The Lost City Of Arka

In this new novel, "The Lost City Of Arka", Hichem Karoui chronicles the perilous journey of Maya as she endeavours to uncover the mysteries of the fabled city of Arka, a legendary place rumoured to house immense treasures and advanced knowledge . The narrative commences with Maya, under the mentorship of Professor Ainsley, deciphering ancient maps and texts that ignite her passion for exploration . Her path takes an unexpected turn when Marco, a charismatic adventurer, invites her to join his expedition to Arka . This invitation presents Maya with a significant dilemma, forcing her to choose between her loyalty to Professor Ainsley and the compelling allure of adventure, setting her on a course fraught with uncertainty and moral challenges .
As Maya and her team prepare for their expedition, they encounter opposition from students concerned about the potential exploitation of Arka's rich heritage . Despite these protests, the group ventures into the treacherous mountains. Along their journey, they find unexpected allies in local tribes who guide them through the hazardous wilderness . With the tribes' assistance, Maya's team navigates the dangers and begins to grasp the true cultural and historical significance of Arka .
The expedition, however, is soon mired in betrayal and intrigue as Marco's ulterior motives come to light . Maya discovers that Marco intends to exploit Arka's resources for his personal gain, leading to a rupture of trust and a shift in alliances within the group . This revelation forces Maya to confront the profound moral implications of their quest .
Separated from her team after a severe storm, Maya must rely on her survival skills and ancestral wisdom to navigate the wilderness alone . She eventually reunites with the expedition at the very gates of Arka. There, they are confronted by the city's ancient guardians, sentinels who test their worthiness to enter . Maya undergoes a series of trials that challenge her core beliefs and compel her to examine her own ambitions .
Upon entering Arka, Maya uncovers hidden chambers filled with ancient technologies and secrets that possess the potential to reshape the future of humanity . However, this discovery is not without its dark side; Maya grapples with significant moral dilemmas concerning the potential consequences of wielding such powerful knowledge and technology .
The story culminates in a race against time as Maya strives to protect Arka from those, including former allies, who seek to exploit its treasures and power . She faces a critical choice between restoring Arka to its former glory or allowing its destruction, all while honouring its past legacy and safeguarding the future . Ultimately, Maya's decisions determine not only her own fate but also the destiny of Arka and its enduring impact through time .

Writer /Journalist/ Senior ResearcherPublished over 30 books and counting, (translations not included).
Authored co-authored, edited, and published hundreds of daily/ weekly/ monthly briefings, reports and analyses, peer-reviewed articles, monographs, and books, about MENA region and international politics.
Participated in many international conferences, either on the panel, as a member of the organizing team, or as a journalist.
Has been involved with the media since his early career, thus serving in different posts: reporter, investigation journalist, copy editor, cultural journalism, political journalism, editorialist, and Executive Editor.
Translated several books/documents. Also reviewed translations for publishers.
Member of several academic boards.
Veteran columnist and commentator for the media.
Ranking in the top 10%of Authors by all-time downloads on Social Science Research Network.