Dukharev is already a voivode serving the young prince Svyatoslav — the Pardus — and his mentor. Svyatoslav, the conquering prince who subjugated Khazaria and the Bulgarian kingdom and expanded the lands of the Kievan principality from the Caspian to the Black Sea. No commander equal to Svyatoslav had been born since the time of Attila…
Having done thorough research into the history of Ancient Rus, Mazin created vivid characters who fit harmoniously into that era of great battles and conquests. The ancient Slavic setting, the dynamic plot, the epic scale of events, and the light, accessible style reveal the author as a master of the historical action novel. The story of the Rus people is shown from all sides: gold and poverty, hatred and love, courage and cowardice, loyalty to one's land and the betrayal of the weak in spirit…