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Hailbringer: A Romanian Folktale
After years as a mercenary in foreign lands and haunted by his violent past, Codru returns to the lands he once called home—Transylvania. However, his search for solace turns into an unexpected journey towards redemption. War and an unknown curse brew south of the mountains. In the lands of Wallachia, where myth intertwines with reality, Codru confronts not only the dark, gritty truths of his world but also supernatural enigmas that challenge everything he knows. As he navigates through this ethereal and treacherous landscape, Codru faces a mystery that threatens his very essence—far more complex than any battlefield he's known and far more vicious than any job he's taken.
- GenresFantasy
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2024
2 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Alexandrescu
1 book9 followersDaniel Alexandrescu is a Romanian author based in Cyprus with a lifelong devotion to the written word. His literary journey began at age twelve, evolving from childhood fantasy drafts to a diverse career as a freelance journalist, content writer, and copywriter. A student of philosophy by training, Daniel has spent two decades navigating the intersections of technical skill and creative expression.
In 2014, he founded the unconventional culture webzine CVLTARTES, followed by the 2025 launch of RAWGUE., a publication dedicated to unbiased artistic showcase. In 2024, Daniel took a hiatus from his professional career to fully commit to his debut novel, a project rooted in the rich atmosphere of Romanian folklore. This work marks the culmination of twenty years of storytelling and a definitive leap into the world of fiction.
In 2014, he founded the unconventional culture webzine CVLTARTES, followed by the 2025 launch of RAWGUE., a publication dedicated to unbiased artistic showcase. In 2024, Daniel took a hiatus from his professional career to fully commit to his debut novel, a project rooted in the rich atmosphere of Romanian folklore. This work marks the culmination of twenty years of storytelling and a definitive leap into the world of fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 23, 2024
This book was just what I needed in a search to find new fantasy worlds and escape a bit the post modernist reality of our times. I found myself absorbed in it and visualising all the characters coming to life as well as the detailed environment in which they circle around. I would really like to see this piece of literature taking a visual shape in the future.
It is a hero journey with a lot of collective archetypes that are shaped in eastern and balkan mythology. I found it really interesting for me, as I could relate with all these due to my cultural background. But even if you don’t know this type of folklore, you will still be mesmerised by its complexity and connection with other types of archetypes. It is fascinating to see the eastern european archaic roots coming back to life. A universe that has a lot to offer and its teachings continue to influence our subconscious. Buy yourself the ticket, enjoy the ride!
It is a hero journey with a lot of collective archetypes that are shaped in eastern and balkan mythology. I found it really interesting for me, as I could relate with all these due to my cultural background. But even if you don’t know this type of folklore, you will still be mesmerised by its complexity and connection with other types of archetypes. It is fascinating to see the eastern european archaic roots coming back to life. A universe that has a lot to offer and its teachings continue to influence our subconscious. Buy yourself the ticket, enjoy the ride!
August 1, 2024
Hailbringer is a fantastic, gruesome story.
This is not my typical read, but I'm so glad I gave it a shot. Poetically written with a small language barrier, I found it an easy, gripping tale.
Heartwrenching and hauntingly beautiful! I held my breath, I chuckled, I bit my nails, I cried, I swore. Hailbringer is full of wonderful lessons interwoven with fascinating folktale. I learned a lot!
(One of) My favorite quote-
‘No one ever loses their way; they’re always right at the time and place they are ought to be.’
This is not my typical read, but I'm so glad I gave it a shot. Poetically written with a small language barrier, I found it an easy, gripping tale.
Heartwrenching and hauntingly beautiful! I held my breath, I chuckled, I bit my nails, I cried, I swore. Hailbringer is full of wonderful lessons interwoven with fascinating folktale. I learned a lot!
(One of) My favorite quote-
‘No one ever loses their way; they’re always right at the time and place they are ought to be.’
February 11, 2025
I wanted sooooo much to enjoy this book, I really wanted. But I guess it wasn' t my cup of tea. At all. A bit disappointed, but that' s life. I am sure the author will find many readers who will appreciate his book.
It didn' t work out for me...
It didn' t work out for me...
April 19, 2024
If you're into dark and gritty fantasy, you won't want to miss out on "Hailbringer: A Romanian Folktale." The narrative unfolds with the main character navigating the Transylvanian landscape, steeped in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, while intermittently delving into flashbacks that unveil his mysterious upbringing.
What makes "Hailbringer" stand out is its rich tapestry of folklore woven seamlessly into the narrative. You'll encounter creatures straight out of ancient myths, each with their own agendas and allegiances. But the real heart of the story lies in the journey of the protagonist. Watching him stumble through the darkness, grappling with his inner demons, only to emerge stronger and wiser on the other side is a real emotional rollercoaster. The romance subplot adds an extra layer of depth to an already compelling tale.
What makes "Hailbringer" stand out is its rich tapestry of folklore woven seamlessly into the narrative. You'll encounter creatures straight out of ancient myths, each with their own agendas and allegiances. But the real heart of the story lies in the journey of the protagonist. Watching him stumble through the darkness, grappling with his inner demons, only to emerge stronger and wiser on the other side is a real emotional rollercoaster. The romance subplot adds an extra layer of depth to an already compelling tale.
February 13, 2024
"Hailbringer: A Romanian Folktale" by Daniel Alexandrescu is a masterfully crafted narrative that seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, mythology, and gritty reality. Set in a realm where myths and truths intertwine, the story follows Codru, a former mercenary seeking solace in his homeland. However, his quest for peace quickly entangles him in a journey of redemption, where he must navigate through dark realities and supernatural enigmas.
Alexandrescu's storytelling prowess shines through in every page of this gripping tale. The language is rich and captivating, immersing readers effortlessly into the author's imaginary world. What sets this book apart is the author's ability to blend fantasy and mythology with the real world in a manner that feels entirely believable. The attention to detail is impeccable, painting a vivid picture of the setting and characters.
One of the most commendable aspects of "Hailbringer" is its pacing. Despite the abundance of action, the narrative never feels repetitive or dull. Instead, the story maintains a consistent pace, keeping readers hooked until the very end. Amidst the thrilling plot, Alexandrescu skillfully explores the theme that no one is purely good or bad, emphasizing the complexity of human nature.
The depth of the main character, Codru, is particularly striking. Alexandrescu captures his inner struggles with nuance and complexity, making him a truly compelling protagonist. Through Codru's journey, the author effectively conveys the resilience of the human spirit and the power of choice in the face of adversity.
One poignant quote from the book encapsulates its central theme: "There is no evil, young one, as there is no good either. We are all both." This philosophical insight resonates throughout the narrative, reinforcing the idea that morality is inherent within individuals rather than dictated by external laws.
In conclusion, "Hailbringer: A Romanian Folktale" is a must-read for fans of fantasy and mythology. Daniel Alexandrescu has crafted a truly remarkable story that captivates from start to finish. With its well-developed characters, intricate world-building, and thought-provoking themes, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
Alexandrescu's storytelling prowess shines through in every page of this gripping tale. The language is rich and captivating, immersing readers effortlessly into the author's imaginary world. What sets this book apart is the author's ability to blend fantasy and mythology with the real world in a manner that feels entirely believable. The attention to detail is impeccable, painting a vivid picture of the setting and characters.
One of the most commendable aspects of "Hailbringer" is its pacing. Despite the abundance of action, the narrative never feels repetitive or dull. Instead, the story maintains a consistent pace, keeping readers hooked until the very end. Amidst the thrilling plot, Alexandrescu skillfully explores the theme that no one is purely good or bad, emphasizing the complexity of human nature.
The depth of the main character, Codru, is particularly striking. Alexandrescu captures his inner struggles with nuance and complexity, making him a truly compelling protagonist. Through Codru's journey, the author effectively conveys the resilience of the human spirit and the power of choice in the face of adversity.
One poignant quote from the book encapsulates its central theme: "There is no evil, young one, as there is no good either. We are all both." This philosophical insight resonates throughout the narrative, reinforcing the idea that morality is inherent within individuals rather than dictated by external laws.
In conclusion, "Hailbringer: A Romanian Folktale" is a must-read for fans of fantasy and mythology. Daniel Alexandrescu has crafted a truly remarkable story that captivates from start to finish. With its well-developed characters, intricate world-building, and thought-provoking themes, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
January 19, 2024
This outstanding piece of literature comes highly recommended. For enthusiasts of fantasy and mythology, it proves to be an indispensable read. The narrative is skillfully crafted, exhibiting a commendable tempo and demonstrating noteworthy character development. The inherent allure of the storyline renders this book genuinely captivating and intellectually stimulating.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews