Bassam and the Seven Secret Scrolls

Bassam, Book 1

By: Paul B. Skousen

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

Length: 17 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

What Secrets Were On Those Scrolls?

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

This was a movie---I could see and feel and suffer through the most delightful adventure story I've heard in years. I love this story. It transported me to a time and place I never knew existed---the great caravans that moved the world's wealth from Arabia to China and back again, for thousands of years before Columbus. The story paints a life 2,000 years ago, life on a caravan as seven secrets are unfolded, with the story focusing on one old sheikh name Zafir, a young man named Bassam, and the secrets of seven scrolls. I loved the riddles in the messages and how Bassam discovers them. I loved the trek across the continent and the problems such travel created. It was history, geography, adventure, love, loss, death, life, heat, cold, survival, thirst, discouragement, resolution, reality. I feel immersed in a part of history that I never knew existed, and after I catch my breath, I want to go hear it again. My kids loved it, we'd hear a chapter every night. They were glued, their eyes glazed over with their minds creating a far away time and place that one day they wanted to go visit.

What did you like best about this story?

I had to smile at Bassam and Rasha and their clumsy love story. It reminded me of my own, and how awkward new love is. The author captures the uncomfortable blossom of friendship growing into love through teenage years, then into maturity, and then postponement while a caravan trek must be taken. It was great insight into the beauty of life without the modern stress and distractions that rob people of so much. Rasha is a wonderful young woman, and the whole story is a delightful telling suitable for all.

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't want to give it away, but there's an event where Bassam finds himself alone in an extremely stressful situation where he's hiding in a black alley way of an old stone village on the banks of the Euphrates. There he has no options but to plead in his crushing depression through desperate prayer for help, and how help came, beautifully, quietly, simply, surprisingly, and to his salvation. It was a wonderful ending to that particular event, and another of several stories within the story. There's more of that I liked a lot---that white-out blizzard sandstorm, I can feel the grit in my teeth and in my eyes and ears. And that sword fight in the dunes. Perfectly presented, I loved it.

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

The moment that Bassam says goodbye to Rasha, that was fantastic. It was richly portrayed and my pulse went up, I had to go cool off afterwards! I think the closing chapters touched me the most, such a deeply moving story on so many levels. Those closing chapters really pulled at my heart. Beautiful writing, beautiful resolution, it left me wanting more.

Any additional comments?

I didn't know I liked stories like this. I think its effectiveness is its historical accuracy and picture-painting of life among the ruins and silk and spice routes of ancient times. I learned more about camel caravans and the trials the riders encounter than anywhere else. The characters are all roundly developed and the interaction was fantastic. Fawzi made me laugh, he's a character. How did the author get all of that information? I didn't know they had navigation tools like the kamel, or the south pointer---they were brilliant people. It's a story of a day when life was much slower than today, and being paced to the rigors of nature, far more beauty and intrigue is found when there's time to see it than in today's hectic world where all that makes life beautiful is lost in the rush. Thank you to the author for that nice break and that wonderful breath of fresh desert air. It's a long ride worthy of stops and pauses to reflect and relive, to take in pieces and not all at once. I loved it.

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.

Bassam is an Epic Adventure for the Ages

Where does Bassam and the Seven Secret Scrolls rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Bassam is the best audiobook that I have listened to EVER! Mark Deakins does such a great job. The writing of Paul Skousen is masterful!

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

The most memorable moments of Bassam is the way that I felt. The book moved me in ways I cannot describe. I was learning about life and how to be successful along with Bassam. This is an adventure books but parts of it cuts you down to your soul.

What about Mark Deakins’s performance did you like?

Mark Deakins is the perfect narrator for this book. Being a fan of Mark's books this has to be in the top three of the books he has narrated.

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

I sat for hours listening. Especially towards the end. For the first time with an audiobook I listened to it on my stereo and closed my eyes. I imagined that I was Bassam and on his adventure. I cannot express out much I loved this book.

Any additional comments?

Paul Skousen is a gifted writer. Pair his writing with the voice of Mark Deakins and you have an instant hit with Bassam. Give it a listen today. You will not be disappointed.

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.

Great read with ideals that we can use everyday

Where does Bassam and the Seven Secret Scrolls rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As far as it's genre goes, this story ranks high in the fiction and fantasy area. I love that as well as an entertaining story, there are things to learn from the book.

Superb!

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

Indiana Jones on camels

What did you like best about this story?

The history. As a a novice/hobby historian, I appreciated the history and well researched facts of the novel.

What about Mark Deakins’s performance did you like?

I felt like I was watching a movie while listening to this book. The time flew by!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

In a world where the sands never end, a love never dies, and murder is a step behind, find Bassam and the Seven Secret Scrolls

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this book. It is difficult to nail down these questions and give a single answer because I loved so much of this book. i am really looking forward to the next one.

Touching, Inspiring, Magical.

I read Bassam aloud to my 8 year old daughter. We loved it then. I just finished listening to the audio version by myself. Even better! I kept finding myself sitting in my truck, in the driveway or in front of work listening. I may listen again, this time with pen in hand as I listen to the wisdom of the Seven Secret Scrolls. Can't wait for book # 2!

Introspective Adventure

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

I have listened to the book twice so far. The first time I focused on the adventure the second time how to I can become a better person.

What did you like best about this story?

This books serves two purposes. Entertainment and a real good story to help people become better. There were several times I paused to ponder to see if I really understand the lessons being taught.

Which scene was your favorite?

The kite scene.

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

Without giving anything away it is the Bakra section at the end of the book.

All talk and no action makes this a dull book

Young Basaam goes on a caravan trip across the vast desert to learn the secrets of wealth and treasure in what sounds like an exciting adventure book. In reality it consists of a series of moral lecture lesson for young people followed by life examples. The axiom to "show don't tell" is lost on the author who spells his sermons out in excruciating detail.
Don't get me wrong, I am in favor of books for kids that have strong moral tones. Certainly Lewis's Narnia series has Judeochristian themes, values, and morals, as well as adventure and great stories.
Way too much sermonizing in this book without much story. I will not be reading the next.
By the way, the narrator is fine.

An adventurous and entertaining tale!

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

First of all, it was nice to have a professional reader, Mark Deakins, to initially captivate me. As the story plotted along, I found myself becoming more and more engrossed. The characters were interesting and grew on me. The romantic storyline felt believable and honest.

I felt like I had taken a trip back in time and transplanted my feet into the deserts of Saudi Arabia and nearby lands. I loved the amount of research and detailed descriptions of what it must have been like to join a caravan of merchants as they traveled dangerous desert lands. I also enjoyed the life lessons that the main character, Bassam, learns during his travels. The story made some very good points about how to live shrewdly in a dangerous world.

The writer, Paul B. Skousen, knows how to paint a picture with words. I enjoyed his excellent word-smithing!

By the end of the book I was emotionally entangled and wanted to get on to the next book and find out what happens next. Definitely 18 hours well spent!

What about Mark Deakins’s performance did you like?

Mark Deakin's performance was captivating! His ability to change characters, accents, and add emotion to the story is top notch. I find his skill comparable to Michael Kramer, who read The Wheel of Time series. Very easy to listen to!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

At the beginning of the trail lies the makings of a man.