In the 1840s. P'etro Fedorchak narrowly escapes death while fighting in the Allies Shadow War. After receiving a land grant for his heroic service, he marries Ilia and relocates near the enchanted Black Sea.
Samuil is born in a cabin near the edge of the haunted Southern Forest. In the forest Bogs a mysterious shadow fog is transforming forest animals into deadly shadow creatures, who stalk Samuil from birth.
Samuil often escapes to the serenity of the forest and finds peace while listening to the singing river and communing with the animals.
As the shadow creatures' aggressions escalate, Samuil befriend Nikolai of the Caves; an eccentric time traveling wizard with an old hound named Wolf Killer, and the Legendary Snow Owl. Together with Katya and Teddy, they use their powers in a spine-chilling cosmic battle on Devils Island attempting to defeat the Shadows. Only time will tell whether they can fend them off long enough to claim their extraordinary desctiny.
"This debut historical fantasy sees a Russian family battle dark forces in the wilds near the Black Sea. For his series opener, Stephens offers a fantasy focusing on primal good and evil that should entrance fans of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. This first volume's magical crescendo should create loyal readers who will return for more fairytale-style grandeur. A captivating start to an Eastern-flavored and methodically built fantasy epic."
-Kirkus Review
"Samuil and the Legendary Snowl Owl is an ambitious fantasy novel that pits the might of tough people against demonic anger."
-Foreword Clarion Book Review
"[A] dynamic reminiscent of Dostoyevsky or Chekov... a tale full of imaginative creatures and mythical conflicts... concise action, and his skill for creating strong characters makes the first entry in the series engaging and memorable."
Blueink Review
