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.

Adventure I wasn't expecting

Would you listen to Bassam and the Seven Secret Scrolls again? Why?

I would listen to this again and I plan on buying codes for family so they can listen. This was amazing adventure book that I wasn't expecting. I am addicted now and reading through the other reviews, I understand that there will be three books in the series. I am excited to read the other books as well.

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

The knife scene.

Which character – as performed by Mark Deakins – was your favorite?

red beard, yellow beard, and black beard at the beginning of the story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It is too long for one sitting, but I did finish it in less than a week. Considering this is almost a 20 hour book, I couldn't put it down.

Any additional comments?

This book surprised me since I didn't know the author. I look forward to any book by this author.

Socialists Will Hate This Book

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

What a GREAT adventure story, I loved it. Aside from laughs and fears, some passion and even some tears, this book not only entertains but it teaches. The messages of integrity and values and self-government are so beautifully portrayed in this story, it should be read by every person who wants to understand what makes for a satisfying life of joy and purpose, but also what makes freedom work so very well. I tried to find three words that capture that thought but can't do much better than Integrity Beats Corruption. This story tells of people becoming enormously prosperous because they practice basic values on which freedom and liberty is maintained. It also tells of people who violate those principles, who live the old tired lie that government must provide all things to all people (Karl Marx, Engles, Mao, Kim-etc., Castro, etc.). Every society that falls for that trap has always collapsed, the USSR being the most recent. Helping those in need to get on their feet is a principle of freedom if handled correctly. But handled by government welfare programs and it will destroy its host nation, or a train of camels living on what they carry and can trade. Excellent book, I can't wait for the next one.

Which character – as performed by Mark Deakins – was your favorite?

I liked Zafir. He was the steady rudder through the story, completely trustworthy and kind, vigilant when it came to correct principles, but understanding in the face of Bassam's youth and inexperience. Excellent job.

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

I could relate to the time that Bassam desperately sought help at the worst possible time in his life, and how that came. It rang very true to me and I listened to it several times before moving on.

Any additional comments?

I really like this book because it takes me down two paths---one was the story itself, the other was a life-changing examination of what makes cooperation among friends or nations work when everyone agrees on basic values and principles. The values cannot be coercive or deceitful. They must be utterly respectful and genuine. The very best teacher for that is found in the Bible, but another good teacher is found in Bassam. It's not a religious book at all, but it does show in a couple of places how that aspect of Bassam's belief system influenced Bassam's life and choices. There are not many books out there that dare broach those topics. It's a clean book, family friendly, and brings the discussion back to what really matters in life. Every middle and high school student should read this, it will improve their outlook and help them see that the solution to all problems is within themselves, not another government program or agency. Socialists will hate this book.

Great symbolism

Long story with deep meanings and exotic settings in a time long ago. I love the ancient scrolls and storytelling elements.

better than expected

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

So i didn't know the author, and so was hesitant to purchase this book. Listening to the first 30 min, I was hooked. I finished it in a little less than 2 weeks. I would recommend this to a friend. My wife has started listening to this book as well and really likes it.

What did you like best about this story?

The adventure. I like the part near the end of the chase through the desert.

Which scene was your favorite?

The chase.

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

I am an animal lover, so the end was hard for me. The author handled it really well. You could tell that he also loves animals.

wonderful

the author should offer a copy of the scrolls principles for daily living. now I have to read the next book....can't wait.