Nicholas Kotar

Attention all fairy tale lovers Get ready to be transported to a world of mythic creatures and enchanting stories. Imagine sitting by the hearth on a cold winter night, listening to your grandparent's tales of brave heroes and cunning dragons. That's exactly how Nicholas Kotar brings you Russia's favorite tales in his third fairy tale volume: In a Certain Land: Wise Fools, Cunning Dragons, and Baba Yaga. Enter the world of Baba Yaga, the mysterious hag who can be both friend and foe, and follow Ivan the Idiot as he faces off against a cunning dragon with six heads. But don't be fooled by the title - these classic Russian fairy tales are not just stories for children. With Kotar's masterful translation, you'll discover the depth and complexity of these little-known gems that are sure to ignite wonder and delight in readers of all ages. If you love Fairy Tales of Old Russia, Epic Heroes of the Rus, or the classic Brothers Grimm fairytales, then In a Certain Land is a must-read for you. Want to get lost in the magical world of Russian folklore? Buy now before the price changes

Death is a great sacrament. It is the birth of a person from this earthly, temporary life, into eternity. In this third volume of St Ignatius’s collected works, published here in English for the first time, the saint examines the mystical boundaries that govern the life of a Christian: the one, between life and death; and the other, between the visible, physical realm and the invisible to most, but no less real, spiritual realm. Included in this volume is St Ignatius’s “Homily on Death,” one of his most popular works in his native Russia and often published separately. The reader will also encounter St Ignatius’s teachings on the nature of the soul and the essence of the incorporeal beings, the latter theologoumena being a point of contention between the author and his contemporary, St Theophan the Recluse. The text is complemented by a comprehensive scripture index and a short biography of the author.

The dead will rise. The living will fall. The Deathless will reign. Born on the vernal equinox, his first breath drawn while he lay on blood-soaked soil in the mystic woods of Dunai, Andry's birth portended heroism, power, destiny. And yet, other than an unusual affinity for the land, the boy has lived a life indistinguishable from that of any other child born in Dunai: a life of secluded, prosperous, boring contentment. But when two soldiers arrive, fleeing the never-ending wars of an evil empress, everything changes. Andry's home has at last been found by the empire, and the empress demands her due: Dunai's crops and food to feed her subjects, its men and women to fight her wars. Worst of all, the empress has the Mother of Kish-a sorceress whose thirst for blood and power knows no bounds-to oversee Dunai's conquest. But the Mother of Kish has her own dark designs. For she has heard the rumors, she has divined the signs. She knows that the treasure of Dunai lies not in its crops or people, but in the power it hides: the power to raise the dead; to create an eternal army capable of laying waste to all who stand against her.And the Mother of Kish will have that power-or she will destroy it, along with all Dunai-unless Andry can discover the truth of his birth, the lie of his life. Unless he can find within himself the power that creation bent itself to give him...as The Son of the Deathless.

The dead will rise. The living will fall. The Deathless will reign. Born on the vernal equinox, his first breath drawn while he lay on blood-soaked soil in the mystic woods of Dunai, Andry's birth portended heroism, power, destiny. And yet, other than an unusual affinity for the land, the boy has lived a life indistinguishable from that of any other child born in Dunai: a life of secluded, prosperous, boring contentment. But when two soldiers arrive, fleeing the never-ending wars of an evil empress, everything changes. Andry's home has at last been found by the empire, and the empress demands her due: Dunai's crops and food to feed her subjects, its men and women to fight her wars. Worst of all, the empress has the Mother of Kish-a sorceress whose thirst for blood and power knows no bounds-to oversee Dunai's conquest. But the Mother of Kish has her own dark designs. For she has heard the rumors, she has divined the signs. She knows that the treasure of Dunai lies not in its crops or people, but in the power it hides: the power to raise the dead; to create an eternal army capable of laying waste to all who stand against her.And the Mother of Kish will have that power-or she will destroy it, along with all Dunai-unless Andry can discover the truth of his birth, the lie of his life. Unless he can find within himself the power that creation bent itself to give him...as The Son of the Deathless.

Giants larger than mountains, shapeshifting warrior mages, outlaws who can whistle you to death ... Welcome to the wild world of Russian epic poetry "In a Certain Kingdom: Epic Heroes of the Rus" by Nicholas Kotar is a collection of eleven beloved Russian fairy tales translated for children, young adults, adults, and fairy tale lovers of all ages. The traditional epic heroic tales of Russia have been told and retold for centuries. They tell of a half-legendary Russia where princes and dragons, warriors and magicians coexist. But they are more than a glimpse into Russia's past. These are tales that excite and move, that give courage and resilience to anyone, no matter what your age or your background. These are rousing tales of battles won and lost, of loves succeeding over impossible odds, of ancient demons and dragons finding their match in simple men and women of unexpected strength. In this fairy tale collection, you'll find classic fairy tales featuring some of Russia's most beloved heroes and bogatyrs (famous warriors similar to the knights of the Round Table): Ilya Muromets, the giant Sviatogor, Dobrynia Nikitich the dragon-slayer, Sukhman the young warrior, and more Russian readers have known and loved these characters for centuries. It's time for you to join them Epic Heroes of the Rus is a collection of tales retold by Nicholas Kotar, author of the Raven Son epic fantasy series. These eleven tales comprise volume two of Nicholas Kotar's "In a Certain Kingdom" series and interweave history and folklore around the time of Prince Vladimir the Great. Filled with whimsy, humor, and adventure, they are sure to delight lovers of classic fairy tales and readers of fantasy the world over.

"In a Certain Kingdom: Fairy Tales of Old Russia" by Nicholas Kotar is a collection of nine beloved Russian fairy tales translated for children, young adults, adults, and fairy tale lovers of all ages. In this fairy tale collection, you'll find classic fairy tales like The Tale of Ivan the Prince and the Grey Wolf; Marya Morevna, the Wondrous Queen; The Feather of Finist the Bright Falcon; Vasilissa the Beautiful; The Frog Princess; The Red Flower; Sister Alionushka and Brother Ivanushka; The White Duck; and The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish. Get ready to meet favorite fairy tale characters and fairy tale villains like Baba Yaga, Koschei the Deathless, and many more

He thought he was the chosen one, a warrior of the gods. He had no idea that his god was a demon. After twenty years, Voran has faced his deadly enemy. But instead of victory, Voran loses his home, his hope, and his love... With nothing left, he storms the country of the gods, demanding answers. But the only one who knows the way... is his greatest enemy, the Raven himself. Sab ana returns to her beleaguered city, but finds nothing there but cowardice and vice. She can save her city, but is it even worth saving anymore? Adelaida received the gift of life. But she is in the middle of a hell of war, and now all the beauty and goodness she has ever known is being destroyed. To make matters worse, warriors all around her are dying. And suspicion is falling on her... Khaidu found her speech, but lost her purpose. Now, she will invade the land of the dead itself to find the last hope for the Three Lands. But at the end of all time, who will command the strength of the Powers? Who will sit in the Throne of the Gods? The Throne of the Gods is the fifth and final volume in the Raven Son series of epic fantasy books inspired by Russian fairy tales. If you love creative retellings of ancient myths, gorgeous worldbuilding, and complex characters who never do what you expect, you'll love this series, described by readers as "The Lord of the Rings meets 1984". Embark on a journey into the magical and perilous world of The Throne of the Gods today 

What if you could find the answers to the problems of modern life in the wisdom of the past? We live in a strange time. Perpetually distracted and increasingly over-medicated, we still think we are the most progressive people in history. But scratch the surface, and you'll see that our world is like a house built on sand. We put much of our faith in science, even as more and more of the truths we equate with "scientific fact" come under scrutiny. The lack of repeatability of many experiments is a modern science's dirty little secret. And much of what can be verified, it turns out, often merely confirms what history, literature, and religion have already taught us. And so, many people are turning to the past for comforting wisdom to inform the future. This book is an exploration of the rich folk culture of Russia's past. From songs of lamentation at funerals to the rules for naming a prince, you'll find a fascinating glimpse into a world that is alien on the surface, but familiar at its heart. Reading it in light of modern life, you can't help but be astounded at how much wisdom the Russian folk gathered through centuries and millennia of passed time and experience. Who knows? Maybe the answers to some of your life's pressing issues are found in the age-long traditions explored in A Window to the Russian Soul.

In the darkest of times... they shone brighter than the stars. Many are the stories of that mysterious land of Russia. Stories of heroes who gave their lives for God, Tsar, and country, and who left legacies that many a young child aspired to. Of course, so many of those stories are legends, a lifeline for people who had lost everything, and who preferred to remember a semi-fictional history that left out some of the more disturbing details. But in spite of history's dark reality, you still have bright lights appearing in unexpected places-heroes and heroines whose lives read like adventure tales, whose fates are sometimes stranger than fiction. This little book is a glimpse into the world of that Russia- a world filled with complex characters living out difficult lives in sometimes impossible circumstances. But more often than not, these heroes and heroines rose above all difficulties to become truly inspiring. In our own chaotic time, their stories are worthy of being retold again and again.

"Prayer is a refuge of God’s great mercy to the human race." The refuge is a place of inner stillness and peace where the heart is fully opened to the embrace of God’s love. It is a return to the ancient paradise from which the human race, in Adam, had to depart because of disobedience to the command of God. The Refuge is an exposition of the concrete actions we should take if we truly desire to live with and in God. It weaves together meditations on scripture (from the Psalms in particular) and amplifies these with the wisdom of early Christian saints, in particular the ascetical writings of St John of the Ladder, St Macarius the Great and St Isaac the Syrian. It is an active exhortation for us to reacquire the original nobility with which God fashioned us in the beginning.

Aging warrior Otchigen safeguards Vasyllia, Mother of Cities, Jewel of the World, with his sword and his heart. Nobleman and beggar alike adore him. But after a routine training exercise goes horribly wrong, Otchigen fears he is going mad. To make matters worse, his city crumbles in fear and corruption around him. But is it madness... or are there darker forces intent on destroying the city? The Forge of the Covenant is a prequel novella to the Raven Son epic fantasy series inspired by Russian fairy tales. Dostoyevsky meets Tolkien in an intense, poignant tale of a rich and complex character who is neither hero, nor villain, but who finds the weight of the world on his all-too-human shoulders. Begin an unforgettable journey in The Forge of the Covenant today

From the author who bravely faced down a seven-headed, fire-breathing, riddle-speaking dragon... and got eaten for his pains. The realm of Russian fairy tales is perilous. You might think you know who's friend, who's foe. But you'd be wrong. Wolves might be friends. Old grandmothers might be cannibals. And the idiot might be the wisest man in the room. So say you find yourself at the waystone, a boundary between the real world and the world of story. Every road you take from the waystone leads to danger and the potential of great rewards. But you could end up being eaten, chopped into little pieces, or even turned into a goat. This book is a short guide for your survival. At the end, you'll find the fountain of youth, riches unimaginable, the man or woman of your dreams...and maybe something even more lasting. But getting there is the real pleasure. Buy this book today to enter the weird and wonderful world of Russian fairy tales.

The sea swallowed her city. An enchantment stole her family. Now a dark god offers her salvation... for a terrible price. Leb a lives in paradise. Her husband and four children are her pride and joy. Years of war and plague have finally given way to peace and prosperity. Except her paradise is nothing but a lie, created by a dark Power who makes false worlds for his own insidious purposes. The World-maker gives Leb a one chance to save her family and her people. Thrust into a parallel world outside time, Leb a must find an ancient magic and unlock its power. But things are not as they seem in this strange world filled with walking nightmares and heroes from deepest legend. Whom can she trust? Who is her ally and who her hidden enemy? Finally she is faced with an impossible choice. To unlock the god's magic, she'll have to choose between herself and the life of her family. The Forge of the Covenant is the fourth book in the Raven Son epic fantasy series, a retelling of the dark Russian version of Sleeping Beauty and the ancient legend of Atlantis. If you like complex characters, gorgeous world-building, and creative twists on mythology, you'll love The Forge of the Covenant. Buy The Forge of the Covenant to continue the journey today

Metropolitan Anastasy was a leading figure of the Russian emigration following the Communist takeover of his country. He formed a bridge between two worlds -- the Imperial Court of the last Tzar and the transient 20th century Russian diaspora. These reflections are from his diary during the calamitous post-revolutionary period. They draw upon wisdom from sources as diverse as writers of classical antiquity, authors, composers and inventors of the age of enlightenment, offering unique perspectives.

"May our love for the Sun, the will of God, be as strong as the sunflower's, so that even in days of hardship and sorrow we will continue to sail unerringly along the sea of life, following the directions of the barometer and compass of God's will that leads us to the safe haven of eternity." This is a thoroughly practical manual of the spiritual life focusing on the central goal of every Christian: learning the will of God and struggling to mold our life to it, just as Christ "humbled Himself and became obedient." (Phil. 2:8) Even more fundamentally, St John addresses the question of why we should care about God's will. Finally, the reader will find eternal wisdom running through these writings on questions of theodicy, free will, and Divine Providence. This work is reminiscent of the classic textÊUnseen WarfareÊin its historical genesis as an Orthodox redaction of an originally Roman Catholic text. First published in 1627 asÊThe HeliotropiumÊit was the work of a German Jesuit writer Jeremias Drexelius. The future St John adapted this text for an Orthodox audience as a student and then teacher at the Kiev Academy in the 1670's but it was not published until 1714, just a year before the author's death. This is the first English edition of St John's text, further edited and abbreviated for the contemporary reader.

"Blending European folklore and epic fantasy, Kotar is a brilliant new voice in speculative fiction " - Miles Cameron, bestselling author of the Traitor Son CycleIn The Song of the Sirin, Voran, a young warrior of Vasyllia, seeks a miraculous cure for his dying city. As his quest falters, he is faced with an impossible question: what if the only way to save his world... is to let it be destroyed? In The Curse of the Raven, Llun, a swordmith with an artist's heart, forges an object of great power that can heal thousands... or lead to a war that will never end. In The Heart of the World, Khaidu, a crippled girl in a society with no place for the weak, plungesinto the great struggle for the heart of the world. But can she find the strength to heal the world before it dies? Readers have called the Raven Son series "The Lord of the Rings meets 1984." If you enjoy traditional fantasy, cinematic world-building, and creative twists on mythology, you'll love Nicholas Kotar's sweeping tale.

This book shares the story of the last Russian emperor and his family. Their life was not necessarily what one would expect; there was much more than fancy clothes and delicious food. They shared happy memories but also great hardships. They nursed the sick, ate porridge, kayaked along the Finnish coastline, and cared for chickens. Today we know them as the Royal Martyrs deeply pious Orthodox Christians. Accessible and thought provoking, this beautifully illustrated book is appropriate for children aged 7-12, or for parents to read to their children of younger age. who laid down their lives for the Faith and role models of Christian virtue who showed kindness even to the guards who taunted them. Accessible and thought provoking, this beautifully illustrated book is appropriate for children aged 7-12, or for parents to read to their children of younger age.

This third and final volume of Archbishop Averky's New Testament commentary elucidates the moral and pastoral aspects of the Pauline and Universal Epistles and the Book of Revelation. Discussion of each New Testament book is preceded by an analysis of the authorship, time and place of composition, and major themes within. The final commentary on the Apocalypse, in which Archbishop Averky relies heavily on the ancient commentary of St Andrew of Ceasaria, is provided in the popular translation by Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose), together with the Scriptural text itself. The author's approach is thoroughly patristic, constantly turning to the Church Fathers for the elucidation of one or another particular verse, especially to the commentaries and expositions of St John Chrysostom, Blessed Theophylact of Ochrid, Blessed Theodoret of Cyrus, and most particularly to the voluminous Scriptural commentaries of St Theophan the Recluse. The commentary has been copiously annotated with citations to primary sources, which did not appear in the original text. Archbishop Averky's commentaries on the New Testament have become standard textbooks in Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary and have been published in Russia to widespread acclaim. They are an indispensable addition to the library of every student of the New Testament.

All 16-year-old Khaidu ever wanted was her own hunting eagle. Her ten brothers laugh at her. The rule-bound world of the Gumiren nomads has no place for a girl hunter, much less a crippled one. But Khaidu has a secret. She masters the ancient magic of eagle-binding and captures the largest eagle her tribe has ever seen. Except her eagle isn't an eagle at all. She's a dying queen under an enchantment. Khaidu's binding unlocks an ancient curse of blood and loss. As the curse turns Khaidu's people against each other, the bond between eagle and hunter shatters. To find her lost eagle, Khaidu will brave monstrous beasts, face an army of shape-shifting giants, and cross the known world...only to be faced with a terrible truth. If Khaidu cannot save the queen in time, the world itself may die with her. The Heart of the World is the third book in an epic fantasy series. Inspired by the Russian fairy tale "Finist the Bright Falcon," it features complex characters, gorgeous magical landscapes, and unexpected plot twists. If you like creative twists on myths and legends and classic fantasy, then you'll love Nicholas Kotar's sweeping tale.