It’s dangerous to read random electronic emails— even if they’re sent to your address— six-grader Fyodor Rumiantsev understood when, thanks to his curiosity, he went searching for a mysterious manuscript with hooks. He couldn’t have imagined that in a deserted village on the edge of a swamp he would end up at the center of dizzying events, take part in a religious procession, and see how the power of the human spirit—turned toward God—can overcome the element of fire.
In just one summer, Fyodor will have time to become a real man, because he will learn the value of loyalty, self-sacrifice, and strong friendship.
And the manuscript he finds will open a small door into an amazing world of ancient Russian знаменный chant—the kind that hasn’t been fully deciphered yet.