Max Nabati

18th Seven Stories (7-STORIES, #18) (eBook, ePUB)

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

"18th Seven Stories" by Max (Shahrooz) Nabati is a captivating anthology of seven interconnected tales that weave through the rich tapestry of Iranian history, mythology, and folklore. Drawing from ancient Persian legends and real historical sites, each story blends elements of fantasy, horror, mystery, and human drama, exploring themes of truth, love, courage, and the shadowy veil between reality and the supernatural.

The collection opens with "Simurgh," a chilling fantasy-horror tale set in the fabled city of Hegmatane (ancient Ecbatana). Young Atousa, enthralled by ancestral legends, is summoned by a grotesque Simurgha mythical bird reimagined as an ominous harbinger. It transports her to the Shattered Lands, where cursed heroes like Rostam and Sohrab linger as spectral figures, trapped in eternal purgatory. As Atousa unravels the dark pact underlying her city's glory, she battles the malevolent Divan, a shapeless entity of chaos, in a harrowing quest to break the curse. Infused with dread and otherworldly energy, this story sets the tone for the anthology's exploration of hidden truths and the cost of confronting them.

"Truth is the Key to Freedom" shifts to Azerbaijan and the Throne of Solomon, a sacred site echoing Achaemenid and Sassanid ruins. Marjan, a restless young woman seeking answers to her mundane life, ventures into the Prison of Solomon. Guided by the ethereal guardian Zari, cursed for stealing Solomon's secret Mirror of Truth. The mirror reveals that true prisons lie within the heart, emphasizing self-awareness and enlightenment drawn from Sufi traditions. Yet, as Marjan shares this wisdom, a storm hints at deeper, unresolved dangers, leaving readers pondering the elusive nature of freedom.

In "Coward Storyteller," the vibrant fish market of Bandar Abbas on the Persian Gulf comes alive with seafaring culture. Nasser, a young fisherman following his father Haji Rahim's legacy, discovers a radiant pearl tied to an ancient legend of sunken treasure. Torn between adventure and practicality, he chooses to sell it for family needs, embracing storytelling over risk. Labeled a coward by some, Nasser transforms market tales into generational pearls, celebrating patience, love for the sea, and the bond between humans and nature in southern Iran's melodic dialect.

"Qajar Era" delves into ghostly intrigue at Shiraz's historic Qavam House, a mansion of poetry and orange blossoms. Ramin, a history enthusiast, encounters the spirit Sarvin, bound by a tragic love story from the Qajar dynasty.

"Stones Have Wishes Too!" unfolds in Zanjan's Dashkasan Temple, a stone-carving workshop guarded by ancient dragon reliefs. Yusef, an artist in love with Zohreh, carves a lifelike statue that awakens with whispers and uncanny life. As Zohreh marries another, the stones and dragons stir, revealing that wishes bind both lovers and guardians. This mystical romance questions whether love can transcend stone, leaving eerie ambiguities.

"Khanqah" chronicles the 14th-century construction of Ardabil's Sheikh Safi al-Din Shrine, foundation of the Safavid order. Sadr al-Din Musa, the sheikh's son, builds a monument amid whispers of a "dark guardian" cursing the endeavor. Blending Sufi mysticism, historical architecture, and supernatural warnings, it explores the price of legacy and pure-hearted devotion.

Closing with "The Square," set in 1970s Esfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan Square, artist Nader falls for enigmatic Monir while uncovering a hidden ancient painting in Chehel Sotoun Garden. Betrayal shatters his illusions, but he resolves to paint his own story, symbolizing resilience amid historical grandeur.

Nabati's prose, honors Iran's heritage while infusing modern introspection. It is ideal for fans of magical realism.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Max Nabati
• Erscheinungstermin: 24. September 2025
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9798232660789
• Artikelnr.: 75520890

Autorenporträt

Max (Shahrooz) Nabati is an author, a travel writer, and photographer. Born in 1973, he is a world citizen speaking four languages and having more than 40+ book titles to his credit. He earned his bachelor's degree in Software Engineering and started photography in 1999.

He started his travels at the age of 21 in 1994 and carried on his explores since then travelling around the world. He has so far explored 30+ countries mixing deep into their societies and interacting with their peoples, cultures and exploring their natural wonders.

He has swam with Whale Sharks and school of Sardines in the Philippines, snorkelled in Malaysia and Thailand, flew Aero-chute in Australia, got lost in the jungles of Laos, explored Angkor temples in Cambodia, camped for months in Iran, took part in Venice carnival, and enjoyed desert safari in the UAE, etc.

These journeys inspired Max for publishing photo essays and writing travel stories. In addition to travel photography, he also writes short stories in different genres. Some of his works have been published in the past decade.