Bassam and the Seven Secret Scrolls

Bassam, Book 1

By: Paul B. Skousen

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

What if you knew the seven most powerful ideas in the world?

For a thousand years rumors spread among the desert peoples that mysterious scrolls containing fantastic secrets had fashioned the Abdali-ud-din into the richest, most powerful trading dynasty in the world. Men would kill for such knowledge. Indeed, they had killed. And then suddenly, the scrolls simply disappeared.

This is the story of the last holder of the scrolls, an old chief named Zafir. Worried that his life was nearly spent, Zafir chose young Bassam to be his heir to the scrolls. Was Bassam ready? To prove the young man Zafir took him on a caravan trek with the intent of teaching him the scrolls. And then, partway into the trip, a startling surprise changed everything.

The scrolls are timeless. Those who come to understand them discover how these simple messages enrich a meaningful life, and disclose the secrets for lasting prosperity.

©2014 Paul B. Skousen (P)2014 Izzard Ink Publishing

Critic reviews

Audible Hidden Gem August 2015 (Audible.com)

"Paul Skousen could be described as the Ayn Rand of the desert. He weaves a surprising message into a tapestry of unexpected threads, placing his protagonist in a very different environment than might be anticipated for a story of individual liberty and self-determination. Read it for yourself, give it to your (older) children, better still, give it to your liberal friends; everyone might learn something useful in addition to enjoying a rollicking good story." (Stefan Bartelski, Host of the Patriot Come Lately Radio Show)

"Paul Skousen shows us he has the gifts of descriptive metaphors and modifiers of all kinds. He makes Bassam and the Seven Secret Scrolls so interesting, so down to earth, that a book one may never have considered reading becomes one which changes one's soul." (Michael J. Thompson - AML)

Throughly Enjoyed This Book Can't Wait for the Second book

This book fed my imagination and it was absolutely delicious. Love the narrator and the story is superb.

Not what I expected... But I loved it anyway!

If you could sum up Bassam and the Seven Secret Scrolls in three words, what would they be?

Words to live by. (Ok... four words :P)

What was one of the most memorable moments of Bassam and the Seven Secret Scrolls?

The heartbreak and encounter at the end of the book.

Which scene was your favorite?

The closing scene.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed. I pondered. I cringed. I reveled.

Any additional comments?

Just listen to the book! You won't regret it.

Very enjoyable

I will be listening to the next in the series. Great listen while commuting in the car

Slow start but a good read!

Would you consider the audio edition of Bassam and the Seven Secret Scrolls to be better than the print version?

This book was a little slow starting but I can't wait to see book 2. The Seven Secret Scrolls are a guide for a successful life, both in the time the store took place and today.

I couldn't get out of my car

What made the experience of listening to Bassam and the Seven Secret Scrolls the most enjoyable?

I listen to audiobooks while I drive to and from work. I started listening to this book because the description intrigued me although I am unfamiliar with the authors work in general. My commute is 30 min, one way. After I drove into the parking structure and had to go into work, I couldn't get out. I kept telling myself 5 more minutes, or one more chapter. I stalled for probably 20 minutes. This book was beautiful. It has action, adventure, a love story, beautiful lessons but not in a preachy fashion. It is family friendly and you will not find one part of this book that you would be ashamed to have your children listen in the car with you while you drive around running errands. I will be recommending this to my brother though because I think he and his 9 year old daughter and 8 year old son would love this story. I certainly did!

What did you like best about this story?

The pictures that the authors words paint in my mind. From what i understand, the print edition has illustrations. I will be purchasing that book.

Which scene was your favorite?

The end. The kite. I won't say anymore as to not ruin the story for anyone. It was beautiful though.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The kite scene. But I would also have to say some of the beginning dialogue between Bassam and Rasha. It is painfully humorous and I really felt for both of them.

Any additional comments?

These is a book of the old style of books. In that, it is a story. A beautifully written story with background, context and research. A story not superficial without character development. A story that changes you and moves you and keeps you thinking long after you finish it. A story that is thrilling, and honest. There is a very human nature about it that I fell in love with. It is not an unbelievable story or action adventure. Maybe that was part of the fun of it. The voice was perfect for the production and I enjoyed listening to every word. I am looking forward to the next books in the series.