Several episodes in Russian history are so fanciful that they read like novels. One of the more mysterious and interesting is the …
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The Coronation of Nicholas II: Triumph and Tragedy
The problem of ideal government has bothered people for millennia. Perhaps until very recently, some people might have considered …
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The Path of the Artist: remembering the art of Pavel Ryzhenko
As a writer, I find myself as inspired by painters as I am by other writers. One of my favorite artists is Pavel Ryzhenko, who …
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Cover Reveal: The Song of the Sirin
Well, here it is! The cover reveal for The Song of the Sirin. Designing your book's cover is such a tricky step in …
“Moscow is the Third Rome”: a pivotal moment in Russian history?
My first novel The Song of the Sirin imagines a strange scenario: what if the early Russians were the chosen people of God? What …
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Fantasy for our time: my writer’s manifesto
Ask pretty much anyone what is the one pop-cultural event that they’re waiting for more than any other. What do you think they’ll …
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Nicholas II, the Armenian Genocide, and Donald Trump
Refugees have been on a lot of people's minds lately. First it was the waves upon waves of refugees escaping the horrors of …
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Radonitsa: How Russians Give Joy to Their Dead
As much as my stories are traditional historical fantasies set in a mythical early Rus, the events and characters are equally …
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The Scourge of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler
The Scourge of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler My rating: 4 of 5 stars I think we're living in an interesting moment for the …
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Villains of Slavic Mythology: Koshchei the Deathless
This week we're continuing the theme of "the invisible world in Slavic mythology." After the hero has passed the trials of Baba …
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The Wretched of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler
The Wretched of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler My rating: 3 of 5 stars I recently found Jeff Wheeler completely by accident when …
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5 Books to read after watching “Beauty and the Beast”
So, it's official. Beauty and the Beast is continuing Disney's astonishing streak of successful live-action adaptations of their …
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What might have happened if there had been no revolution in 1917?
What might have happened if there had been no revolution in 1917? The Russian Revolution of 1917 was an event that …
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First novel contest: a chance to win beautiful illustrations from my first novel
Contest Alert! Get your friends to sign up for my Readers' Group, and get free stuff from me! If you get 5 people …
Medieval mystery: who really killed Boris and Gleb?
It seems everyone in the US is (justifiably) getting riled up over the impending demise of the National Endowment for the …
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Ivan Glazunov: the artist who lives in a 17th century palace
Recently I came across a fantastic work of art that fits beautifully into the aesthetic of the world of my novels. It’s called …
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Slavic Mythology Spotlight: The Tale of St. Theodore the Tyro
Babies are the best storytellers. Uninhibited by any rules, they freely mash up everything they know into amazing works of …
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Adam’s Expulsion from Eden: Eternity Lost
Did you notice the change in the air? It smells different. Spring's coming for sure now, at least here in Belarus. I'm always …
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