The Sphere of Destiny follows a medieval alchemist who finds a sphere in a pyramid that takes him on an odyssey through time. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Ans: The pyramids are the ancient wonder of mysterious and mystical origin. I have been quite interested in ‎pyramids since early childhood and have watched many documentaries on Egypt. In my view, Egyptian ‎pyramids are much older than the date purported in textbooks. The idea is based on the writings of ‎Egyptian historians. According to ancient Sabians (star-worshippers of Egypt), pyramids are pre-flood ‎monuments. I crafted the story on those accounts and made the central protagonist catapulted to an alien ‎planet, thus blending ancient knowledge and science fiction. ‎

Al-Khidr is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?

Ans: Al-Khidr has many facets. First, he is a Berber orphan, and he belongs to the non-Arabic culture of north ‎Africa and is connected to Africa itself. Second, he spoke Amazigh, which is also considered an ancient ‎language far older than English. Third, he has an interest in chemicals, compounds, acids. I read an exciting ‎novel, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. That inspired me to cast another alchemist character that goes to ‎pyramids and finds something interesting. The milieu and era did the rest of the magic. Later in an alien ‎world, he realized that it was his destiny to move from one planet to another. ‎

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Ans: The antiquity of pyramids, the Sphinx, and the zodiac of Dendera — these monuments were the major themes – these are mentioned in book 1 with different names, for example, Sphinx is a greek mythology character, of course, those who had made Sphinx they didn’t call it Sphinx. I called it the monument of Anpu (or Anubis). This theme is discussed more in book 2 (releasing soon). Also, the Hathor-Osiris and Seth, Egyptian mythology is weaved into book one in their original names – Hathor, Usir, and Seth, as in ancient Egyptian pronunciation. Ehsis is Isis in an ancient Egyptian accent. So the mythology is weaved with the story.

This is book one in The Sphere of Destiny Trilogy. What can readers expect in book two?

Ans: Book 2 is historical fiction plus sci-fi. It will show Egypt at Napoleon’s occupation, as humans struggle to reach the herbs. He has to save himself from French forces, an alien killer, Egyptians resisting French occupation.

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A daring alchemist. A rogue alien. A battle of nerves and emotions.

Giza, Egypt, 832 A.D.
Al-Khidr is awestruck when he finds a mysterious metallic sphere inside the Pyramid of Giza. As a long-time medieval alchemist, he has seen his fair share of interesting finds, but this discovery is like none other. Unbeknownst to him, the relic will change his life in unimaginable ways.
The curiosity catapults an alchemist through space and time to an alien planet, but his efforts prove futile when he comes head-to-head with the aliens who viewed him as a curse.
With danger looming, a short time frame, and his life on the line, Al-Khidr has to do what he thinks is correct and just.