The year is 2212. Sixteen uneventful years have passed since the catastrophic event known simply as - the Resource Wars - and an uneasy peace still exists between the three distinct zones that divide the Earth's surface. The War's effects have reached far and wide, but especially within Jacob's zone. Over the years, the citizens of his world have exchanged their freedoms for the assurance of safety and sustenance, and now the governing Corporation rules them with an iron grip. Conforming to Corporate rule is not an easy task for a boy like Jacob. Intelligence and curiosity are undesirable traits in his world and the twelve-year-old possesses both in abundance. But the young boy is in possession of something considerably more dangerous. Jacob has discovered a forbidden book: The Quran. Then, the impossible happens; Jacob meets Majdi Mansoor, a Muslim boy. This fateful meeting holds consequences that Jacob could never imagine as he enters into the secret world of the Mansoor family. Disaster strikes and Jacob learns the 'other' reason for the Mansoor's concealment. Majdi's father is a brilliant scientist on the brink of completing an invention of global importance; an invention that the Corporation would kill to possess. Incredibly, Jacob finds himself immersed in a dangerous, spectacular adventure, pitted against the might of the Corporation and its ruthless Executive. But a far more ancient, evil enemy stalks Jacob as his steps towards belief invoke the dark forces of the Unseen World, and the real battle begins.

Kube Publishing Ltd.

About the Author

Anisa Bezak was born in Melbourne, Australia. She discovered Islam while researching various religions for a book plot, and converted in 1997. Since then, she has devoted her life to studying, teaching and writing about Islam. During this time, she has also managed to acquire a small family and a large number of cats. Majdi Mansoor and the Book of Miracles is her first novel.

Reviews

"Just another bunch of Goliaths," a brave young man declares in Bezak's big-hearted, faith-centering dystopian future fantasy, set in a 2212 where the secular world, ruled by the Tanas Corporation, has outlawed religion, cracked down on curiosity itself, and stolen the loving patriarch from 12-year-old orphan Jacob's new adopted family. Jacob, a city boy, is new to faith, though his discovery of a copy of the Quran-a true rarity-has roused in him a deep sense of connection to Islam.

Bezak's debut connects contemporary political, cultural, and religious tensions-Jacob is an orphan because the Tanas Corp forcibly separates "the children of the enemy" in labor camps-with classic YA adventure storytelling, and a dystopian edge. Its heart is an exciting story of standing up against tyranny-and, for Jacob, of finding a path toward faith. Jacob and his new brothers face a most dangerous adventure, taking to heart the words of young Majdi: "How often a small force has defeated a large army with Allah's permission."

Bezak writes warmly of family, faith, and camaraderie, and the story builds to surprises and betrayals. Scenes of action and suspense have power as the Goliath-facing heroes plot to infiltrate a mountaintop research facility. This engaging YA fantasy pits faith and family against a tyrannical corporation.

Publisher's Weekly

Book Information
ISBN 9780860378280
Author Anisa Bezak
Format Paperback
Page Count 616
Imprint Islamic Foundation
Publisher Islamic Foundation