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Tales of Khayaal - 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.
In Book One, 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.
Cataclysmic 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.
In Book One, 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.
Cataclysmic 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.
- GenresFantasy
366 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2025
22 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Rehan Khan
32 books42 followersA keen observer of history and techno-science, Rehan Khan, has always been intrigued in how ideas and inventions move from one civilisation to the next, and how they change as they shift across different cultures.
He is the author of a Tomb of Empires (2024) a historical fiction set in 90BC in the Middle East, the Carnegie nominated A Tudor Turk trilogy (2019-2022) set in the Ottoman Empire and Tudor England, and the fantasy sci-fi series, Tales of Khayaal (2025) set on the Earth like planet of Ikleel. These gripping stories also ask readers to consider the role of virtue within the human story
He is the author of a Tomb of Empires (2024) a historical fiction set in 90BC in the Middle East, the Carnegie nominated A Tudor Turk trilogy (2019-2022) set in the Ottoman Empire and Tudor England, and the fantasy sci-fi series, Tales of Khayaal (2025) set on the Earth like planet of Ikleel. These gripping stories also ask readers to consider the role of virtue within the human story
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Want to read
December 8, 20259/dec/2025
I listened to the first chapter back in early October, and I genuinely haven’t been able to get this book out of my head since. I’m counting down to winter break so I can finally sit down and devour it properly 🥹.
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12/sep/2025
This book can’t get to me fast enough. Fantasy and sci-fi woven with Islamic spiritual roots?!! After hearing Rehan Khan’s trilogy introduction (@talesofkhayaal) IM INDEED SOLD.
I listened to the first chapter back in early October, and I genuinely haven’t been able to get this book out of my head since. I’m counting down to winter break so I can finally sit down and devour it properly 🥹.
-
12/sep/2025
This book can’t get to me fast enough. Fantasy and sci-fi woven with Islamic spiritual roots?!! After hearing Rehan Khan’s trilogy introduction (@talesofkhayaal) IM INDEED SOLD.
September 8, 2025
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!
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!
November 27, 2025
The first entry in what I hope becomes a large and diverse new sci-fi/fantasy setting, Tales of Khayaal book 1 is a fun and thrilling read from start to finish, drawing on themes from Islamic theology and inspiration from other works of fiction to create a unique and original story.
The setting is great; a pseudo-steampunk/Arabian Nights world where technology and magic interweave. It's very distinctive while also feeling remarkably familiar to me, being of Arab descent and a Muslim too. Several parallels can be seen with Islam, from Quranic proverbs to the structure of some groups and castes among the characters.
Sometimes it's the little things, such as characters drawing elemental powers from prayer beads while uttering verses from their religion, to invoking the name of the Creator in every day conversation. Other times, the reference are more transparent, such as the use of other intelligent species like Djinn (given a slightly different name here). The technology is very cleverly thought out too, being of bio-organic origin such as using algae to power everything from lights to computer tablets to vehicles.
There is occasional action, largely reminiscent of swashbuckling tales found in 1001 Nights, with sword fights coupled with the use of magical abilities. The characters that use these are known as Conduits (because they channel energy from another divine or infernal plane) and there is a dichotomy of light vs dark, which, as a Star Wars fan, is right up my street. This makes action sequences very enjoyable and the powers on display are unique in their execution but also somewhat recognisable as things you might find in other media like manga and so on. For a fantasy geek like me, this is comfort food.
I'm not usually a fan of prose written in the presence tense, as is the case in this book, but I very soon got used to it and it made me feel present in the story. The plot never gets boring and I was always looking forward to developments. The characters and world-building are very well crafted and there is plenty of scope to enhance this further in subsequent books or, as is the plan, in other media hopefully. Some characters fall into archetypes which is not necessarily a bad thing, and there is very heavy influence from other media in some cases, where I may have preferred more originality but these are tropes typical of the genre and don't detract from my overall enjoyment.
The story ends on a cliffhanger to some degree, so I'm very much looking forward to the next instalment. So far, this world seems crafted with me in mind, and so I am very to dive in.
The setting is great; a pseudo-steampunk/Arabian Nights world where technology and magic interweave. It's very distinctive while also feeling remarkably familiar to me, being of Arab descent and a Muslim too. Several parallels can be seen with Islam, from Quranic proverbs to the structure of some groups and castes among the characters.
Sometimes it's the little things, such as characters drawing elemental powers from prayer beads while uttering verses from their religion, to invoking the name of the Creator in every day conversation. Other times, the reference are more transparent, such as the use of other intelligent species like Djinn (given a slightly different name here). The technology is very cleverly thought out too, being of bio-organic origin such as using algae to power everything from lights to computer tablets to vehicles.
There is occasional action, largely reminiscent of swashbuckling tales found in 1001 Nights, with sword fights coupled with the use of magical abilities. The characters that use these are known as Conduits (because they channel energy from another divine or infernal plane) and there is a dichotomy of light vs dark, which, as a Star Wars fan, is right up my street. This makes action sequences very enjoyable and the powers on display are unique in their execution but also somewhat recognisable as things you might find in other media like manga and so on. For a fantasy geek like me, this is comfort food.
I'm not usually a fan of prose written in the presence tense, as is the case in this book, but I very soon got used to it and it made me feel present in the story. The plot never gets boring and I was always looking forward to developments. The characters and world-building are very well crafted and there is plenty of scope to enhance this further in subsequent books or, as is the plan, in other media hopefully. Some characters fall into archetypes which is not necessarily a bad thing, and there is very heavy influence from other media in some cases, where I may have preferred more originality but these are tropes typical of the genre and don't detract from my overall enjoyment.
The story ends on a cliffhanger to some degree, so I'm very much looking forward to the next instalment. So far, this world seems crafted with me in mind, and so I am very to dive in.
November 21, 2025
TOK: Aron is a fascinating and promising first installment in a series I’m genuinely excited to follow.
In this opening novel, we’re introduced to the world of Ikleel, a vibrant, culturally rich setting filled with layered motives, intriguing histories, and a cast of characters who quickly become memorable. It’s refreshing to see a fantasy narrative rooted in traditions and inspirations beyond the usual Western canon; that alone brings a sense of originality and breathes fresh air into the genre.
There is a great deal to learn in this universe, and a lot to take in... the exposition was a little heavy at times, but by the final chapters, I found myself deeply invested in several of the key characters, and eager to follow where their paths will lead next. The concepts introduced here are compelling, and it’s clear that the journey is only just beginning.
Overall, I’m truly excited to return to Ikleel, and I can’t wait to see how the story and its heroes grow in book two!
In this opening novel, we’re introduced to the world of Ikleel, a vibrant, culturally rich setting filled with layered motives, intriguing histories, and a cast of characters who quickly become memorable. It’s refreshing to see a fantasy narrative rooted in traditions and inspirations beyond the usual Western canon; that alone brings a sense of originality and breathes fresh air into the genre.
There is a great deal to learn in this universe, and a lot to take in... the exposition was a little heavy at times, but by the final chapters, I found myself deeply invested in several of the key characters, and eager to follow where their paths will lead next. The concepts introduced here are compelling, and it’s clear that the journey is only just beginning.
Overall, I’m truly excited to return to Ikleel, and I can’t wait to see how the story and its heroes grow in book two!
September 9, 2025
A fascinating fictional world provided an apt setting for this action thriller. The reader is pulled into this immersive journey of self discovery through love and hate, good and evil and is gripped till the end. The storytelling builds strong characters and an intriguing plot line of geo-politics and socio-economics cleverly intertwined with Islamic teachings and history encouraging the reader to look within themselves and their purpose in life.
Looking forward to the next instalment!
Looking forward to the next instalment!
November 17, 2025
An Excellent and Spiritually Rich Debut
Tales of Khayaal: Book 1 – Aron is an excellent debut entry that lays a dynamic and robust foundation for a planned series. While the book incorporates many familiar elements from other fantasy narratives, the author skillfully blends these inspirations into the distinct world of Ikleel. This is not a mere retread; the author has crafted an existence wholly its own, paying respectful homage to its influences.
The world-building is particularly strong, featuring a fantastic blend of high fantasy and techno-science. Ikleel feels like a believable, living world with its own intricate history, political systems, and varied factions, all while deftly hinting at the greater world and powers that future installments will explore.
Spiritual Depth and Accessibility
A remarkable element of this book is its nuanced approach to spirituality:
For readers of Islamic faith, the book provides a fantastic incorporation of Islamic concepts, virtues, and traditions without compromising Aqidah (creed) within its fictional setting.
For secular or non-Islamic readers, the narrative is wholesome and focuses on universal virtues and morals shared across many cultures. The handling of these themes is reminiscent of Tolkien's subtle infusion of Christian motifs — making the underlying morality resonant without being intrusive or demanding acceptance.
Compelling Characters
The story centers on two main characters who perfectly balance each other and serve as natural guides into the world:
Zorar is an excellent character—a seasoned mentor whose wisdom and established history anchor the story. He naturally introduces the world's lore through his role as a mentor and leader. His deep experience plays a pivotal role in shaping events and the development of the other characters, making his goals and actions compelling to follow.
Alifa is a youthful apprentice whose naïve perspective allows readers to discover the world organically. It is wonderful to follow her journey of learning, overcoming obstacles, and seeing her true nature shine through when facing difficult scenarios. Her challenges make her a highly relatable and compelling character.
The supporting characters are introduced with promise and good background stories, though their arcs remain lightly explored in this first entry—leaving ample room for development in future books.
Villains and Overarching Threat:
The primary antagonist of the first book, Brant, is a ruthless and cunning foil to the heroes, leading the Syndicate to sow chaos. He effectively foreshadows the ultimate evil, Mörtan, a figure reminiscent of overarching villains like Sauron (Lord of the Rings) or The Dark One (Wheel of Time) —a powerful, destructive force with a network of underlings weaving secret plots across the world.
World-Building and Mechanics
The author primarily focuses the events within the city of Arön, yet skillfully introduces other cultures, nations, and outside political factions. While these elements don't play a significant role immediately, they promise to be expanded upon and have a major impact in later entries.
The power system feels familiar but has a unique twist: the supernatural power afforded to the few must be accessed and nurtured through a deeper spiritual connection to its source, the creator of Ikleel. This gives the magic a unique depth and flavor, and the characters who wield this power use it in interesting and inventive ways.
Production and Sound
Finally, the Audiobook production is top-notch. The voice actors do a great job—providing distinct voices, excellent emotional range, and enough variety to keep the story engaging in audio form.
Final Verdict:
Tales of Khayaal: Book 1 – Aron is a promising start. It successfully blends familiar fantasy tropes with fresh cultural and spiritual layers, introduces characters worth following, and sets up a world that feels ready to grow exponentially in future installments. Highly recommended for fans of expansive world-building!
8.5/10
Tales of Khayaal: Book 1 – Aron is an excellent debut entry that lays a dynamic and robust foundation for a planned series. While the book incorporates many familiar elements from other fantasy narratives, the author skillfully blends these inspirations into the distinct world of Ikleel. This is not a mere retread; the author has crafted an existence wholly its own, paying respectful homage to its influences.
The world-building is particularly strong, featuring a fantastic blend of high fantasy and techno-science. Ikleel feels like a believable, living world with its own intricate history, political systems, and varied factions, all while deftly hinting at the greater world and powers that future installments will explore.
Spiritual Depth and Accessibility
A remarkable element of this book is its nuanced approach to spirituality:
For readers of Islamic faith, the book provides a fantastic incorporation of Islamic concepts, virtues, and traditions without compromising Aqidah (creed) within its fictional setting.
For secular or non-Islamic readers, the narrative is wholesome and focuses on universal virtues and morals shared across many cultures. The handling of these themes is reminiscent of Tolkien's subtle infusion of Christian motifs — making the underlying morality resonant without being intrusive or demanding acceptance.
Compelling Characters
The story centers on two main characters who perfectly balance each other and serve as natural guides into the world:
Zorar is an excellent character—a seasoned mentor whose wisdom and established history anchor the story. He naturally introduces the world's lore through his role as a mentor and leader. His deep experience plays a pivotal role in shaping events and the development of the other characters, making his goals and actions compelling to follow.
Alifa is a youthful apprentice whose naïve perspective allows readers to discover the world organically. It is wonderful to follow her journey of learning, overcoming obstacles, and seeing her true nature shine through when facing difficult scenarios. Her challenges make her a highly relatable and compelling character.
The supporting characters are introduced with promise and good background stories, though their arcs remain lightly explored in this first entry—leaving ample room for development in future books.
Villains and Overarching Threat:
The primary antagonist of the first book, Brant, is a ruthless and cunning foil to the heroes, leading the Syndicate to sow chaos. He effectively foreshadows the ultimate evil, Mörtan, a figure reminiscent of overarching villains like Sauron (Lord of the Rings) or The Dark One (Wheel of Time) —a powerful, destructive force with a network of underlings weaving secret plots across the world.
World-Building and Mechanics
The author primarily focuses the events within the city of Arön, yet skillfully introduces other cultures, nations, and outside political factions. While these elements don't play a significant role immediately, they promise to be expanded upon and have a major impact in later entries.
The power system feels familiar but has a unique twist: the supernatural power afforded to the few must be accessed and nurtured through a deeper spiritual connection to its source, the creator of Ikleel. This gives the magic a unique depth and flavor, and the characters who wield this power use it in interesting and inventive ways.
Production and Sound
Finally, the Audiobook production is top-notch. The voice actors do a great job—providing distinct voices, excellent emotional range, and enough variety to keep the story engaging in audio form.
Final Verdict:
Tales of Khayaal: Book 1 – Aron is a promising start. It successfully blends familiar fantasy tropes with fresh cultural and spiritual layers, introduces characters worth following, and sets up a world that feels ready to grow exponentially in future installments. Highly recommended for fans of expansive world-building!
8.5/10
October 13, 2025
Wow! what a page turner .. and why does this story resonate so deeply? It's my world yet it's not my world. I love Alifa and her mentor Zorar. I'm now fully vested in willing these Conduits of Nur to have what it takes to face the mounting challenges of the imminent 'final standing'. Can't wait for book 2!
October 18, 2025
Now this was a wonderful discovery ❤️
December 21, 2025
Premise: On the planet Ikleel, the infinite is closer to you than you think. The Conduits of Nur struggle with the forces of Dhulm, as the Final Standing approaches.
Main characters:
We begin with Alifa, one of our main characters. She is the traditional protagonist who is the newcomer and we see the world with fresh eyes through her. She is unsure of herself, the world and of her duties but she is very earnest. Her journey is propelled through the coming of the final standing – a signal for the end times. Then we meet Zorar, our 2nd main character who is the mentor / teacher of Alifa. He is wise, kind and calm and nurtures Alifa into the world of the conduits. Unlike many other characters we meet, he wholeheartedly believes in the final standing, believes in the creator and all of the signs that come with it. Others are hesitant but you have a deep feeling that Zorar is very wise and a learned but humble person.
The dynamic between student and mentor is done very well, they are able to quickly bond and be there for each other in times of need. We see their relationship develop from the beginning to the end of the story, as they trust each other and share their worries. Both are able to learn from each other, Alifa allows Zorar to open himself up about his own traumas, while Zorar acts like a father figure to Alifa. Their relationship is very sincere and honest and it’s very refreshing when they speak to each other with such kindness.In today’s modern anti-fantasy, nihilistic story trend we rarely see these types of dynamics play out. As someone who is writing my own story that has the mentor/master – student relationship at its centre Tales of Khayaal is a great inspiration for me. It makes me yearn for a mentor figure myself, and reminds me how the modern world has lost the value of apprenticeships.
World building:
Kha: The first half of the book we are introduced to a lot. We get introduced to the magic / Kha system in chapter one, with Alifa’s nurturing abilities. I’ve enjoyed learning about the system, I think it’s very unique, in the fact that it’s based on spiritual connections, but also has a tangible/ physical aspect in the use of sources and elements. There is a dichotomy between the Nur vs Dhulm, the plight is the same for both but the characters use their powers differently, Nurani or Dhulmi. Dhulm stems from Nafs (desires – both nafs ul lawwamah – blaming soul and nafs ul ammarah – commanding soul) whereas Nur is sober and level-headed (the 3rd nafs – Nafs ul Mutmainah – the soul is at peace). At first I thought the magic system was very overpowered especially for those who are not conduits but then I read examples where conduits were defeated using the sonic rifles (like Zorar’s scene near the end (which was one great scene!)). Threading is definitely my favourite, being a massive assassin’s creed fan (the older games), some scenes really came through the page. I was able to imagine the characters parkouring just like in the game. My all-time favourite scene in the book was when Zorar threads all the windows of the Nurani base then jumps out of the base and it shatters everything. I could vividly imagine that playing out in my head! That scene also reminded me of Kakyoin and Heirophant Green (my favourite character + stand) ‘threading’ the city to defeat Dio in the anime - JoJo’s Bizarre adventure! The Isthmus is a very unique creation too; I don’t think I have ever read a fantasy book which has an attainable spiritual world that characters can access
The Backdrop: We have the Arön Empire, perhaps on its last legs. We are introduced to Negin, the southern Sultana. She is loved by her people but she herself does not wield enough power to rival the North / Black Axe army, the Teutons or the Syndicate whom are quickly sucking dry the empire (this is evident by the fact that she does not control the prisons, but is aware of the harsh treatment in them). She is like a puppet in the regime. Added to that are the assassins who work for coin and thrive in political instability and the ultimate bad – Mortan along with his cronies (the Harbingers). The book discusses at length and detail the political dynamics at play and the disembodiment of an entire nation is essentially unravelled piece meal until the final chapter where it is completely undone. The Opius trade is also woven into the story, I think this is allegorical to the Opium wars that occurred under the British in China. Opius is an addicting drug and is used as a bargaining / trading tool by Arön’s Opposition.
Romance:
One of the sincerest, sensitive and touching parts of the novel were definitely with Zorar and Negin. I appreciate how their backstory with each other was drip fed to us. Their interactions with each other is fraught with love and hesitancy as it’s a forbidden love. At first, when the full backstory was not made clear, I assumed it was a generic forbidden love trop where the two families of the lovers had not agreed with the pair, it would have left me a bit disappointed but when I found out the real reason of the forbidden I was very surprised and even pleased. The fact that Tales of Khayaal draws from Islamic themes, adding the forbidden love between Zorar and Negin takes a lot of maturity. It’s quite brave and I really appreciate the honesty of depicting these types of feelings. The ending of the book made me super sad because of it!
Things that can be improved: I felt that Alifa learnt her grand-conduit abilities a bit too fast, she is a natural fast learner but I would’ve appreciated it more if she made some mistakes, it would be a bit more relatable.
There’s a lot to learn and a lot we are introduced to in the book (Kha, Nurani / Dhulmi, Isthmas, types of conduits etc), it is very complex, especially when everything is explained in a few short chapters. I had to get into the story and read what characters were doing in order to learn it, but when it ‘clicked,’ I found it very enjoyable to read about.
We are also introduced to the political landscape, there’s so many power structures at play and although it is very realistic, I found myself confused on who is aligned to what. After reading half the book, was when everything began to come together.
Conclusion:I am reminded of my passion for writing and world-building by Tales of Khayaal. It's great to see a story that is so influenced by Islamic concepts (that is, not a very young child's storybook, and it’s something that is definitely missing from our Ummah and one that needs to be tended towards! Tales of Khayaal excels in blending peaceful, intimate moments with intense action sequences. It’s Assassins’s Creed meets Tales of Earthsea (ironically) for me!
Main characters:
We begin with Alifa, one of our main characters. She is the traditional protagonist who is the newcomer and we see the world with fresh eyes through her. She is unsure of herself, the world and of her duties but she is very earnest. Her journey is propelled through the coming of the final standing – a signal for the end times. Then we meet Zorar, our 2nd main character who is the mentor / teacher of Alifa. He is wise, kind and calm and nurtures Alifa into the world of the conduits. Unlike many other characters we meet, he wholeheartedly believes in the final standing, believes in the creator and all of the signs that come with it. Others are hesitant but you have a deep feeling that Zorar is very wise and a learned but humble person.
The dynamic between student and mentor is done very well, they are able to quickly bond and be there for each other in times of need. We see their relationship develop from the beginning to the end of the story, as they trust each other and share their worries. Both are able to learn from each other, Alifa allows Zorar to open himself up about his own traumas, while Zorar acts like a father figure to Alifa. Their relationship is very sincere and honest and it’s very refreshing when they speak to each other with such kindness.In today’s modern anti-fantasy, nihilistic story trend we rarely see these types of dynamics play out. As someone who is writing my own story that has the mentor/master – student relationship at its centre Tales of Khayaal is a great inspiration for me. It makes me yearn for a mentor figure myself, and reminds me how the modern world has lost the value of apprenticeships.
World building:
Kha: The first half of the book we are introduced to a lot. We get introduced to the magic / Kha system in chapter one, with Alifa’s nurturing abilities. I’ve enjoyed learning about the system, I think it’s very unique, in the fact that it’s based on spiritual connections, but also has a tangible/ physical aspect in the use of sources and elements. There is a dichotomy between the Nur vs Dhulm, the plight is the same for both but the characters use their powers differently, Nurani or Dhulmi. Dhulm stems from Nafs (desires – both nafs ul lawwamah – blaming soul and nafs ul ammarah – commanding soul) whereas Nur is sober and level-headed (the 3rd nafs – Nafs ul Mutmainah – the soul is at peace). At first I thought the magic system was very overpowered especially for those who are not conduits but then I read examples where conduits were defeated using the sonic rifles (like Zorar’s scene near the end (which was one great scene!)). Threading is definitely my favourite, being a massive assassin’s creed fan (the older games), some scenes really came through the page. I was able to imagine the characters parkouring just like in the game. My all-time favourite scene in the book was when Zorar threads all the windows of the Nurani base then jumps out of the base and it shatters everything. I could vividly imagine that playing out in my head! That scene also reminded me of Kakyoin and Heirophant Green (my favourite character + stand) ‘threading’ the city to defeat Dio in the anime - JoJo’s Bizarre adventure! The Isthmus is a very unique creation too; I don’t think I have ever read a fantasy book which has an attainable spiritual world that characters can access
The Backdrop: We have the Arön Empire, perhaps on its last legs. We are introduced to Negin, the southern Sultana. She is loved by her people but she herself does not wield enough power to rival the North / Black Axe army, the Teutons or the Syndicate whom are quickly sucking dry the empire (this is evident by the fact that she does not control the prisons, but is aware of the harsh treatment in them). She is like a puppet in the regime. Added to that are the assassins who work for coin and thrive in political instability and the ultimate bad – Mortan along with his cronies (the Harbingers). The book discusses at length and detail the political dynamics at play and the disembodiment of an entire nation is essentially unravelled piece meal until the final chapter where it is completely undone. The Opius trade is also woven into the story, I think this is allegorical to the Opium wars that occurred under the British in China. Opius is an addicting drug and is used as a bargaining / trading tool by Arön’s Opposition.
Romance:
One of the sincerest, sensitive and touching parts of the novel were definitely with Zorar and Negin. I appreciate how their backstory with each other was drip fed to us. Their interactions with each other is fraught with love and hesitancy as it’s a forbidden love. At first, when the full backstory was not made clear, I assumed it was a generic forbidden love trop where the two families of the lovers had not agreed with the pair, it would have left me a bit disappointed but when I found out the real reason of the forbidden I was very surprised and even pleased. The fact that Tales of Khayaal draws from Islamic themes, adding the forbidden love between Zorar and Negin takes a lot of maturity. It’s quite brave and I really appreciate the honesty of depicting these types of feelings. The ending of the book made me super sad because of it!
Things that can be improved: I felt that Alifa learnt her grand-conduit abilities a bit too fast, she is a natural fast learner but I would’ve appreciated it more if she made some mistakes, it would be a bit more relatable.
There’s a lot to learn and a lot we are introduced to in the book (Kha, Nurani / Dhulmi, Isthmas, types of conduits etc), it is very complex, especially when everything is explained in a few short chapters. I had to get into the story and read what characters were doing in order to learn it, but when it ‘clicked,’ I found it very enjoyable to read about.
We are also introduced to the political landscape, there’s so many power structures at play and although it is very realistic, I found myself confused on who is aligned to what. After reading half the book, was when everything began to come together.
Conclusion:I am reminded of my passion for writing and world-building by Tales of Khayaal. It's great to see a story that is so influenced by Islamic concepts (that is, not a very young child's storybook, and it’s something that is definitely missing from our Ummah and one that needs to be tended towards! Tales of Khayaal excels in blending peaceful, intimate moments with intense action sequences. It’s Assassins’s Creed meets Tales of Earthsea (ironically) for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2025
Beautifully written fantasy novel that is inspired by Islamic and Sufi themes. After having grown up reading books that draw so heavily on Christian themes & theology it was really enjoyable to read fiction that draws on Islamic theology while also being a fun read. Can’t wait for the next installments!!
December 29, 2025
I am not a sci-fi fan but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was so disappointed that it ended and book 2 isn't out.
Khan and Gould manage to tell a tale in a context Muslims will clearly recognise without needing to spell out Islam. Being the first book there is so much we don't know of the main characters but despite that I could see character development.
The commentary on modernity is very very clever.
I am hoping this is our version of the Lord of the Rings (yes, I have high hopes!).
Khan and Gould manage to tell a tale in a context Muslims will clearly recognise without needing to spell out Islam. Being the first book there is so much we don't know of the main characters but despite that I could see character development.
The commentary on modernity is very very clever.
I am hoping this is our version of the Lord of the Rings (yes, I have high hopes!).
September 8, 2025
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.
December 17, 2025
The book takes you on a journey with the main character Alifa. The book is a wondrous fantasy and with intriguing stories unfolding with parallels to complex issues in history and world experience , the book offers the reader gentle nudges of self awareness. I found this aspect of the book to be quite profound … reading about the conduits and qualities , made me reflect and be more self aware. Illumined elements of one’s character and soul are made real in a clever way.
I look forward to book 2 !
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