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Echoes of an Empire

Synopsis of Echoes of an Empire Echoes of an Empire is a historical novel chronicling the rise, dominance, and eventual decline of Pakistan’s most influential business empires. Spanning over a century, it tells the intertwined stories of six prominent business families: the Adamjee Group, Hashwani Group, Saigol Group, Fateh Group, Kohinoor Maple Leaf Group, and Ittefaq Group. Each of these families played a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s economic landscape, their successes symbolizing the nation’s industrial progress and their struggles reflecting its political and social turbulence. Echoes of an Empire is a gripping historical novel that chronicles the rise and fall of Pakistan’s most influential business empires: the Adamjee, Hashwani, Saigol, Fateh, Kohinoor Maple Leaf, and Ittefaq groups. Spanning over a century, the novel weaves together the personal struggles, family conflicts, and ambitious dreams of these business dynasties as they navigate the country’s shifting political and economic landscape. From the Adamjee Group’s pioneering role in the textile and jute industries to the Ittefaq Group’s dominance in steel and their complex ties with politics, the novel captures the highs and lows of entrepreneurial ambition. With political upheavals, nationalization, and internal family rivalries threatening their legacies, these families face immense challenges as they strive to maintain their empires. At its core, Echoes of an Empire is a tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of these industrial giants on Pakistan’s economy. It offers a compelling exploration of ambition, legacy, and the intricate relationship between business and politics, leaving readers to ponder the cost of power and the legacy of those who shaped the nation’s industrial future. --- The Hashwani Group: Building a Hospitality Empire Next, the novel delves into the journey of Sadruddin Hashwani, a dynamic entrepreneur who transformed his modest cotton trading business into a hospitality powerhouse. The Hashwani Group became synonymous with luxury through its Pearl-Continental and Marriott hotel chains, redefining Pakistan’s tourism industry. Set against the backdrop of political instability and terrorism in the 1980s and 1990s, the Hashwani family’s resilience shines through. The narrative captures their ability to navigate crises while maintaining their business integrity, symbolizing Pakistan’s potential for perseverance and excellence. --- The Saigol Group: Innovators in Industry The Saigol Group emerges as a beacon of industrial innovation. Originating in the early 20th century, the family expanded from textiles into chemicals, electronics, and power generation. Their establishment of Pak Elektron Limited (PEL) marked a significant milestone in Pakistan’s industrialization. Through the Saigol family’s story, the novel examines the balance between tradition and modernization. Internal family dynamics, generational clashes over business strategies, and the challenges of staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market are central themes. The Saigols’ narrative underscores the importance of innovation and adaptability in sustaining long-term success. --- The Fateh Group: Titans of Textile The Fateh Group, founded by Haji Mohammad Ilyas, became a leading textile manufacturer in the 1950s, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s export economy. Their commitment to quality and innovation allowed them to dominate the textile sector for decades. However, financial mismanagement and external economic pressures in the 1990s led to their decline. The novel portrays the family’s struggle to maintain their legacy amidst mounting debts and internal disagreements. It serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of over-expansion and the importance of strategic foresight in business. --- The Kohinoor Maple Leaf Group: Masters of Diversification The Kohinoor Maple Leaf Group, spearhead
FarheenSadiq · 15.1K Views

Second Take On Romance - The A-List Actor Wants Me

One sunny day, Shen Jingwei, a Z-list actor, received an opportunity to attend an open-call audition the very next day. It was for the role of an antagonist in a new BL C-Drama, "Dance Of The Dragons", which was adapted from a novel of the same title. He agreed to join the audition due to several factors, among which his manager's threat to jump off the 20th floor, his dire need for money, and also the fact that his rank in the film industry could not go any lower. One look at the panel of judges made him want to turn on his heel to leave, but it was all too late. Because who would expect the poor Z-List actor to meet his mortal enemy/ex-boyfriend, Yan Renzhong, the A-List Actor responsible for his decline long before he even learned how to fly? ------------------ "You and I... are playing a couple of lovers, who will go on to get married and have children with each other." Shen Jingwei could sense blood coming up his throat. What was the point of saying it out loud, again? "Yes," he forced himself to agree nonetheless. Yan Renzhong pinned him with a stare. "We have unresolved issues from the past. I hope you won't let them affect your and my performance in the drama. Act the professional you are supposed to be." "..." "And don't call me 'Emperor Yan' anymore." Yan Renzhong left after delivering one blow after another, not even waiting to see if Shen Jingwei succumbed to his injuries or not. What? Whattt? Whattttttttt?
Lu_Shui · 504.3K Views

Sinner of the Spades

'Sinner of the Spades' takes place in an alternate early 20th century, at the turn of industrial advancement. Set in a world where one Empire rules over the majority of the western continent, the world is ravaged by the aftereffects of a great war. It is a world of tragedy, of longing for wealth, of parading high above the clouds, of mechanical automatons, and of grand tales of sorcery not many have had the chance to see themselves. Lumière Croft is a show magician in the middle borough of the city-state of Leiden- rather, an illusionist. A career liar. Responsible for making money to help out at the monastery he lives in, he can only curse the dreadful circumstances around him, and wish desperately that something would change. Although, that change is not always a good thing. Only when the shadows around him begin to creep, and when the sky grows burgeoning eyes, and when blood is spilled, does he find hope of fulfilling his wishes. To have sunlight, the world must be balanced with cruelty. To have power, one must lose their soul, humanity, morality, or sanity. One must ultimately balance the scales of their debt, or fall eternally to suffering, and have the scales corrected by force. This is the story of balance, of hope, and of the tragedy of a liar. —- “We’re all liars who pretend that the world is okay, and as liars we adopt philosophies and ideologies to cope with its cruelty. Because the world has hope, as long as we speak these lies loud enough, they’ll surely become true.” - Lumière Croft. --- Cover illustration done by @i_evuuu/Everest
GoneSoSoon · 104.4K Views

My Dear Duke(BL)

On his 20th birthday, Asher's mother confessed something he never expected. After the truth was revealed, she died giving her last blessing to him. That's when Asher found himself all alone, confused about his own identity and worrying about his future. What did she say? -He was someone special? -Someone people would come after? She said he was coming from a very rare but also a very special race called omega where men could get pregnant. Was it real? At first, Asher strictly refused to accept his mother's confession. But in the end, he had to believe it. Because it was the bitter truth. If he was really coming from such a rare race, and had such a special body, did he have to live all his life hiding so he wouldn't get caught and become someone's plaything? Was that the only way to avoid getting the bad ending his father got? Why was he even born as someone like this?! He just wanted a peaceful life. So, it wouldn't be as dangerous as his mother said if he just forgot he was special and lived like a normal person, right? People would not notice. Alas, it's been a long time since people last saw an omega and they must be believing no omega exists now. At least that's what he thought... He thought people might have forgotten about his existence and he would not have to face any problems in the future.  Whether he was special or not, he still became a target. When he was kidnapped and auctioned as a slave, he regretted ignoring his mother's last advice. "Don't trust anyone easily. Your safety is in your hands and protecting yourself is your duty." He could only blame himself and expect for the worst if his special identity was to get revealed and meet the same end as his father did. However, his fate gave him a second chance along with a huge surprise which changed his life for the better. Hopefully, Asher was saved by the so-called 'bloodthirsty monster' duke and brought to his mansion to babysit his spoiled 10-year-old little sister who threw tantrums declaring she wants Asher to pat her head and comfort her. Just to babysit this adorable, little girl.  He was safe. His secret was also secured within himself. Thanks to that chaotic sister and brother, Asher's life slowly took new turns and continued with almost no obstacles...till some point. The surprise? The duke happened to have some kind of a 'strange' illness that had no cure. Not long after when Asher discovered it, he ended up becoming the perfect cure for his illness. But how? -Remember? He was 'special'! Where would his specialty as an omega lead his life to? What kind of mysteries would he have to encounter with this duke wishing comfort from him?  Will the duke's 'strange' illness ever get healed? How would their story flow to that perfect happy ending with the twist of love landing in the middle of their 'just a deal'? ________________ Note:  This story continues in a historical timeline. Similar to omegaverse, but not the same omegaverse universe. Magic, revenge, dukes, royal families, curses, spells, heats, ruts... (The book cover is from Pinterest. Respect to the artist.)
Sweet_Vanilla553 · 965K Views

The Handsome Devil I Married

Evelyn, a retired undercover agent, now runs a bookstore she inherited from her grandparents. On her 20th birthday, she discovers she was switched at birth and returns to the Hartley family. She isn’t interested in wealth and just wants a normal life, but Sophia, the imposter daughter, keeps taking everything from her, including her boyfriend, Daniel Whittaker. Her biological parents informed her about the arrange a marriage with the Whittaker family, a deal finalized by their grandparents. Evelyn ends up replacing Sophia in the wedding, agreeing on the condition that she’ll no longer be a Hartley once married. Her parents, blinded by their love for Sophia, agree. People pity Evelyn, thinking she unknowingly married a ruthless man—Alexander Whittaker, who turns out to be her ex’s uncle. As a former special forces member, Evelyn figures she can handle her husband if he’s cruel. But on her wedding day, she realizes something surprising: Alexander isn’t the ugly middle-aged man she expected—he’s the angelic-looking yet feared leader of the Arcane Famiglia, the underworld boss himself! ***** “I’ve finally found you, my princess,” he murmured, his voice low and filled with a strange, almost playful intensity. In a panicked reflex, Evelyn raised her hand and delivered a swift chop to the side of Alexander’s neck, a move she usually practice but never intended to use. Her hands trembled as she realized what she had done. Had she just killed her husband on their wedding night? “Oh no, what have I done?” Evelyn whispered frantically, her mind racing with panic.
lisha_Noire · 7.1K Views

Lord Holloway's Adored Lady: Climbing The Ranks After Divorce

Lady Rhea Montgomery, Countess of Riverian has the perfect life. A wonderful, powerful husband who rules his county with dignity and honour. Enough wealth to keep her dressed in the finest of silks and decked in jewels to enhance her radiant beauty. And people who love her as their beloved Countess. Life is perfect, until suddenly it isn't and Rhea loses everything to a woman younger and more capable. Becoming no one after being someone is almost too much to bear and just when Rhea resigns herself to her fate, along comes Lord Augustus Holloway, Duke of Ravenholm. Everything she has heard about the powerful and dangerous man says to stay away but his sweet fondness for her says otherwise. Augustus seduces Rhea into his frightening yet exciting world and leaves her questioning whether she could be someone without Lanon, and if her connection to him is worth the chaos it brings into her once peaceful life. Rhea had once been a merchant's daughter and then a Countess. If she played the game right, and she damn well will, she could become a Duchess or maybe even Queen. ____ Note: There is some confusion because of the language I use and the setting but please be aware that THIS IS NOT A HISTORICAL NOVEL. It's a mix between 19th/20th century society and values and modern day technological advances. Please keep that in mind so you don't go in with expectations that will not be met. If you're cool with that, go right ahead and enjoy.
_Balinor_ · 164.5K Views

Genesis Rebellion

Year 2130, in order to combat the fast emerging new viruses since 20th Century. The Leading Nations invented the "Genesis Engine" to accelerate human evolution to combat this emerging viruses however, unbeknownst to them it causes drastic change in Humanity and Environment that causes the fall of many Nations and drastically changing Humanities Gene. "Ascendance" that's what people call to themselves who gained a significant evolution to their genes making them 5 times more stronger and smarter than even the gifted human, this Group of People see themselves as the humanities future living in cities protected by towering walls. "Degenerate" are called to those people who mutated into something cannot be called human, some people even lost their rationality and will attack and eat anyone that is not part of them, this group of people lives in wilderness and wasteland. "Neutral" are people whose didn't affected by the Pulse and living underground and they see themselves as remnants of original humans. The world is on the brink of collapse as both factions blame each other for the disaster. Meanwhile, humanity’s unmutated remnants, called the Neutrals, struggle to survive, caught between the warring groups. As the War brewing over the Genesis Engine, which remains hidden in a crumbling underground facility. The Ascendants want to use it to further perfect their species, while the Degenerates want to destroy it to stop their suffering. The Neutrals, however, discover a secret: the Genesis Engine can reverse the mutations entirely but at the cost of destabilizing Earth's ecosystem.
Cursed_Writer · 1.1K Views

Global Unity {Revamped & Revisited}

Global Unity tells the events that happened after Emperor's Hidden Anger. But Corona took over Planet Harmony and she's planning to attack Planet Earth With Emperor and the Squid Sisters vanished it's up to Arnold and Creator stop Corona once and for all This story is referencing the infamous Covid-19 Pandemic that started on Jan 20th now 8 months have passed and the virus is ravaging Planet Earth to this day. But the medical teams are on the frontlines battling this virus and trying very hard to find a vaccine to eradicate Covid-19 Corona's plan known as Operation: Covid-19 Lethality was recruit, gather and train her army and destroy Planet Earth That would be similar to the people breaching quarantine rules and conditions Arnold's plan known as Operation: Medical Frontlines was to simply save the characters of Planet Harmony from the jaws of Corona And that would be similar to medical teams and communities across Planet Earth working together to stop the COVID-19 virus A lot of characters in this story are from TV shows, Games and likely movies but the setting takes place in Planet Harmony is located in the Friendship System in the constellation of Sagittarius located five thousand light years away from Planet Earth. The topography of Planet Harmony is similar to Planet Earth while cities are the pun versions while some cities have a different name. Emperor, the protagonist of the last story found out the truth that, Grace Rumorstrike was the one responsible for the events that took place at Inkopolis Plaza and its eventual downfall silence.
PapaCreator · 94.2K Views

The Killer "Joker"

My first time publishing please read patiently. Jack is always surrounded by mystery born in the 20th century where they are more evils that good. He is aware of the changes around him and he didn't care since him and his loved ones are happy and save. Happiness is forever so he thought. When tragedy struck at those around him, he taught law was the solution and that the law enforcement officers (police) will help and bring him justice. Then, he saw the bad side of society, the system that no one could help him. That when he decided to put the matter into his own hands. JOKER ---------------------------------------------------------- Context: There are two people in the middle of a deserted street at 4 @am. Rain falling heavily creating a sound proof around. One of them standing and stepping on the other person on the floor with their backs touching the cold floor and the rain is watching their bleeding body that never seems to end. "Please Joker forgive me, I have wife and kids waiting for me to come home", pleaded victim 1. Joker responded menacingly while starting at the man with a cold glear and blood shot eyes, " so you have a life to live? you choosed this path. You should have made a better decision 2 years ago". The man seeing that Joker wouldn't let him go cried while looking at the floor thinking that it was truly his fault he made that mistake and moved on which was wrong. But it was too late to say sorry. Joker stared at him nonchalantly getting impatient to go home and sleep since was past his bed time. Pissed off by the man attitude and state, he said to him. " Stop being a man baby no matter how you cry you are going to die anyways". After speaking, he took his rider gloves from his back pocket and started to wear it getting ready for his next act. Bending down to swat to mach the man's eye level, he holds his victim chin to make eye contact. Tilting his head to the right he asked his victim coldly, any last words? The man started at Joker for a moment by now he had already stopped crying and the rain automatically stopped too. It seems that time was slowing down. Opening his mouth slowly he wanted to tell his wishes but it was already too late. Joker had already snapped his neck in an instant. "Tsk on a second thought when you took action two years ago you didn't give them a chance either, right?", he said talking to the already dead body. After taking his gloves from his hands and putting it in his back pocket he used his pinky finger to clean his ear and said, " Good luck on the other side". He then stepped over the body while on his way back home. After some distance he paused and turned around. "That is..... if some over there will take you of course", he said after thinking then continued on his way.
_Stacy_ · 15.4K Views

Transmigrated As A Baby Villain

Can the transmigrated baby villain survive this crappy world until he reaches his 18th birthday so he can kill the protagonist? - Jay died. He woke up in the body of a baby, and he thought he was reborn with the memory of his past life. Then, the System happily told him that he transmigrated into an unpublished novel which he stole when he was alive, and he's the main villain called Kaon the Blood Prince, the most vicious superpower human to ever graced the Earth, yet the author didn't develop him very well. The only thing that Jay knows about Kaon is his superpower is using his opponent's blood to make rain. The system said his mission is to take down the protagonist Kade the golden boy. That's easy enough, the protagonist is nothing compared to Kaon in terms of sheer power, and Kaon won in the original work. If Jay completes his mission, he can be reborn in his original world. There's one tiny little problem: Kaon is a baby, barely one year old. He doesn't know where his parents are, but he's being taken care of by two people: an undead fifteen year old villain and a thirteen year old hero-traitor-to-be. None of them know how to hold a baby properly, let alone raise one in poverty. It seems like everything is out to kill the baby villain. Can he survive to adulthood? And why is everyone named Jay in here? - 1/3 of the book will be focused on the baby growing up into an adult, nightmare mode all the way. The romance will slowly engrave itself into the plot. - Warning: There will be gore and action movie fight scenes. If you're uncomfortable reading those, you can skip this book. - Special Chapters • Every 15th chapter: Excerpt from another world • Every 20th chapter: User 1's Interlude • Chapter 25, 33, 36: Villainous Parents' Misadventures _____ Yell at the author in the comments to get consistent updates.
Twelve_Cats · 104.8K Views

Tomodachi

In Tomodachi, Motosaki Izuna, an 18-year-old American-Japanese military child, transfers to the prestigious Matsugaya High in Japan, eager to reconnect with his roots and finish his final year of high school. Little does he know, his arrival coincides with the onset of a sinister curse—the Tomodachi Curse—an ancient evil that thrives on the bonds of friendship. As Motosaki reunites with his childhood best friend, Aisha Ayami, he quickly forms close ties with Aisha and her four friends: the shy but insightful Rebecca Haruna, the fiery and competitive Emma Chisaka, the serene yet fragile Otsuki Nagagami, and the proud, wealthy Naomi Suzuki. While the group enjoys their time together, a hidden darkness looms. The Tomodachi, a vengeful yokai spirit, preys on the girls’ relationships, driving them to betray one another in a twisted quest for love. Motosaki soon discovers that he is entangled in a deadly game: to break the curse, he must identify the true Tomodachi before the Matsugaya Festival on December 20th. Each wrong choice results in the brutal erasure of a girl from existence, leaving Motosaki in a cycle of despair as he is repeatedly thrust back in time with no memory of the girls he lost. As he delves deeper into the mystery, Motosaki confronts the chilling nature of the Tomodachi Curse and the darkness it brings out in his friends. With each iteration, he grows more determined to save them, piecing together clues and forming new bonds while battling the mounting psychological terror. However, as the curse intensifies, the Tomodachi becomes bolder, taunting Motosaki with haunting memories and manipulating his perceptions of friendship and love. In a desperate bid to save his friends and end the torment once and for all, Motosaki must navigate a treacherous path filled with heartbreak and sacrifice. As the festival approaches, he faces a harrowing choice: risk losing everything by confronting the Tomodachi directly or accept his own tragic fate in an effort to secure a happier ending for those he loves. -------------- To all who know what my novel Shokyo is, this is a reimagined version of my first horror/thriller story, Shokyo! I hope you enjoy this spooky book for the up coming spooky season!
Aisuru_Reborn · 11K Views
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