to sneak some food. Another, because she had too many “different” ideas, which caused her to be labeled as a witch. Some just simply did not like the way things were handled in their respective villages and chose to try and make it to the Euphrates River to find a new life. I really appreciated the honesty and lengths the author went to in order for the reader to fully understand how rough life was back then. He did not shy away from deaths, murders, and violence in order to show the drastic atrocities that occurred. I am thankful that he did not go into detailed descriptions of the torture and rape that occurred. Instead, characters would mention with a shudder and a pause, then move on to how to handle said situation.
Uruk by James Zwerneman is an epic historical fiction novel that explores what settling in Mesopotamia may have been like in 12,000 B.C. It has action, puzzles, discovery, teamwork, found family, and so much more. There was very little language throughout the book and only kissing as far as romance. However, due to some of the intense topics discussed, I would still only recommend it for adults and older. This is such a good read and really will make you appreciate how far we’ve come as a species in the past 14,000 years. I am so excited that this will not be the only novel!
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to live in the ancient world of Mesopotamia? I love reading books that dive into things like this. Uruk by James Zwerneman is a novel that follows a group of outcasts that have decided to build their own city. Ki and Sargon are the main characters, both come from different areas and types of people. However, they, and a few others, find each other on the journey to find a safe place to live that will provide steady food and water. They have to battle other clans and settlements while also trying to overcome natural obstacles to achieve their goal.
This book was so well done! While Zwerneman did take some creative liberties to help relay the story, overall, I feel like he did a phenomenal job at portraying what life may have been like in the early days. The biggest difference is that he had a communal language that they could all use for communication purposes. We know that was not a thing, but it helps to keep confusion out of the story so that the reader can focus on the adventure itself. Otherwise, he just filled in the blanks as to the everyday as best as he could based on what historical facts we do know for sure.
The characters in this story are all outcasts from their tribes for different reasons. One, because he was hungry and decided to sneak some food. Another, because she had too many “different” ideas, which caused her to be labeled as a witch. Some just simply did not like the way things were handled in their respective villages and chose to try and make it to the Euphrates River to find a new life. I really appreciated the honesty and lengths the author went to in order for the reader to fully understand how rough life was back then. He did not shy away from deaths, murders, and violence in order to show the drastic atrocities that occurred. I am thankful that he did not go into detailed descriptions of the torture and rape that occurred. Instead, characters would mention with a shudder and a pause, then move on to how to handle said situation.
Uruk by James Zwerneman is an epic historical fiction novel that explores what settling in Mesopotamia may have been like in 12,000 B.C. It has action, puzzles, discovery, teamwork, found family, and so much more. There was very little language throughout the book and only kissing as far as romance. However, due to some of the intense topics discussed, I would still only recommend it for adults and older. This is such a good read and really will make you appreciate how far we’ve come as a species in the past 14,000 years. I am so excited that this will not be the only novel!
November 25, 2025
In ancient Mesopotamia, a land dominated by warring tribes, Ta, Ki, Aya, and Rogg find each other in their most desperate hours. Together, they form a new tribe and work to create a new way of living, one where everyone has a say—even women and the disabled. One of the four was caught stealing food from their previous tribe. The punishment? The loss of his hand and a name marking his shame: Ta. Ki has an inventive mind, but she’s seen as a witch with dark magic by her nomadic tribe. Her talents, however, catch the eye of the brutal chieftain who kills her family and takes her captive. Aya left her tribe after her baby was born with a club foot, knowing he’d be killed if they stayed. Meanwhile, Rogg seeks the men who murdered his family and has been wandering the lands intent on revenge. Through hardships, these four will need to combine their unique skills to survive.
While set in an ancient world, the dialogue feels modern. Expressions/references like “peek-a-boo,” “booger,” “to sandwich foes,” even “Mesopotamia” (Greek in origin) mildly undermine other setting details. Additionally, key plot moments unfold slowly, so the tension ebbs and flows. That said, the author does a commendable job with character development. I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy Ta carrying the storyline, but the growth Zwerneman gives not only Ta but also Ki and Aya and Rogg brought me deeper into their shared journey. Zwerneman delves deeply into the physical and mental aspects of his characters, presenting them with challenges that necessitate innovative thinking. The characters must also balance the necessary evils needed to achieve their dream while upholding their morals. Uruk is an intriguing exploration of survival, trust, and community in a world where only the strongest have survived. Until now…
Originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at https://historicalnovelsociety.org/
While set in an ancient world, the dialogue feels modern. Expressions/references like “peek-a-boo,” “booger,” “to sandwich foes,” even “Mesopotamia” (Greek in origin) mildly undermine other setting details. Additionally, key plot moments unfold slowly, so the tension ebbs and flows. That said, the author does a commendable job with character development. I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy Ta carrying the storyline, but the growth Zwerneman gives not only Ta but also Ki and Aya and Rogg brought me deeper into their shared journey. Zwerneman delves deeply into the physical and mental aspects of his characters, presenting them with challenges that necessitate innovative thinking. The characters must also balance the necessary evils needed to achieve their dream while upholding their morals. Uruk is an intriguing exploration of survival, trust, and community in a world where only the strongest have survived. Until now…
Originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at https://historicalnovelsociety.org/
November 24, 2025
Uruk may be the most enjoyable reading experience I've had all year: not a historical novel, but a PRE-historical novel of high adventure, loyalty and betrayal, and poignant idealism.
The story is a lightly fantastical depiction of the origins of civilization, as a ragtag group of rejects and lost souls journey through Mesopotamia fighting for survival, personal acceptance, and ultimately for the dream of a better, more just society. Our primary heroes are the misunderstood outcasts Ki and Ta, who have hidden talents that could change the world, if the world would only listen. And their principle antagonist is Prince Jakka, the embodiment of greed, vanity, and vicious ignorance—a man with immense power and none of the maturity needed to wield it.
It takes place amidst the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Babylon, Sumeria, and other locales you vaguely remember from 8th grade world history. But never fear, James Zwerneman has dreamed these places into life without belaboring the historical aspect, such that you can effortlessly get absorbed in the distant world of nomads, marsh tribes, and marauding warlords.
This is immensely satisfying storytelling, in which every scene and chapter simultaneously advances the plot, develops the characters, and enriches the larger vision of the world. It is suspenseful and philosophical, casting our heroes into one impossible predicament after another even as they seek answers to deeper questions about why life matters. I was amazed at how this book can move so propulsively through desperate battles and political intrigues, and yet, without slowing down, find the spaciousness for moments of wonder and awe at the possibilities of life.
I should probably disclose a small bias, which is that James was one of my MFA classmates over 15 years ago. So I've known about his talent for a long time, and it was a joy to see it realized in this book. Apparently this is the first in a series, and Uruk ends on a cliffhanger that has me yearning for the next installment. May it come with the swiftness of one of Ki's wind-catchers!
The story is a lightly fantastical depiction of the origins of civilization, as a ragtag group of rejects and lost souls journey through Mesopotamia fighting for survival, personal acceptance, and ultimately for the dream of a better, more just society. Our primary heroes are the misunderstood outcasts Ki and Ta, who have hidden talents that could change the world, if the world would only listen. And their principle antagonist is Prince Jakka, the embodiment of greed, vanity, and vicious ignorance—a man with immense power and none of the maturity needed to wield it.
It takes place amidst the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Babylon, Sumeria, and other locales you vaguely remember from 8th grade world history. But never fear, James Zwerneman has dreamed these places into life without belaboring the historical aspect, such that you can effortlessly get absorbed in the distant world of nomads, marsh tribes, and marauding warlords.
This is immensely satisfying storytelling, in which every scene and chapter simultaneously advances the plot, develops the characters, and enriches the larger vision of the world. It is suspenseful and philosophical, casting our heroes into one impossible predicament after another even as they seek answers to deeper questions about why life matters. I was amazed at how this book can move so propulsively through desperate battles and political intrigues, and yet, without slowing down, find the spaciousness for moments of wonder and awe at the possibilities of life.
I should probably disclose a small bias, which is that James was one of my MFA classmates over 15 years ago. So I've known about his talent for a long time, and it was a joy to see it realized in this book. Apparently this is the first in a series, and Uruk ends on a cliffhanger that has me yearning for the next installment. May it come with the swiftness of one of Ki's wind-catchers!
November 9, 2025
James did a phenomenal job crafting characters that show the strengths, and weaknesses, of the human condition in a way that is palatable to high schoolers and adults alike.
Uruk is fast paced and written is a way where the reader feels like they are part of Sargon’s tribe, experiencing his joys and exhaustion right there with him.
Following the massive cliffhanger from the last chapter, I am eagerly awaiting book two. I need more Uruk!
Uruk is fast paced and written is a way where the reader feels like they are part of Sargon’s tribe, experiencing his joys and exhaustion right there with him.
Following the massive cliffhanger from the last chapter, I am eagerly awaiting book two. I need more Uruk!
November 6, 2025
I finished this in one sitting, and this is easily one of my favorite books of the year! I’m really looking forward to book 2!
It has shades of The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini mixed with Avatar the Last Airbender. Plus, it includes some of my favorite tropes: magic, an epic adventure, and found family. The acceptance of meeting each character where they’re at in their journey coupled with the optimism and hope that things can (and should!) be better feels so poignant right now.
Do what you admire. Take care of your tribe.
It has shades of The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini mixed with Avatar the Last Airbender. Plus, it includes some of my favorite tropes: magic, an epic adventure, and found family. The acceptance of meeting each character where they’re at in their journey coupled with the optimism and hope that things can (and should!) be better feels so poignant right now.
Do what you admire. Take care of your tribe.
December 4, 2025
Such a wonderful and thrilling read! Real page turner
November 15, 2025
4.5 stars
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book.
It's the first in an epic series inspired by ancient Mesopotamia that follows a group of people that have been exiled or don't fit in, but find belonging and purpose with each other. Together they face many obstacles from nature and war-hungry tribes.
I've enjoyed learning about the different gods, and how people may have lived during this time. It explores the power of an idea, and what that can achieve both on a personal level but also for others, and ultimately spark a new way of life!
It doesn't shy away from the brutality, and some passages were very difficult to read. But they also served to distinguish the different ways of thinking.
The characters were all very well crafted, showing their individual strengths and weaknesses, all had flaws that made them all the more relatable despite living in a very different time. I cared very deeply about the outcomes, and when I got to the end I wanted to pick up the next book straight away! Alas I have to wait, but shows signs of a great book if you want to read more even though it is quite long already.
I had such a sense of place from this book, and I will be thinking of Uruk for some time.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book.
It's the first in an epic series inspired by ancient Mesopotamia that follows a group of people that have been exiled or don't fit in, but find belonging and purpose with each other. Together they face many obstacles from nature and war-hungry tribes.
I've enjoyed learning about the different gods, and how people may have lived during this time. It explores the power of an idea, and what that can achieve both on a personal level but also for others, and ultimately spark a new way of life!
It doesn't shy away from the brutality, and some passages were very difficult to read. But they also served to distinguish the different ways of thinking.
The characters were all very well crafted, showing their individual strengths and weaknesses, all had flaws that made them all the more relatable despite living in a very different time. I cared very deeply about the outcomes, and when I got to the end I wanted to pick up the next book straight away! Alas I have to wait, but shows signs of a great book if you want to read more even though it is quite long already.
I had such a sense of place from this book, and I will be thinking of Uruk for some time.
November 13, 2025
Wonderful book! Read it in one day—quick tempo and plot kept moving. Good character development too.
November 25, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I felt it was a story about the underdog leading other underdogs to victory. I liked the fiction mingled into history to make a brilliant story of second chances and teamwork to achieve the impossible.
November 12, 2025
This is a great book. On one level, it's an incredibly fun adventure story with a very cool setting, taking the reader on a journey across Ancient Mesopotamia. The adventure is a thrilling one, with twists and turns and battles and bravery and tragedy and great escapes, and it's a joy to be along for the ride.
But there are deeper levels here too. There are conflicting beliefs--gods who demand war, gods who demand human sacrifice, gods who demand power above all else, and a god whose only demand is that you choose life and not death. There are competing political visions as civilization struggles to come to form, and it is uncertain to the characters in the story whether civilization will win out against barbarism. And there are unique character arcs, characters who go through monumental transformations of soul and personality and even name, heroes who struggle to live up to ideals and villains who happily shirk all ideals and live for pleasure and violence. Tying it all together is real heart, too. You love the ragtag group of heroes, and you dream their dreams, and you fear their fears.
So what starts as a simple adventure story becomes a story about civilization and the values we choose, and it's a totally great ride throughout. Awesome book.
But there are deeper levels here too. There are conflicting beliefs--gods who demand war, gods who demand human sacrifice, gods who demand power above all else, and a god whose only demand is that you choose life and not death. There are competing political visions as civilization struggles to come to form, and it is uncertain to the characters in the story whether civilization will win out against barbarism. And there are unique character arcs, characters who go through monumental transformations of soul and personality and even name, heroes who struggle to live up to ideals and villains who happily shirk all ideals and live for pleasure and violence. Tying it all together is real heart, too. You love the ragtag group of heroes, and you dream their dreams, and you fear their fears.
So what starts as a simple adventure story becomes a story about civilization and the values we choose, and it's a totally great ride throughout. Awesome book.
October 27, 2025
I absolutely loved Uruk: A Novel of the First City! Ancient Mesopotamia has always been my favorite time period to read about, and this book brought it to life in such a vivid way.
The pacing was spot on—just when I thought things might slow down, something dramatic would happen to pull me right back in. The characters are wonderfully drawn, a mix of misfits and dreamers who form a found family in a brutal world. His little band of misfits took me on an unforgettable adventure.
I especially enjoyed the way real Mesopotamian peoples—Akkadians, Babylonians, Elamites, and more—were woven into the narrative. It made the book both educational and exciting, with plenty of legendary places and figures referenced.
Ki’s inventions, Ta’s resilience, the cruelty of Jakka, and the courage of this little band trying to build a better future kept me hooked from start to finish. If you like historical fiction with action, heart, and a dash of what-if, this one is for you.
I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series—this feels like the start of something epic.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read and review this gem.
The pacing was spot on—just when I thought things might slow down, something dramatic would happen to pull me right back in. The characters are wonderfully drawn, a mix of misfits and dreamers who form a found family in a brutal world. His little band of misfits took me on an unforgettable adventure.
I especially enjoyed the way real Mesopotamian peoples—Akkadians, Babylonians, Elamites, and more—were woven into the narrative. It made the book both educational and exciting, with plenty of legendary places and figures referenced.
Ki’s inventions, Ta’s resilience, the cruelty of Jakka, and the courage of this little band trying to build a better future kept me hooked from start to finish. If you like historical fiction with action, heart, and a dash of what-if, this one is for you.
I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series—this feels like the start of something epic.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read and review this gem.
December 7, 2025
I love history and this book is an excellent take on the establishment of civilization and the turn from hunter/gatherers to a society that settles and founds the first cities of the world. The characters are excellent and the writing is rich and descriptive enough to transport the reader to this time and the many issues that cloud it. This book has a little bit of everything in it that will keep you totally immersed in the development of this civilization and its characters. It's got family drama, mystery, warring tribes, and found family. It's a great read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews