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The Pahlavi Sword
A story of redemption and self-examination, The Pahlavi Sword introduces SAVAK security Captain Jamsheed Al-Armaghani, the young, handsome officer who finds himself at risky odds with his immediate supervisor, Commander Farouk Nabizadeh. SAVAK’s systematic torture of Evin Prison’s inmates infuriates and confronts Jamsheed’s conscience and security status to the point of underground resistance. Subsequently, he is publicly branded a fugitive of the law, which compels him to forge a fragile, unlikely alliance with outlawed, anti-regime resistance fighters and political organizations, including the communist-leaning Tudeh Party. His one-year asylum under the protection of Tehran’s Assyrian Church subjects him to a brief romantic encounter with loyal church member Fareeda, an outspoken, nurse and daring Assyrian freedom fighter. He is also conflicted by his own covert actions, constantly questioning whether they are driven by his instinctive desire to seek justice or revenge, particularly when obsessed by an unrelenting crave to embarrass his former commander Nabizadeh before the shah, he blindly admires, and expose him embroiled in multiple scandals, including blackmail, drug trafficking and child kidnapping. As Jamsheed’s world increasingly slips on the fast track of regime change, he and brother Mahmood reluctantly flee Iran before travel restrictions are imposed, as their homeland is poised to welcome its exiled religious leader, the Ayatollah Raola Khomeini, in February of 1979. Whether or not Jamsheed Al-Armaghani returns to Iran is ultimately influenced by Evin’s former inmate, Thuraya Al Gailani.
388 pages, Paperback
First published August 14, 2013
29 people are currently reading
6225 people want to read
About the author
Jemil Metti
5 books103 followersJemil Metti was born in Long Island, New York to an Iraqi father and a Hungarian mother who passed away when he was two months old. After two years of American boarding school commencing in 1954, he was transferred to Beirut, Lebanon for a one-year stint before ending up in Baghdad, Iraq in 1957.
After living there his entire teen years, he returned to the United States in 1970. Metti attended Northern Illinois University, S.U.N.Y.-Binghamton, and Wayne State University-Detroit to earn his B.A., M.A. and Ed.D. respectively.
Currently Michigan-based, Metti professionally worked in broadcast and print journalism, real estate sales and education. Though his professional focus had almost entirely shifted to education by 1978, he just couldn't stay away from writing, politics and global affairs. And thus began his bid to freelance for the Michigan-based Romeo Observer (1980-1981) and the Advisor Newspapers (1981-1990). Jemil Metti retired from teaching at the end of 2019. He is now a full-time writer.
After living there his entire teen years, he returned to the United States in 1970. Metti attended Northern Illinois University, S.U.N.Y.-Binghamton, and Wayne State University-Detroit to earn his B.A., M.A. and Ed.D. respectively.
Currently Michigan-based, Metti professionally worked in broadcast and print journalism, real estate sales and education. Though his professional focus had almost entirely shifted to education by 1978, he just couldn't stay away from writing, politics and global affairs. And thus began his bid to freelance for the Michigan-based Romeo Observer (1980-1981) and the Advisor Newspapers (1981-1990). Jemil Metti retired from teaching at the end of 2019. He is now a full-time writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 4, 2024
I had forgotten that I read this book back in 2014. Kids, this is why you need to keep your book lists up to date. I seem to remember liking it more back then than I did on re-read. I put this down to current affairs and not the book.
If you are interested in this topic, definitely give this a read. The beginning has a bit of a rough start. Stick with it.
I won this copy in a Goodreads Giveaway from the publisher. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to rediscover this tense true story again!
If you are interested in this topic, definitely give this a read. The beginning has a bit of a rough start. Stick with it.
I won this copy in a Goodreads Giveaway from the publisher. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to rediscover this tense true story again!
June 14, 2014
The Pahlavi sword is the debut book of Jemil metti. To be frank I was reluctant to start this book. I was not expecting this book to be good but now I admit was wrong. Thank god I read this book. I have no qualms in saying this that this book is among one of the finest books I have read in recent time. The author has done an outstanding job.
This book is a roller costar of events. The pace was perfect and will force the reader to turn pages one after another. For me it was difficult to keep this book away from my hands.
See full review here:
http://mayankkashyap.blogspot.com/201...
This book is a roller costar of events. The pace was perfect and will force the reader to turn pages one after another. For me it was difficult to keep this book away from my hands.
See full review here:
http://mayankkashyap.blogspot.com/201...
January 21, 2019
*I was given a free copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
I hated this book! I had to force myself to finish it. Very poorly written and difficult to read. The plot summary grabbed my interest at first, but then the storyline was difficult to follow and a bit unrealistic. I was not a fan of this book at all.
I hated this book! I had to force myself to finish it. Very poorly written and difficult to read. The plot summary grabbed my interest at first, but then the storyline was difficult to follow and a bit unrealistic. I was not a fan of this book at all.
December 4, 2014
Wow! A great profound story!
This is a page turner book that will remain in my mind and soul for so long time. Thank you for gifting it to me!
From the first page, I knew I would love this book. It started with a shocking scene and continued to describe some unimaginable events that Iran’s people were facing almost 40 years ago.
There are emotional moments, fear everywhere, tortured people, insecurity and devastated families.
I loved the main characters and the story as it is, even if is hard to accept what happened at that time.
This book is like a lesson for us all. It’s about real events that happened because of corrupt people and a defectuous political system that damaged a nation. Unfortunately, this kind of events still happens these days in some countries.
Here are some of the quotes I like:
“If there’s nothing to hide, there’s nothing to fear.”
“Even liars don’t lie about everything. Women are less inclined to fake their family stories than men; more likely than men to cheat for their families; men, more likely to cheat despite their families.”
“…it’s difficult to request a man’s freedom if the prisoner, under the spell of his captor, no longer sees himself a prisoner.”
This is a page turner book that will remain in my mind and soul for so long time. Thank you for gifting it to me!
From the first page, I knew I would love this book. It started with a shocking scene and continued to describe some unimaginable events that Iran’s people were facing almost 40 years ago.
There are emotional moments, fear everywhere, tortured people, insecurity and devastated families.
I loved the main characters and the story as it is, even if is hard to accept what happened at that time.
This book is like a lesson for us all. It’s about real events that happened because of corrupt people and a defectuous political system that damaged a nation. Unfortunately, this kind of events still happens these days in some countries.
Here are some of the quotes I like:
“If there’s nothing to hide, there’s nothing to fear.”
“Even liars don’t lie about everything. Women are less inclined to fake their family stories than men; more likely than men to cheat for their families; men, more likely to cheat despite their families.”
“…it’s difficult to request a man’s freedom if the prisoner, under the spell of his captor, no longer sees himself a prisoner.”
August 3, 2014
First of all thanks to the author for sharing his book with me.
Now talking the book,looking at the size and genre of the book i've been skipping it for a while,but i made up my mind and started reading it once.Now I'm happy that i read this book.The book takes you to Iran during 1970's surrounded over an officer of SAVAK,who used to interrogate people at Evin prison,than making him a fugitive.The book kept its suspense throughout,makin you wonder what will happen next.The only thing i didnt like much was that there were a lot of description bout everythin,Still its one of the best books i've read and i'd suggest to read.
Now talking the book,looking at the size and genre of the book i've been skipping it for a while,but i made up my mind and started reading it once.Now I'm happy that i read this book.The book takes you to Iran during 1970's surrounded over an officer of SAVAK,who used to interrogate people at Evin prison,than making him a fugitive.The book kept its suspense throughout,makin you wonder what will happen next.The only thing i didnt like much was that there were a lot of description bout everythin,Still its one of the best books i've read and i'd suggest to read.
September 4, 2018
Kept my attention from the first page to the last
October 4, 2024
This one was a struggle to finish. The story was very clunky. The characters were hard to follow.
The story is told from the perspective of the main character, who is part of the military police in 1970's Iran. After his brother is wrongly accused and arrested, he becomes a fugitive trying to save his brother.
The story just went on and on and was difficult to follow. I also found the author's writing style difficult. Had good potential, but just not for me.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story is told from the perspective of the main character, who is part of the military police in 1970's Iran. After his brother is wrongly accused and arrested, he becomes a fugitive trying to save his brother.
The story just went on and on and was difficult to follow. I also found the author's writing style difficult. Had good potential, but just not for me.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 31, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This was simply…okay. Needed to be polished more. The story was clunky and hard to follow sometimes. I’m glad other people enjoyed it. Just wasn’t for me.
This was simply…okay. Needed to be polished more. The story was clunky and hard to follow sometimes. I’m glad other people enjoyed it. Just wasn’t for me.
March 29, 2015
I received this book from Goodreads as a gift.Right from the beginning the story had my interest and I couldn't put it aside. It was so moving, so terrible and a close look into a system of "law, rule" so beyond reason, so brutal, so corrupt and completely lacking in humanity.The story follows a man embroiled in the worst of it, wanting something better but until his own family is targeted does nothing. He then takes the risk of going against a regime he had always supported. His efforts bring unexpected results and an equally unexpected ending.
January 20, 2015
I picked up this book and decided that I would try to finish it by the end of my semester. I found myself completing it within 3 days! The author really knows how to keep you glued to the book and every chapter contains a greater surprise than the one before it!
A great read and highly recommended!
A great read and highly recommended!
December 10, 2024
While historic tensions soar between Iran and the United States of America, author Jemil Metti offers a glimpse of the Ayotolloh Khomeini reign and revolution in 1977, capturing its culture, conflict, and sects in a fictional setting at Evin, a torture facility run by SAVAK, Iran’s proclaimed law enforcement. Jamsheed Armaghani, Commander, faces a battle to challenge the Shah as he is labeled a fugitive, enforcing his embattled decision to fight the regime.
Offering Persian words and phrases, the realization that fictional main character, Jamsheed Armaghani, who prays to “Khoda”, seals his allegiance to fight his homeland legitimizing outcry opposing heinous torture equated with Iranian civilization. Torture tactics including continuous rape, loved ones are forced to witness, dismemberment, and use of dogs gnaw at Jamsheed as his rapid disclosure of supreme boss at Evin, Nabizadeh and his corruption ultimately accompany relationships with the Tudeh Party, Mujahadeen and loyalty trials with coworkers at Evin. These alliances introduce readers to the beautiful, religious Thuraya, who, at youth, pledged allegiance to Mohammed and acclaimed her as a popular figure in Iranian society. Her brother, Ali Al Gailani, prompted Nabizadeh’s threats to hold Jamsheed’s brother, Mahmood, in Evin captivity, constantly revealing a tape handoff between the zealot, Gailani and befriended Mahmood at a protest at Tehran University.
The plot thickens as Jamsheed’s loyalty and brotherly protection surface. Poetic words and use of simile follow Jamsheed as underlying beauty veils him. Rapidly, Jamsheed stumbles upon Nabizadeh’s corruption primarily against the Teleghani family uncovering the long-endured torture of innocent Maysoon, Cyrus Telghani’s wife and long pursuit and love interest of Jamsheed’s focus of hatred, Nabizadeh. Crimes discovered against this family lead to introductions of the Teleghani twins, Shahrazad and Sareen, manipulated, stillborn- dead by the drug addict and smuggler, Nabizadeh. This storyline, criminally-induced by Nabizadeh threads itself though the novel witnessing attacks and alliances between characters, each with a vendetta against the ensconced Iranian government led by Shah Mohammed Rica Pahlavi.
Slowly, loyalty issues amongst former comrades of Evin are tested as brothers Jalil and Hameed compromise suspicion with strategic tactics, ultimately proving their desire for new leadership in Iran. Jalil, relentless and staid and Hameed, defended by his lover, Fairooz as gripped by Nabizadeh and forced drug use exhibit sacrifice and loyalty to the mastermind, Jamsheed. The Tudeh Party, espoused neglected by the Shah, lures Fairooz and Fateeda, its monastery and Harvard-educated doctor to the fray as they profess and fight the hated government. Thuraya, after prolonged torture at Evin due to affiliation with brother Ali, joins Mujahadeed, constantly visiting trust issues with Jamsheed, blaming him for her suffering and his tutelage at Evin.
I was enthralled by engagements of love between characters as attention to religious conviction and familial blessings are notoriously honored. Attention to the seriousness of loyalty to government, family and religion also captured me. While Fairooz breaks off her engagement, deciding to flee Iran and move to Chicago, the more threatened by dangerous elements leftover in Iran, Jashmeed and Mahmood show more homesickness and sentimentality upon obtaining visas to study in America. Jashmeed’s final choice for romantic love may surprise some readers but, I must admit, I was more satisfied by my suspicions.
The Pahlavi Sword gets five out of five stars. Its timing, plot, setting, variety and cultural encapsulation won me over. I loved this novel. Get it before holiday parties! It’s sure to be a conversation piece.
Offering Persian words and phrases, the realization that fictional main character, Jamsheed Armaghani, who prays to “Khoda”, seals his allegiance to fight his homeland legitimizing outcry opposing heinous torture equated with Iranian civilization. Torture tactics including continuous rape, loved ones are forced to witness, dismemberment, and use of dogs gnaw at Jamsheed as his rapid disclosure of supreme boss at Evin, Nabizadeh and his corruption ultimately accompany relationships with the Tudeh Party, Mujahadeen and loyalty trials with coworkers at Evin. These alliances introduce readers to the beautiful, religious Thuraya, who, at youth, pledged allegiance to Mohammed and acclaimed her as a popular figure in Iranian society. Her brother, Ali Al Gailani, prompted Nabizadeh’s threats to hold Jamsheed’s brother, Mahmood, in Evin captivity, constantly revealing a tape handoff between the zealot, Gailani and befriended Mahmood at a protest at Tehran University.
The plot thickens as Jamsheed’s loyalty and brotherly protection surface. Poetic words and use of simile follow Jamsheed as underlying beauty veils him. Rapidly, Jamsheed stumbles upon Nabizadeh’s corruption primarily against the Teleghani family uncovering the long-endured torture of innocent Maysoon, Cyrus Telghani’s wife and long pursuit and love interest of Jamsheed’s focus of hatred, Nabizadeh. Crimes discovered against this family lead to introductions of the Teleghani twins, Shahrazad and Sareen, manipulated, stillborn- dead by the drug addict and smuggler, Nabizadeh. This storyline, criminally-induced by Nabizadeh threads itself though the novel witnessing attacks and alliances between characters, each with a vendetta against the ensconced Iranian government led by Shah Mohammed Rica Pahlavi.
Slowly, loyalty issues amongst former comrades of Evin are tested as brothers Jalil and Hameed compromise suspicion with strategic tactics, ultimately proving their desire for new leadership in Iran. Jalil, relentless and staid and Hameed, defended by his lover, Fairooz as gripped by Nabizadeh and forced drug use exhibit sacrifice and loyalty to the mastermind, Jamsheed. The Tudeh Party, espoused neglected by the Shah, lures Fairooz and Fateeda, its monastery and Harvard-educated doctor to the fray as they profess and fight the hated government. Thuraya, after prolonged torture at Evin due to affiliation with brother Ali, joins Mujahadeed, constantly visiting trust issues with Jamsheed, blaming him for her suffering and his tutelage at Evin.
I was enthralled by engagements of love between characters as attention to religious conviction and familial blessings are notoriously honored. Attention to the seriousness of loyalty to government, family and religion also captured me. While Fairooz breaks off her engagement, deciding to flee Iran and move to Chicago, the more threatened by dangerous elements leftover in Iran, Jashmeed and Mahmood show more homesickness and sentimentality upon obtaining visas to study in America. Jashmeed’s final choice for romantic love may surprise some readers but, I must admit, I was more satisfied by my suspicions.
The Pahlavi Sword gets five out of five stars. Its timing, plot, setting, variety and cultural encapsulation won me over. I loved this novel. Get it before holiday parties! It’s sure to be a conversation piece.
January 7, 2025
The Pahlavi Sword is a historical thriller that starts strong and keeps you interested. The context is 1970s Iran, where political upheaval has become a way of life due to foreign intervention and internal struggles. The main character, Captain Jamsheed Al-Armaghani, is a member of Iran's security agency and has started to second guess his participation. His moral reckoning is at the center of this story, as he is driven to attempt resistance to the system he has helped prop up in the past. He discovers romance with a freedom fighter and nurse, giving the story another plotline that allows us a deeper connection to Jamsheed and his success. He is a definitely flawed man with a violent past, but ends up discovering that he can try to change the world from his position. The sections of detailed torture were hard to get through, but definitely created a more immersive and realistic story. I found myself really interested in the overall historical details and context. While I have read a little about the events of 1970s Iran, I definitely didn't know many of the more minor sectarian issues and infighting that contributed as well. I did feel like some of the character development was sidelined for plot, but in a story like this, it keeps things moving and engaging. I'd recommend to those who enjoy a historical thriller with political intrigue and a touch of mystery.
Major themes:
- Redemption and morality/empathy
- history and revolution
- family and grief
- resistance to injustice and terror
- tragic romance
3.4/5 stars
Major themes:
- Redemption and morality/empathy
- history and revolution
- family and grief
- resistance to injustice and terror
- tragic romance
3.4/5 stars
March 28, 2023
I had planned to read a different book before this one, but when I received this with a handwritten note, signed and dated, I moved this to the top of my reading list. This is a different style of writing and subject than what I would usually read. I enjoyed the story and kept wanting to know what would happen next. I'd kind of like to know what continued to happen after the book ended.The descriptions of certain things/settings were very detailed and easy to picture. Jamsheed realizing the error of his ways and trying to change things for the better was great. The ending with Thuraya asking him to marry her was definitely a surprise. I questioned whether she ever believed he had released her and saved her from the attack in Evin. Since she secretly loved him maybe? It was, at times, a bit hard to follow, though. Suddenly jumping to another place and making me wonder if I had missed a page or something. There could have been more character development as well. My biggest disappointment was the twins finding each other just to have one immediately killed. I do wonder how close to reality this book is to the actual past?
Thank you Jemil Metti!
Thank you Jemil Metti!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2022
I won this signed by the author Jemil Metti book in a Goodreads Giveaway. This is the note he wrote to me-"We take peace so much for granted, over time, we are guaranteed to forget what it was like when we no longer have it. Nations where peace is a stranger will miss the perspective.
I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I learned that peace can be a stranger to me if I should ever deny it to others. Congratulations Jemil Metti July 13, 2021."
This is historical fiction telling about the members of Iran's security establishment-SAVAK-during the last three years of Shah Mohammed Riza Pahlavi's reign on Iran's peacock throne between 1976 to 1979. Captain Jamsheed Al-Armaghani is the security officer at the Evin Prison which is run by Commander Farouk Nabizadeh. As you can guess, there is torture and death, escape and revenge, and a surprise ending for Jamsheed he never thought would be possible. I have a weird fascination with books of this subject matter, so I enjoyed it very much.
I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I learned that peace can be a stranger to me if I should ever deny it to others. Congratulations Jemil Metti July 13, 2021."
This is historical fiction telling about the members of Iran's security establishment-SAVAK-during the last three years of Shah Mohammed Riza Pahlavi's reign on Iran's peacock throne between 1976 to 1979. Captain Jamsheed Al-Armaghani is the security officer at the Evin Prison which is run by Commander Farouk Nabizadeh. As you can guess, there is torture and death, escape and revenge, and a surprise ending for Jamsheed he never thought would be possible. I have a weird fascination with books of this subject matter, so I enjoyed it very much.
August 7, 2023
I gave this story three stars. I almost stopped reading it more than once.
The first third of the book is filled with horrific torturing of prisoners, which was terribly unpleasant for me to read, to put it very mildly. It was too much. The expression “less is more” could be applied to this book and still get it’s point across without repeatedly showing how awful the Iranian reign of the Shah of Iran really was. Simply, it was over done.
The storyline did not always seem possible or logical but it was clear where the author was headed after a certain point. I will say the end was a bit surprising by the anticlimactic feel. It was like the calm after a storm.
I don’t believe I was the target reader for this book but I did make myself read the entire book so I could give an honest opinion.
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway.
The first third of the book is filled with horrific torturing of prisoners, which was terribly unpleasant for me to read, to put it very mildly. It was too much. The expression “less is more” could be applied to this book and still get it’s point across without repeatedly showing how awful the Iranian reign of the Shah of Iran really was. Simply, it was over done.
The storyline did not always seem possible or logical but it was clear where the author was headed after a certain point. I will say the end was a bit surprising by the anticlimactic feel. It was like the calm after a storm.
I don’t believe I was the target reader for this book but I did make myself read the entire book so I could give an honest opinion.
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway.
January 19, 2026
A Historical Thriller Written in Poetry
I've never read a novel where I hung on every word like this one. I was not only engaged with the complex and rapid-evolving plot, but I was enamored with the poetic delivery of every large event and little detail. First-person POV stories can be hard to deliver, but this narrative nailed it. To me, this story was equally entertaining and educational as it exposed me to new cultural histories and literary styles that have me continuously curious and meaningfully thoughtful. I received this book from a giveaway, and I now move it to my shelf of favorites. I hope to seek out more literature by Jemil Metti—he has certainly won my interest!
I've never read a novel where I hung on every word like this one. I was not only engaged with the complex and rapid-evolving plot, but I was enamored with the poetic delivery of every large event and little detail. First-person POV stories can be hard to deliver, but this narrative nailed it. To me, this story was equally entertaining and educational as it exposed me to new cultural histories and literary styles that have me continuously curious and meaningfully thoughtful. I received this book from a giveaway, and I now move it to my shelf of favorites. I hope to seek out more literature by Jemil Metti—he has certainly won my interest!
October 26, 2023
This seemed like an interesting story but I finally gave up on ever finishing it. The language is torturous, the phrasing convoluted. I was convinced it was a translate from another language that was badly in need of editing; but apparently that's not the case. When the story started to wander in addition to the difficult language, I gave up.
July 3, 2024
It took me awhile to get through this book. It was very interesting overall, but not a can't put down interesting. I enjoyed learning about Iran and how it was when the Shah was in power. I enjoyed learning more about the Muslim religion. Parts of the story were too violent for my taste, but it all rang true. The ending was an incredible surprise that I didn't see coming. #GoodreadsGiveaways
May 26, 2022
This was a GoodReads giveaway book. I tried for four days to get into this book; but I just couldn't. From what I read of it, it was well written. However, the book just couldn't hold my interest. I still gave it three stars, though, because it was so well written.
July 14, 2024
I am always interested in history, and while the overall story was interesting, I didn't really like the main character. I also thought the dialogue between the characters seemed very forced and awkward.
May 10, 2023
This book gives good insights into the revolution in Iran. It is well written.
July 27, 2023
Not a bad book!
August 13, 2023
So good... I read it in 2 days...
July 24, 2024
This novel really highlighted the human experience during such a turbulent period in middle eastern history.
August 26, 2024
TW: graphic depictions of SA. I didn't really like this one mainly because I couldn't really get invested in the main character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2024
🔥MUST READ 🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
April 20, 2025I am updating these #GoodreadsGiveaways I received but never finished. I started the book but couldn't finish it.
August 20, 2025
Won this from goodreads. Had my doubts about reading this at first. Turned out to be a very good read! Highly recommend
September 16, 2025
Couldn’t finish
June 24, 2025
Love it! Never a dull moment. Explicit actions of man’s inhumanity to man, and women surrounding an Iranian Prison in Khomeni regime. Didn’t know what I was in for when I won this book, but I am so glad I did! Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews