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Historical Fiction

The novel Taklamakan, by John Schettler, is  historical fiction set in northwestern China in the year 757 A.D. It is the story of Tando Ghazi Khan, a simple caravaneer on the fabled Silk Road, who sets out from Dun Huang China on what he hopes will be his final trek to the western bazaars of Kashgar. But the mighty T’ang Empire of China has been shaken from within by the rebellion of the Turkic-Sogdian general An Lu Shan, and the balance of power in the Tarim Basin, where Tando must travel, suddenly shifts when the Chinese Western Garrisons are called home. Tando’s caravan is soon embroiled in political intrigue as the armies of Tibet, China’s long time rival, begin to advance into the Tarim Basin to choke off trade. Tando must use all his skills to secure the lives of his men and the safety of his cargo. He soon discovers an unexpected ally in the Tibetan camp and circumstances lead him to pursue the mystery inscribed on a strange map that will lead to an ancient secret in the heart of the most forbidding and feared desert on earth--the Taklamakan.

A complete showcase of this novel with sample scenes is now on-line at www.dharma6.com

  • Jade Ring Green, A tea of great virtue, becomes a saving grace for Tando and his men
  • Forbidden rites of the old religion of Tibet ignite the passion and contention of rival clan leaders
  • A young Tibetan general struggles for survival when treachery and betrayal threaten his mission
  • A lost waif is led to the hidden shrines of a secret Buddhist sect, and the long guarded mysteries of theTantra
  • A Tarim Scout pursues an emerging love and is driven to a fateful moment at a forsaken desert outpost.
  • A trader’s map reveals a devious secret and leads to the heart of the mystery in the Taklamakan.
  • The awakening and transforming  fire of the Buddha’s enlightenment is revealed where it is least expected
  • A sacred sutra is carried to a hidden vault where it remains untouched for over a thousand years.

It’s a bit of “Shogun” and “Lord of the Rings” rolled into one!

Book II

The story will continue with “Khan Tengri - The Lord Of The Sky,” which is actually a special edition release comprised of material from Taklamakan Part II and a new 7 chapter, 30,000 word addition.

Tando’s adopted son Jammu has come of age and is ready to meet his fate on the Silk Road in a special addition, set 8 years after Tando’s return to Dun Huang, the novel reveals the fate of all the main characters presented in  “Taklamakan.”

Now on Smashwords.com, eBook, Mobi, PDF: $4.99

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