At first, the people of Ariana were little more than nomads with a few tricks for continuing their survival. Eventually, however, they developed agriculture and began to settle down, advancing as a society. As they progressed from small farming communities into a thriving civilization, they evolved in other ways as well. They developed a military composed of professional soldiers and a written language to act as a medium for complex messages. In this predecessor of ancient Persia, three generations of rulers fostered this change, beginning with a man called Hooman. Despite being a son of an influential family, Hooman started at the bottom and rose to greatness, advancing to the rank of general at a surprising rate. Even so, he is surprised to find himself crowned successor to the throne of Ariana. A man of genuine character and remarkable kindness, he seemed the best choice. But can he handle this much responsibility? A young man, Hooman is only learning the ways of the world. He must navigate love, hate, tradition and deceit all within the boundaries of his culture. He must embrace tragedy and hold happiness at bay in order to become the man who can lead and protect a fledgling nation.

Including a new preface that discusses the Iranian mood during and after the June 2009 presidential election and subsequent protests, this is an intimate look at a paradoxical country from a uniquely qualified journalist. The grandson of an eminent ayatollah and the son of an Iranian diplomat, Hooman Majd offers perspective on Iran's complex and misunderstood culture through an insightful tour of Iranian culture, introducing fascinating characters from all walks of life, including zealous government officials, tough female cab drivers, and open-minded, reformist ayatollahs. It's an Iran that will surprise readers and challenge Western stereotypes. A Los Angeles Times and Economist Best Book of the Year With a New Preface

Before the cities left, and plunged our world into a global dark age, there were stories that told that history. Collected here are the works of three authors who have been telling scraps and pieces of what happened. All through the eyes of the people (and animals) who lived it. Some are fantastic, others could be tall tales, perhaps some are downright lies. But that is all why they had to be published as fiction. Because few people would believe it, even as a TV documentary. All highly speculative. And that's why it's called Science Fiction. But its a very human telling. You may even find yourself in here... Get Your Copy Now.

The meteor talked to Tig as he watched it land. Meteors came now and then. But never one that screamed like it was afraid of landing. All he wanted to do was to make sure his pack was safe against the fire from the sky. But the meteor had called him, somehow. He was there when the meteor turned out to be an escape pod. And opened... His surprise was that the meteor had brought a human female back. She said her name was Sue. And she could talk to wolves like him. That had never happened before. Even when the Hoomans were here. Sue was unlike anything he had ever encountered. He knew she was the solution to their problems - and more. Sue had her own issues, her own reason for returning to Earth. Those would have to wait. First Tig had to get her to safety. Even though she was not as fast or skilled at what she needed in order to survive on her own. There were miles of rough terrain ahead, days of travel, and the ferals had set a trap for them.... Get Your Copy Now.

Why was that meteor screaming in his mind? Someone inside it terrified of landing? All he wanted to do was to make sure his wolf pack was safe against the fire from the sky. But the meteor had called him, somehow. He was there when the meteor turned out to be an escape pod. And opened... His surprise was that the meteor had brought a live human female back. She said her name was Sue. And she could talk to wolves like him. That had never happened before. Even when the Hoomans were here. Sue was unlike anything he had ever encountered. He knew she was the solution to their problems - and more. Sue had her own issues, her own reason for returning to Earth. Those would have to wait. First Tig had to get this helpless girl to safety. There were miles of rough terrain ahead, days of travel, and the ferals had set a trap for them.... Get Your Copy Now.