Blog Archives
Paying Homage To My Childhood Hero
Paradox Forged in Blood follows a woman from her early years through post-WWII America who is found to be the last remaining witness to the death of a socialite four decades ago. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Growing up, reading Nancy Drew novels captivated my sense of adventure and their underlying support of female empowerment—including the ability to solve life’s mysteries—regardless of age. If I completed all chores and homework assignments, I was rewarded with a new book for the exorbitant price of $1.95! We weren’t rich but our lives were fulfilling as love, happiness, and family unity became mainstays in tackling problems that arose. Each Nancy Drew book transported me into a world of exciting escapades and achievement. Before tackling my first novel, Paradox Forged in Blood, I relied on those feelings through the use of carefully chosen words and scenarios to develop strong characters. My goal was twofold: drawing readers into the story by identifying with characters and historical events; and, paying homage to my childhood hero.
Do you think there’s a single moment in everyone’s life, maybe not as traumatic as Ellen’s, that is life-changing?
Absolutely! An example in my life occurred at the age of 27 when I met Jack and fell madly in love. But my Guardian Angel (she’s always present and forever doing her best to keep me honest) kept screaming he was married. Unfortunately, I chose to believe Jack’s claim that he wasn’t. Within three months, I discovered I was pregnant and, miracle of miracles, Jack suddenly remembered he was married. It’s an old story, but when it happens to you, acknowledging the daunting concept that life as you knew it was forever changed. I was so traumatized that I didn’t date for 15 years—except once, but it turned out he was also married “but don’t worry, it’s an open marriage.” Needless to say, that date was a one-off. However, my story has a wonderful ending—my son and very best friend is always there with an encouraging word and laughter to offset life’s hardships. Facing a challenge with determination and faith can be a path toward realizing happiness of unprecedented proportions.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
The Top Secret Rainbow Plan to address potential attacks by foreign nations (Black Rainbow Plan for an attack by Germany; Orange Plan involving a strike by Japan) were developed in the 1920s, outdated and lacking in technological advances. This resulted in the astounding lack of America’s preparedness to enter World War II. The America First plan, promoted by Charles Lindbergh with overwhelming support to keep America out of foreign wars, resulted in a nation completely ill-equipped to enter the worldwide conflict. Combined with the decision to keep all planes on the tarmac at Hickam and other Pearl Harbor airfields, ostensibly to prevent saboteurs, ironically provided a concise target for the Japanese invasion. Japan’s critical supply of sufficient oil to continue further attacks, the result of America’s oil embargo, was the impetus for the Pearl Harbor attack. Simply put, the American islands were blocking Japan’s ability to access oil-rich areas to replenish their dwindling supply. They also relied on Japanese spies in Hawaii who believed America would not retaliate an attack based on the popularity of America First.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m actually working on two books: When I Grow Up: A Collection of Short Stories and Never Truly Alone, a psychological thriller. My goal is a release of short story compilations in 2026 and, hopefully, my thriller in 2026 as well.
Author Links: Website | Amazon | Facebook | Instagram | GoodReads | X | LinkedIn
A murder on Millionaire’s Row.
A killer’s chilling words, “Shh. I know where you live.”
A woman tormented by her guilt-ridden past.
A historical murder mystery, PARADOX FORGED IN BLOOD is set in Cleveland, Ohio, during the late 1930s. Four decades after the murder of socialite Louis Sheridan, the cold case is resurrected with receipt of new evidence that transports detectives back to Nazi Germany. The only living witness, Ellen O’Malley, must confront a haunting secret and her complicit actions.
The Phantom Bugatti
The Phantom Bugatti is part mystery, part romantic suspense, and part love letter to a bygone era of automobiles and Americana. It follows Jack Reinhart, a Cleveland-based graphic designer, who inherits a dilapidated farm from his grandfather and discovers a dismantled, underground Bugatti car hidden beneath the old barn. The novel blends the nostalgic pull of family legacy with a mystery involving rare cars, obscure histories, and the slow unraveling of a hidden past. As Jack digs deeper, literally and emotionally, he confronts the ghosts of family, identity, and choices that echo across generations.
What I appreciated most about this book was how the writing pulled me in without any pretentiousness. It felt honest. The dialogue sounded real, especially between Jack and his wife Sally, whose strained marriage gave the story a low, constant hum of tension. There’s an understated rhythm in the pacing, nothing too fast or flashy, but it works. It gave me time to care about what was unfolding, to really picture that creaky barn, that dirt road, and the fragile history buried beneath it. Some scenes felt cinematic, even though they were described in such simple terms.
Sally’s bitterness grated on me after a while, and I found myself wanting her to surprise me. But what really stuck was Jack’s mix of curiosity and quiet stubbornness. His conversations with Mickey Mishne, the Bugatti expert, were highlights, touching and nerdy in the best way. The book’s heart lies in its obsession with craft; restoring a car becomes a metaphor for repairing memory and self-worth. I was surprised by how emotional some passages made me feel. The whole thing has this dusty, lived-in feel that reminds you of how deeply things from the past can matter, even if they’re rusted and half-forgotten.
I’d recommend The Phantom Bugatti to readers who like stories that unfold slowly, with detail and care. Car lovers will get a kick out of the vintage vehicle lore, but you don’t have to be a gearhead to appreciate what’s here. It’s also for people who’ve ever felt a pull back to a place that shaped them, or wondered what secrets their family didn’t pass down.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0D94SLZM6
Dead Stars Shine Brightest: A Reckoning in Uvalde, Texas
Sean Dempsey’s Dead Stars Shine Brightest: A Reckoning in Uvalde, Texas is a raw and emotionally intense novel that follows the fractured life of Derek Jackson, a broken veteran and struggling father, as he navigates grief, guilt, and growing dread in a small Texas town. Set against the real-life backdrop of the Uvalde school shooting, the story blends fiction with visceral social commentary. Told in two parts, the narrative first centers on Derek and his estranged daughter, Jade, then transitions into Jade’s perspective as the legal system and local authorities fail them in harrowing, all-too-real ways. Their shared journey, punctuated by violence, redemption, and a desperate need for justice, feels urgent and personal.
The writing is gritty and unapologetic, with Derek’s voice sounding like someone you might overhear at a bar right before he breaks into tears or a fight. Dempsey doesn’t excuse a single thing. This story aches with sadness and rages against everything from school bureaucracy to systemic cowardice. I was especially struck by how well the narrative captured the complicated love between Derek and Jade. Their bond is messy, but it’s real, and their slow road back to each other was one of the few hopeful threads in a book steeped in loss and despair. That said, the prose does lean on dramatic metaphors at times, but the emotional weight behind them always hits home.
The ideas in this book–justice, fatherhood, institutional failure, and community apathy–are yanked into the light and made to bleed. Some of the courtroom and legal scenes veer into a kind of moral theater compared to the messy truth of earlier chapters. But the real world doesn’t deliver justice cleanly. Dempsey clearly has a bone to pick with the way things are, and his anger pulses through every page.
I’d recommend Dead Stars Shine Brightest to anyone who isn’t afraid to sit in the uncomfortable. This book is not for the faint of heart or the politically squeamish. But if you want something that’ll grab you and then quietly pat your shoulder afterward, this is it. It’s for veterans, for fathers, for survivors, for anyone who’s ever been told to sit down and stay quiet while the system rolls on.
Pages: 178 | ASIN : B0F861W91V
PARADOX FORGED IN BLOOD
Paradox Forged in Blood is a historical murder mystery rooted in the decades-long repercussions of a brutal crime. Told through multiple timelines and perspectives, it weaves the tragic tale of Ellen O’Malley Szabo, who harbors a chilling secret stemming from a 1939 murder of a Cleveland socialite. As the story unfolds from Ellen’s early years through post-WWII America, it uncovers the dark entanglements of love, loss, guilt, and justice. Based on true events and enriched with authentic period detail, Fisher’s novel explores themes of trauma, moral ambiguity, and the long shadows cast by war and prejudice.
From the get-go, I was pulled in by Fisher’s talent for bringing history to life. The early chapters read like sepia-toned memories, layered with texture and heart. Her characters, especially Ellen, feel heartbreakingly real, flawed, brave, and haunted. Fisher doesn’t just tell a story—she captures a world. The prose is straightforward and emotionally direct, often charged with a kind of raw nostalgia. That said, the pacing sometimes slows, especially in the middle, where the plot steps back from the murder mystery and focuses more on historical backstory. While that deepens the characters and themes, it slightly muddles the genre expectations for a mystery. Still, I didn’t mind too much, I was already invested in the people more than the puzzle.
What stuck with me most wasn’t the crime, but the emotional wreckage it left behind. Ellen’s guilt seeps into every corner of her life. I also appreciated the undercurrent of social commentary. The anti-Semitism, the lingering trauma of war, the costs of silence. Fisher doesn’t preach. She shows us what it feels like to live with choices you can’t undo. At times, the story gets heavy, but it earns that weight. There’s grief here, but also grit. And love, the kind that quietly saves you, even if it can’t fix everything.
Paradox Forged in Blood isn’t just a mystery. It’s a reckoning. A slow burn about how the past refuses to stay buried. I’d recommend this book to fans of historical fiction who appreciate a strong emotional arc and morally complex characters. It’s especially suited for readers who like their mysteries more character-driven than clue-packed. If you’ve ever wondered how one secret can echo through generations, this one’s for you.
Pages: 662 | ASIN : B09WYSRZ6Q
An Unexpected Voyage
Crossing Borders and Generations follows an immigrant navigating life in America as he travels through time, uncovering his family’s past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My 1st book sequel genre is historical fiction, emigrant memoirs, time traveling, OBE, Out of Body Experience, Afterlife, Inspirational, Faith-based, storytelling from Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Greece & Bulgaria.
Crossing Borders and Generations and Afterlife Stories My Grandpa Told Me narrates an unexpected voyage bridging Heaven and Earth, unveiling our lost family history.
The narratives traverse our physical and spiritual borders, spanning generations, cultures, and ideologies, interweaving tales of emigration and international exploration.
Crossing Borders and Generations is a historical fiction memoir in which names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. A Testimony of Faithfulness to God, this memoir chronicles the family history spanning four generations across the Old and New World. It’s dedicated to the memory of Captain Georgiy Kakhovskiy, the author’s great-grandfather, who migrated from Kakhovka, Ukraine, in the Russian Empire to Ljubimetz, Bulgaria, in the Balkans in 1878. Following his ancestor’s footsteps, George embarked on his journey to America in 1952, precisely 460 years after discovering the New World.
Crossing Borders and Generations marks an astounding, stunning, and awe-inspiring narrative…” Angel Kolev, the President of the Bulgarian Writers League in America, commends the work for its profound exploration of heritage and migration.
“For the dreamers and do-gooders. For the weirdos, outsiders. For the curious ones who have the guts to be different and adventurous_ This historical fiction story of an immigrant is for you.” – Kiril Kristoff
Who are you? For Bulgarians, you are an American, yet for the Americans, you are an immigrant with Bulgarian roots. Sometimes, you linger as the passenger aboard the original flight from Paris to New York, from the old airport 70 years ago. Yes, the outset was daunting. George encountered numerous closed doors in Sofia but stood resolute, recognizing that yielding to fear and retreating home would equate to defeat.
He couldn’t come back. He committed treason. If he wanted to succeed, he had to burn the bridges to his past to escape.
He had to believe in the future.
Today, we read tales of talented Bulgarian writers. For the immigrant’s reality, the battle for survival is “pearls in the mud.” Real and miserable!
George always believed that to craft something beautiful, something authentic, he needed to use the ink of blood from his wounds. He had to sit in front of his computer and sense that he was metaphorically bleeding. Only when the final word had passed, and pain and anguish had become a shared experience in his life, could his writing be a genuine success. America was an “enigma” to our generation, a life mystery we couldn’t quite explain but had to navigate in our unique ways. After the fall of 1989 and the collapse of the wall, many Bulgarians resembled hungry sharks, confined in the Communist-Controlled aquarium, suddenly set loose into the treacherous and untamed ocean. Each person had to find their own way of coping. In my personal experience, unless you had someone to guide you from the start, life as an immigrant was a tragedy. You were thrust into one ordeal after another. Overall, one had to endure several painful phases of adaptation:
The emotional pain from being separated from your parents, your siblings, and close friends, and your country.
The uncertainty is due to starting a life abroad, literally from scratch.
The painful sorrow is because of missing everything you knew before and being rejected for everything you tried before you were finally adopted.
This book represents the life of six generations, highlighting family members who are steadfast in identifying themselves as good ‘Bulgarians,’ particularly Ukrainians. George hails from a Russian noble family rooted in Kakhovka, Ukraine.
Within this historical narrative of two brothers, Georgiy Kakhovskiy emerges as a figure determined to uphold family traditions while remaining loyal to the Russian czar, symbolizing the grand empire that influenced a nation as small as Bulgaria and defeated the triumphed over the fading Ottoman Empire in the Balkans.
Remarkably, Captain Georgiy, the protector of his Christian brethren, settled his family in the shadow of the two mightiest empires, straddling the borders between Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. This decision starkly contrasted with his brother, Vasiliy Kakhovskiy, who harbored revolutionary fervor, actively engaging in the tumultuous events of the October Russian Revolution in 1917. Vasiliy emerged as a staunch Bolshevik leader and Stalin’s red commissar in the USSR, playing a pivotal role in shaping Socialism in
Bulgaria following the conclusion of World War II in September of 1944. The family name was altered to Kakhovskiy to embrace their new identity, reflecting a desire to assimilate more seamlessly into Bulgarian culture.
However, Georgiy Kakhovskiy was among the “lost generation,” forced to emigrate from Bulgaria during the communist regime’s grip. He ultimately sought refuge in America in 1948, where he adopted George Kakhovskiy. Like a boomerang, the next generations in his grandson will return to Socialism, a value he always tried to escape. One day, he returned to his birth country after the fall of the Berlin Wall, where he unearthed the missing fragments of his ancestors’ generational history. These revelations he shares with his grandson, Alex, against the backdrop of peculiar changes sweeping through America following its 2020 US Elections.
I firmly believe that my story is a compelling narrative, chronicling the unique struggles that I’ve overcome in pursuit of a brighter future. It is a testament to the true essence of bravery, sacrifice, perseverance, determination, and, perhaps most importantly, love. For many, this tale will offer newfound perspectives as I guide them beyond their comfort zones. For others, it may guide them to steer their lives and personal paths toward improvement.
I anticipate and hope my readers will be from all walks of life. Regardless of one’s origin or purpose, I am sure this story can tell—or contribute to—a universal truth. More than anything, I hope this book makes readers think more critically about their freedom, specifically. I know that at least one reader will understand that, though they, as humans, are entitled to freedom, it is still a great privilege they’ve been given to live under it and that such a thing is— in no way— free.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
My first book sequel, Crossing Borders and Generations, is memoirs, spanning historical fiction, time travel, afterlife exploration, and the immigrant experience, which are woven from the fabric of his own memories. The book delves into the intricate tale of the Kakhovskiy family, focusing on their trials and triumphs as immigrants in Brighton Beach, New York, and the City of Chicago. This narrative is a timeless tale of an immigrant grandfather finding his place in Brighton Beach, New York. While it may appear short and straightforward, its significance extends far beyond that moment. Delving into the journey of George’s family to America, the story explores the sacrifices and challenges they faced, ultimately shaping the trajectory of their family history—for better or for worse.
The story begins with George and his unwavering faith in his grandfather, Georgiy, and the revered military icon of Saint George. George shares with his grandson the profound significance of the icon and its storied history just before embarking on an otherworldly journey triggered by a harrowing car accident.
As they battle for survival in a coma, both George and Alex are granted a unique opportunity to journey through their family’s history, as well as George’s own. Throughout this extraordinary experience, George guides Alex, unraveling the significance of each moment and its profound implications. Alex gains insight into the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs that shaped George and his lineage, paving the way for Alex’s present existence. From a younger, newly immigrated George, Alex learns the true meaning of perseverance and diligence with an open heart.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My book Crossing Borders and Generations is a masterfully crafted fictional memoir that chronicles the lives of multiple generations of the Kakhovskiy family. At its heart is George Kakhovskiy, a Bulgarian native who, at just sixteen, escapes the oppressive grip of communism and emigrates to America. In this new world, he fights to survive, driven by the dream of a better future. However, through a surreal twist of fate following a car accident, George and his teenage grandson embark on an extraordinary, otherworldly journey—one that allows them to relive George’s past and trace the profound impact of immigration on their family’s history.
Using innovative narrative techniques elevates the storytelling, making George’s life unfold in an immersive and deeply emotional way. The supernatural journey shared by George and his grandson, Alex, serves as a compelling literary device, allowing readers to experience George’s struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices firsthand. More than a mere retelling, it becomes a deeply introspective exploration of generational resilience and the enduring consequences of leaving one’s homeland.
Themes of displacement, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American dream permeate the novel. As Alex observes his grandfather’s past, he gains an appreciation for the hardships George endured. The novel effectively captures this realization, and moments like these bridge the generational gap, transforming historical struggles into personal revelations.
One of the novel’s most striking elements is its ability to convey emotion through memory. The re-experiencing of George’s past does more than recount events, it immerses the reader in his emotional reality. The skill in translating raw emotion into words, allowing the reader to step into the mind of a man who has lived through exile, hardship, and ultimate resilience, is unmatched.
Beyond George’s personal journey, Crossing Borders and Generations skillfully examines how immigration shapes an entire lineage. The novel portrays the pain of separation, the struggle to adapt, and the complex emotional landscape that immigrants and their descendants navigate. George’s mental health, his son’s feelings of alienation, and the often-complicated father-son dynamic all intertwine to form a rich, multi-layered narrative. Yet, amid the adversity, the novel celebrates the enduring strength of the human spirit and the invaluable privilege of freedom—something often taken for granted by those born into it.
This novel is a captivating and inventive take on the memoir genre, skillfully blending fiction with personal history. Through its unique structure and poignant storytelling, Crossing Borders and Generations offers a compelling glimpse into Bulgaria’s past and the lived realities of those who sought a better future beyond its borders. Thought-provoking, deeply moving, and beautifully executed, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in immigration narratives, family sagas, and the timeless quest for belonging.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
His 1st book sequel, “ Crossing Borders and Generation,” received INCREDIBLE RECOGNITION, “Literary Titan – Book Award.” He is so grateful beyond words for the recognition bestowed upon his book with this fantastic award!
I am publishing my 2nd book sequel:” Finding Your Roots”; ‘One Man’s Journey to Discover His Ukrainian, Greek, and Bulgarian Roots’ and working on my website creation. My book will be available on Amazon very soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook
Meet George, a courageous immigrant who leaves behind the familiarity of his Bulgarian homeland to seek a better future in America. Experience his trials and triumphs as he navigates the complexities of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness in a new country, from the upheavals of war to the challenges of assimilation.
From working at the bottom rung of a car repair shop to building his own business, George’s journey embodies the struggle and perseverance of immigrants striving for success. As he grows old and becomes Grandpa George, his story intertwines with that of his grandson Alex, bridging the gap between traditional upbringing and modern American life.
Their relationship takes a transformative turn when a tragic accident leaves them both in a coma, guided by the spiritual presence of their Patron Saint Georgie and Grandpa Captain Georgiy. Together, they navigate the teachings of the saints while confronting Vasiliy the demon and George’s Bolshevik grand granduncle, who seeks to unravel their family’s legacy.
Based on true-life events, “Crossing Borders and Generations” offers a poignant commentary on the immigrant experience, the American dream, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through meticulous storytelling, author Kiril Kristoff weaves a captivating narrative that transcends time, leaving readers with a profound appreciation for the sacrifices of those who came before us. Prepare to be transported through history and inspired by the extraordinary tale of love, resilience, and the enduring power of heritage.
CROSSING BORDERS AND GENERATIONS: One Man’s Journey To Search For His Ukrainian, Greek, And Bulgarian Roots
Kiril Kristoff’s Crossing Borders and Generations follows an epic journey of family, history, and identity. Blending memoir, historical fiction, and a touch of the spiritual, the book follows George, a Bulgarian immigrant, as he navigates life in America while uncovering his family’s past, spanning Ukraine, Greece, and Bulgaria. The story unfolds with surprising twists, including a near-death experience that enables George and his grandson Alex to travel through time, witnessing the hardships and victories of their ancestors—many of whom they had barely known existed. At its core, this is a book about survival, faith, and the sacrifices made by those who seek a better life—not just for themselves, but for the generations to come.
Kristoff’s writing shines when he details the harrowing realities of immigration and the emotional weight of exile. The depiction of George’s struggles in both communist Bulgaria and capitalist America is striking. One particularly moving passage describes his time in a Soviet-controlled Bulgaria, where food was scarce and hope even scarcer. His determination to escape, despite the risks, is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Kristoff skillfully captures the isolation of an immigrant trapped between two worlds—too unfamiliar for his new home yet too transformed to return to his old one—compelled to forge a new identity in uncharted territory.
The novel’s structure is bold and unconventional. The blend of historical narrative, spiritual exploration, and generational storytelling creates a layered reading experience. The time-traveling, near-death elements feel jarring at times. While the afterlife journey adds a unique touch, it occasionally disrupts the story’s emotional momentum. For instance, the moment George and Alex find themselves in 1948 Bulgaria, reliving George’s youth, is gripping, but it sometimes overshadows the real-world immigrant experience, which is the book’s strongest element.
Kristoff’s prose is passionate and personal. His descriptions of family traditions, the immigrant experience, and the weight of history feel deeply authentic. The dialogue can sometimes be heavy-handed, particularly when characters serve as mouthpieces for historical exposition. At times, the book leans into overly sentimental moments, but given its themes of faith and family, this is forgivable. The storytelling is at its best when it lets the characters’ struggles speak for themselves, such as George’s heartbreaking survivor’s guilt over the friends he left behind in Bulgaria.
Crossing Borders and Generations is a deeply personal and ambitious novel that will resonate with those who appreciate stories of immigration, resilience, and family legacy. It’s a book for history lovers, for anyone who has ever felt caught between cultures, and for readers who enjoy narratives that mix reality with the metaphysical. Kristoff delivers a compelling story about the price of freedom and the power of remembering where we come from.
Pages: 399 | ASIN : B0CZJ5Q376
Passion in the Bone
Passion in the Bone, by AL Falcon, plunges readers into the grimy underbelly of 1860s England. At the heart of the story is Louisa, a determined nurse at St. Thomas Hospital, who secretly dissects corpses to expand her forbidden medical knowledge. Her quiet defiance of societal norms takes a chilling turn when she and her friend Ellery uncover a shocking pattern: an alarming rise in the number of unidentified female corpses. Their pursuit of answers unveils a dark web of murder, sex trafficking, and an illegal trade in human remains, all orchestrated by a ruthless figure willing to kill to protect his secrets. As the danger escalates, Louisa and Ellery are left questioning whether justice for these women is even within their reach.
Falcon excels in crafting characters that linger long after the last page. Agnes, in particular, stands out. Her transformation over the course of the narrative is nothing short of mesmerizing. She feels startlingly real, her growth both compelling and authentic. Watching her navigate the chaos of her world added an emotional depth that anchored the story. Beyond the characters, the plot itself is masterfully constructed. Each twist tightened the tension, keeping me engrossed until the shocking conclusion. The novel also shines in its exploration of societal issues. Falcon doesn’t shy away from exposing the harsh double standards of the Victorian era. The constraints placed on women, contrasted with the unchecked power of men, are laid bare in ways that feel both frustrating and true to the time.
The commentary is subtle but powerful, enriching the story without overshadowing its suspenseful core. Admittedly, the opening chapters left me somewhat perplexed. It took a little time for the story threads Falcon introduced to begin to weave into a literary tapestry. However, as the narrative progressed, the payoff was worth the initial disorientation. Once the pieces fell into place, the layered storytelling became one of the book’s greatest strengths.
For readers drawn to mysteries set in historical backdrops, Passion in the Bone is a gripping and thought-provoking read. Falcon’s ability to blend vivid characters, intricate plotting, and social commentary makes this a standout addition to the genre. It’s a story that challenges and captivates in equal measure, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.
Real-World Discovery
In The Romanov Legacy: Fall of an Empire, we follow a jeweler who has been tasked with the Romanov’s wealth out of their crumbling empire. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Initially, I wondered if it was possible that any of the Romanov children could have survived the assassination at Yekaterinburg. This was made possible by the real-world discovery of one burial site in 1979, with the excavation of the bodies in July 1991. Two of the children were not there. What if? And the story grew.
Is there one scene that proved especially difficult to write? One that you had to reimagine before perfecting it?
I added the prologue at the end to frame the beginning and end of the story together, emphasizing the romantic thread. I had originally written it as a short story about how a small object like a silver flask could save someone’s life and change the course of history. Cutting the story down to act as the frame required several rewrites.
What intrigues you about the historical fiction genre?
History itself is fascinating and this genre is fertile ground to ask all the what-if questions. In this case, what if the entire Romanov family was not killed? In Europe during the 1920s, there was a woman who claimed to be Anastasia, raising questions about her possible survival.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have written the other two books of The Romanov Legacy trilogy. They should come out next year. They are The Romanov Legacy: 2 Ahead of the Storm, and The Romanov Legacy; 3 Return of the Tsar. Other novels are also in process. Please see my author page on Amazon or my website for other works.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Will Russia and its people survive?
Our protagonist Maxim Petrov rises to the challenge to secretly assist the tsar and his family. He gives his oath to take on the herculean task to preserve the Tsar’s legacy in spite of insidious forces of evil and the overwhelming horror of civil war. There are those who can help him, the secretive White Guard organization, a loyal prince, a heroic cavalry officer, and a few selfless patriots. They fight to save the tsar’s family from the evil clutches of Lenin’s Bolshevik horde.
Maxim must carry out the promise he made to his nation. The story unfolds with dramatic certainty in this, the first volume of The Romanov Legacy.
LITERARY TITAN 