Ken Czech

In his latest historical novel, based on real events, Ken Czech tells the story of Umey, a half Samoyed, half Russian girl, who lives by herself in the Siberian wildness in the 158o's. When Umey's Russian mother died in Perm, her Samoyed father abandoned her at the graveside to join his reindeer herding people. At first Yermak, a Cossack ataman, discovered her, took her in and raised the young girl. However after a violent killing, Umey runs away to the wilderness, where she perfects skills taught to her by her father. One day, while hunting, Umey comes across a destroyed Russian settlement, where all living beings were slaughtered; the houses and church burned to the ground. But all is not as it seems. Umey suspects the killings were made to look like they were committed by Tartars, but Tartars don't use guns. When she is discovered by the invaders, Umey is shot as she is fleeing. Alexei, a Russian officer, is arrested and sentenced to hang by the Tsar. When Yermak needs soldiers to help with an expedition, he is conscripted. Thus begins a clandestine trade war for furs and an assault on the way of life for the peoples of Siberia.

What strikes the reader immediately is how well researched this book is. We are immersed in the daily life of the peoples of Siberia, how they live, hunt, what their foods are. The detailed description of the markets of the Tartars and Perm draw us into the story too. The author reminds us that Russia has a rich history comprising of over 190 ethnic groups.

This is a story of resilience and triumph over the loss of family, home and country, the healing power of love, family and loyalty. I love the strong character of Umey. In spite of the abandonment by her father, the death of her mother and the rejection she feels from her mixed heritage, she is a fighter and a survivor. Her intelligence and training helps in her fight to save her Siberia. Alexei is her counterpart and soulmate. Their entwined stories keep us captivated until the end.… (més)

It's London, 1581 and Julian Blunt has just been give a secret mission by Queen Elizabeth. Deliver a locket to the Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible and Elizabeth will ignore the fact, that Julian Blunt is a Catholic and allow him to captain a ship once more. If Blunt fails, it may mean war. Tsar Ivan wants to marry a cousin of the Queen and has requested to see a picture of his prospective bride. Blunt is to accompany her envoy to Russia and act as interpreter. The marriage will cement a deal between England and Russia, allowing trade, military aid and ships, which the Tsar desperately needs in his war against Poland and Sweden. However, the Pope has other ideas and has sent a papal assassin to stop the mission at any cost.
This novel is a delight. Non stop adventure keeps the reader enthralled to a dramatic conclusion. Early into the voyage, Blunt discovers the envoy, Jess Calcross, is a young woman in disguise. Storms, murder and sabotage, lost at sea, Cossacks, a travelling fair, war and a siege all come into play. With his academic background the author has written an entertaining story highlighted by brilliant descriptions of the period and interwoven with true events. The reader steps into the Russian court in awe, just as the characters do.
This book is a definite must for those, who love historical fiction.… (més)