This debut novel, “The Road to Rus’,” by Michael Hnatyshyn is a historical fiction about the attack on Constantinople (Istanbul) by Rus’ in 860 A.D. and the formalization of Kyivan Rus’ as a political entity. The aim and scope of this book is to shed light on an event that has received very little coverage in world history curricula with a fun and informative approach for non-Ukrainian speakers.
As described on the book’s back cover: “In the 9th century, the Byzantine Empire was on the rise. The Vikings were also well on their way to influencing most of the known world with their spirit of adventure and quest for glory. Slavic tribes led by the Polians and their leader Vratymyr with the aid of the Vikings and their representative Askoldir organize a brazen attack at the heart of New Rome – Constantinople. Their goal is not only revenge, but the formation of a new empire. There are battles, political plots, sea voyages, treachery, bravery and death. This is a story of adventure. This is the only historical novel to date about this event. This is the story of the birth of Kyivan Rus’.”
Mr. Hnatyshyn is a New York native who has spent nearly a decade living and working in Ukraine, and currently resides in New York. As an active member of the Ukrainian community, he hopes that this book will spark interest in Ukraine, its culture and its history. If the book receives enough interest, there are plans to expand the book series to include other chapters of the history of Kyivan Rus’.
The book already was number one among the hottest new books in Eastern European history on Amazon.com.
Readers may obtain copies of the book beginning on January 14, and the book is currently available in electronic format via Amazon, iBookstore and Scribid.com.
Mr. Hnatyshyn will be doing a book launch presentation at the Ukrainian American Citizens’ Association (located at 847 N. Franklin St., Philadelphia PA 19123) on January 22 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, readers may contact Mr. Hnatyshyn via e-mail at [email protected], or visit the book’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/TheRoadToRus.