Srdce tajgy – Ivanov Alexej (2022)

A historical fantasy novel set in medieval Russia It is the year 1455. The Grand Duchy of Moscow is growing stronger, absorbing surrounding territories and spreading eastward — where another, ancient and terrifying world lies beneath the slopes of the Urals. Above the peaks of the Stone Belt, prickly pagan constellations shine, the summits of mountains bristle with palisades of fortresses, countless idols rise from the ground, and strange beings still hide in the black depths of the forests... The Heart of the Taiga is a magnificent historical fresco with a touch of pagan and Christian mysticism: a true gateway to other, almost forgotten times. Above all, however, it is a story of people who unwaveringly — though often in vain — confront fate and its inevitability. The novel became a significant event in Russian literature almost immediately after its release in 2003. It won numerous awards and opened the door for its author among the most respected contemporary Russian writers. In 2022, a film adaptation also hits theaters — one of the most lavish productions in the history of Russian cinema.