From the Land of Cross and Star: A Historical Fantasy Adventure of Magic Found, Love Lost, and Faith Regained

by Andrew Volkov

Guilty magic. Love stilled by faith. A world in fever.

A disgraced monk races against time to unlock powers that can save the woman he cannot forget. But his former seminary friend—now a Bolshevik spy—will stop at nothing to seize his magic, his soul, his love.

From the steppes of revolution-bound Russia to the opium-scented ports of the East and across America’s merciless frontier, the fates of two friends-turned-enemies collide in the world of violent sects, train heists, Ute brujas, and deadly secrets. Faith and fraud, tragedy and farce, death and rebirth—every choice exacts a price on the soul.

For readers of Romanov by Nadine Brandes and Deathless by Catherynne Valente, as well as those who enjoy the mind games of Dostoyevsky's Brothers Karamazov and Castaneda's The Tales of Don Juan, From the Land of Cross and Star blends historical epic, dark magic, and moral intrigue in a tale you won’t forget.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2025

Reviews

[Read With Her · Rating 5 out of 5]

'From the Land of Cross' and Star is a provocative and intelligent historical fantasy, which targets high and hits the nail on the head where it counts. It mixes religion and doubts, magic and political anarchy in a novel that is not decorative but profoundly personal. The best thing about the novel is its atmosphere. Revolutionary Russia and the world outside of it are raw and unstable as though on the verge of falling down. The author is also very aware of the power of belief to mold individuals and that is reflected in the manner in which faith, doubt, and temptation contribute to the plot development. It is not a fantasy that makes religion a matter of background noise. It is bulky, weighty and expensive. The history together makes their clashes really emotional. The narrative is most effective when it concerns the way of how love, loyalty, and ideology corrode or reinforce the soul with regards to the choices taken. These scenes are well deserved and genuine. It is dark magic that is unsettling and has a close relationship with guilt and desire as opposed to spectacle. The magic is well used to the theme, as it does not always have clear definitions, but it is dangerous and corrupting, rather than flashy. It strengthens this belief that power never comes cheap. Patience is required of the reader of the book. Some of the characters, in particular the woman in the center of the quest, are underdeveloped on the page. The emotional motive is evident and it is quite possible that numerous readers will relate to the feeling of longing and regretting that is the moving force of the story. As a whole it is a brilliant and reflective novel that will entertain those who like moral tension, historical gravity and faith under the hammer.

[Prajwal Shettigar · Rating 5 out of 5]

“From the Land of Cross and Star” is a rich historical fantasy that blends magic, faith, and human struggle in a powerful way. The story follows a disgraced monk haunted by love, regret, and belief as he searches for forbidden magic that could save the woman he once loved. His journey is dangerous not only because of the magic itself, but because of the people chasing him, especially his former friend, now an enemy driven by ideology, ambition, and betrayal.

What makes this book stand out is its emotional depth. This is not just a story about spells and adventure, but about inner conflict, guilt, and the price of faith. The relationship between the two former friends adds strong tension, showing how belief systems and choices can turn love into rivalry.

As Lyubanya whispered into Ilyusha’s ears, “stung by fear and grief - both understandable given that you’d just had to fight for your life. You delivered in the process a messy but necessary kill. Now lift yourself out of your self-pity and be once again the Ilyusha we all know and love.”

The settings are vivid and unforgettable, moving from revolutionary Russia to distant ports in the East and across the harsh American frontier. Each place feels alive, filled with danger, mystery, and moral uncertainty. The blend of real history with dark magic feels natural and well-researched, adding weight to every event.

The writing is thoughtful and layered, asking big questions about faith, power, and redemption without giving easy answers. “From the Land of Cross and Star” is a gripping and meaningful read for anyone who enjoys historical fantasy with emotional and philosophical depth.

[Preetha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prolonged title of the book is more than enough to explain the genre, the emotions and the elements we can expect in this story.

The main characters of this story are Ilyusha and Lyubanya. The story is about a monk who has lost his way and carries special forbidden magical powers with him. He is also haunted by his past and burdened with guilt. At the same time, his old friend has turned into a spy and wants to take everything from him right from his magic, his love and even his entire soul. The rest of the story revolves around who will win and why these events are happening.

This is a fantasy book that features a lot of emotions, feelings, magic, danger and love. One thing I noticed is that rather than being just a normal fantasy read this story shares many values and morals throughout. The monk’s character represents the human mind very realistically with his flaws, decisions and feelings he holds, etc. The way magic is portrayed in this book is also very appreciable and meaningful. I really loved that part.

This is Part 1 of the ‘From the Land of Cross and Star’ series and in this particular book's chapter it contains four parts each with multiple chapters within it. The author could have included a preface or an introduction before entering the actual story which would have made the narrative even clearer. The narration and language are moderately easy to read and the pace of the story has some natural ups and downs. But the story is enjoyable and gripping to read.

[Soumya · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the Land of Cross and Star by Andrew Volkov is an ambitious historical fantasy that blends spiritual reflection with a touch of magic and romance. Andrew Volkov’s writing is atmospheric and often lyrical, particularly when describing inner turmoil and moments of faith. However, the prose can occasionally feel heavy with introspection, slowing the momentum of the story during key stretches.

The central character, a fallen monk burdened by guilt and loss is compelling, though at times his emotional arc leans toward repetition. While his search for redemption is meaningful, some secondary characters remain underdeveloped, serving more as symbolic figures than fully realized individuals.

The magical elements are subtle and intriguing but could have been explored more deeply. At times, the fantasy feels secondary to the spiritual themes, which may disappoint readers expecting a more plot driven adventure.

Overall, the novel shines in mood and thematic depth but would benefit from tighter pacing and richer character development. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy reflective, faith centered fantasy.

[Misty Pramanik · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the Land of Cross and Star is a bold, emotionally charged historical fantasy that blends faith, guilt, magic, and political upheaval into something both intimate and intense. Set against the raw instability of Revolutionary Russia and beyond, the atmosphere feels heavy with danger and moral consequence. This is a story where belief is not decoration—it shapes every choice, every fall, every act of courage.
The heart of the novel lies in the conflict between a disgraced monk and his former friend, now a Bolshevik spy. Their shared past gives each confrontation real emotional weight, turning ideology into something deeply personal. The magic is dark, restrained, and tied to guilt and desire rather than spectacle, reinforcing the idea that power always comes at a cost.
Though the pacing occasionally slows and a few characters could be more developed, the novel remains sincere, ambitious, and memorable. A compelling read for anyone who enjoys historical weight, moral tension, and faith tested under fire.

[Kamya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great historical narrative, From the Land of Cross and Star explores faith, guilt, love, and power in a collapsing civilization. At its center is a disgraced monk who is struggling to perfect a dangerous power that might either save her or condemn him forever. He is troubled by a love he lost and a faith he betrayed. The story has an epic scale and emotional weight, set amid the turmoil of revolutionary Russia and spanning several nations.

The moral depth of this work is what really makes it stand out. Love is never easy, magic is never free, and faith is always put to the test. Intellectual tension is increased by the competition between the monk and his old companion, who is now a Bolshevik spy. This rivalry embodies the mysticism and gloom of myth while reflecting the philosophical profundity of Dostoyevsky. This narrative, which is rich, passionate, and eerie, is a potent read for fans of historical fantasy with substance since every decision damages the soul.

[Sumit RK · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the Land of Cross and Star by Andrew Volkov is the first book in the Ilyusa series and a gripping read. With a perfect mix of fantasy, history and drama.

Set in revolution era Russia, The story revolves around two friend turned enemies; one a monk who is trying to unlock his powers while the other, a Bolshevik spy wants to seize his magic. As the rivalry intensifies, who will come on top?

The book is an intense drama combining historical background and magical elements. The book narrates the monk's struggles and his quest for his lost love, as well the spy's obsession with his mission. The world building is excellent, bringing to life, the cold Russian countryside. The writing is engaging and the story is beautifully layered.

Overall, 'From the Land of Cross and Stars' is a epic story that will stay with you for a long time.

[Alison Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Land of Cross and Star is a rare novel that feels both mythic and painfully human. Volkov captures the raw terror of revolution and blends it seamlessly with mysticism that feels ancient and dangerous. The disgraced monk’s journey is a haunting dive into guilt, devotion, and the terrifying cost of forbidden power. His fractured love, tender yet tragic, adds a heartbeat that never stops throbbing. The spy’s obsession is equally compelling, twisted by ideology and longing in ways that feel disturbingly real. Every settin, from the cold Russian steppes to the feverish ports of the East, shimmers with life and menace. The worldbuilding is so precise it feels lived in. The moral questions linger long after the chapter ends. This is historical fantasy at its most potent.

[Marlon Montes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volkov delivers a sweeping epic of magic, betrayal, and aching humanity. The spiritual struggle at the heart of the story is profound, rooted in a faith that is both a light and a weapon. The bond between monk and spy crackles with tension, two souls locked together by love, jealousy, and wounds they refuse to confront. The writing is lush, full of sensory detail that immerses you in smoke-choked monasteries, bustling bazaars, and frontier landscapes drenched in danger. The pace builds like a storm, quiet and brooding until it erupts into breathtaking action. Every character feels carved from real history, flawed and fascinating. The magic is subtle yet immensely powerful. This is a novel that refuses to be forgotten.

[Rita Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a masterclass in emotional depth and atmospheric storytelling. The monk’s search for redemption is gripping, not because of the magic he unlocks, but because of the wounds he carries. His journey across continents feels like a pilgrimage through the ruins of his own soul. The spy he once called brother becomes a chilling mirror, reflecting everything he fears he might become. Volkov paints scenes with the precision of a filmmaker: train heists roaring across frozen plains, rituals flickering in candlelit chapels, confrontations heavy with unsaid truths. Every locale is a character in itself. The themes, faith, guilt, destiny, hit with surprising force. This is the kind of book that keeps you awake thinking.

[Patsy Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volkov’s novel reads like a forgotten legend resurrected from some ancient monastery vault. The prose is elegant yet fierce, weaving spiritual conflict with dark magic in ways that feel utterly original. The monk’s forbidden powers are as destructive as they are divine, and watching him fight the shadow of what he could become is heartbreaking. The spy antagonist is equally mesmerizing, driven by ideology but haunted by old love and older guilt. Their collision is inevitable and devastating. The settings shift with epic grandeur, from revolution-scarred Russia to mystic Eastern ports to America’s wild frontier. Each new land brings new danger, new visions, new moral tests. The story is vast, but always intimate. It lingers.

[Adam William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volkov builds tension with exquisite skill, tightening the emotional noose around his characters until every encounter feels like a spark near gunpowder. The monk’s attempt to reclaim his faith is both heroic and tragic, marked by failures that feel painfully human. The spy hunting him is driven not just by politics, but by heartbreak, envy, and a hunger for power that borders on the divine. Their conflict spans nations, beliefs, and lifetimes. The magic here is not flashy, it is sacred, unsettling, whispered in half-forgotten languages. The settings glow with detail: frostbitten roads, lantern-lit temples, dusty frontier towns. Every scene is alive. Every choice has consequences. This novel is a revelation.

[sahaneeya · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the land of cross and star by Andrew Volkov is the book one of Ilyusha series. The book follows a monk, who has questionable moral qaulms and his journey where he is followed and for his magical powers.

The portrayal of the monk as a person who deals with his own demons, like selfishness, greed, just etc which is shunned by the church was well written. The stroy is action packed and doesn't feel rushed or too slow and managed to keep me intrigued right from the start.

The book also shines light on the tendency of humans to idolise or shun anything that they don't necessarily understand. Overall it is an easy read. Would recommend the book to people who love to read adventure books that dabble a little with fantasy.

[Linda Huang]

This is a story carved in fire and shadow. Volkov does not shy away from the brutality of revolution or the seductive pull of forbidden magic. The characters are beautifully flawed, shaped by faith, fear, and desires they barely admit. The monk’s love, guilty, quiet, desperate, gives the story an emotional core that aches with authenticity. The spy’s pursuit is obsessive, almost spiritual in its intensity. Their past binds them tighter than chains. The narrative moves like a wandering spirit, drifting from temples to trains to desert rituals, each scene charged with mysticism and danger. The moral weight is immense, the choices heavy. This is dark historical fantasy at its absolute finest.

[Darwin Mclean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few novels manage to blend historical reality and imaginative magic with such seamless mastery. Volkov’s world feels researched and lived-in, every detail from political tension to religious symbolism rings true. But it’s the emotional landscape that truly dazzles. The monk’s internal war is far more gripping than any spell he casts. The woman he loves becomes a symbol of everything he cannot escape. The spy’s descent into fanaticism is chilling, a portrait of a soul consumed by ideology. The writing is cinematic, rich with images that burn into memory. Violence, beauty, and spiritual yearning intertwine effortlessly. The ending hits with thunderous emotional force. It’s unforgettable.

[Kathryn Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes this novel extraordinary is how deeply it understands the human spirit. The monk and spy are not just rivals, they are reflections of the same wound, two broken men seeking salvation in wildly different ways. The woman they both love becomes the axis on which their fates turn, though she is far more than a symbol, her presence is powerful, tragic, and beautifully written. The journey across Russia, Asia, and America feels like a passage through shifting worlds of belief and betrayal. Magic pulses beneath the surface, dangerous and sacred. Volkov’s writing is gorgeous and fearless. Each chapter holds a truth worth savoring. It’s a masterpiece of emotional fantasy.

[Albert Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like stepping into a storm of myth, memory, and spiritual warfare. The landscapes are breathtaking, harsh, enchanted, steeped in history. The monk’s quest to reclaim his lost power is less about magic and more about confronting the man he once was. His love for the woman he failed is written with such raw sorrow it borders on poetry. The spy, once a friend, is now a ghost made of resentment and longing. Their clash spans continents and belief systems, fueled by secrets older than the revolution. The action is fierce, the mysticism unsettling, the emotional resonance immense. It’s the kind of novel that leaves a mark.

[Barry Maher]

Few fantasy novels dare to be this ambitious or this emotionally honest. Volkov crafts a tale that moves like a pilgrimage, painful, mystical, transformative. The disgraced monk is a brilliant protagonist: broken, brilliant, and burdened by love he cannot forgive himself for. The Bolshevik spy is equally compelling, a tragic figure whose obsession spirals into something monstrous and strangely sympathetic. Their cat-and-mouse chase across continents is riveting, each stop revealing another fragment of the past that binds them. Magic is woven quietly, reverently, like a sacred language. The prose is lyrical, the themes profound, the stakes apocalyptic. This book deserves to be called epic.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. The monk’s journey felt real, like I was walking with him through his struggles and doubts. His past mistakes weigh heavily on him, and the way he tries to regain his faith is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
The spy, who used to be his friend, adds a great deal of tension — their complicated history makes every interaction feel meaningful. The magic in the story is subtle but powerful, and it fits perfectly with the historical setting. I also liked how the story travels across different lands; it made the world feel big and alive. A story of faith, love, and personal growth that stuck with me.

[Werner Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Land of Cross and Star is a rare kind of story, one that feels ancient and urgent at the same time. Andrew Volkov blends mysticism and history with such precision that every chapter feels like a revelation. The rivalry between the disgraced monk and the Bolshevik spy carries the tension of a spiritual war disguised as a political one. The landscapes, from fevered Russia to the eerie quiet of the American frontier, are painted with haunting beauty. This isn’t just a fantasy adventure; it’s a meditation on guilt, longing, and the cost of resurrection. I walked away shaken, moved, and strangely hopeful.

[Amrutha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Volkov’s "From the Land of Cross and Star" is a imaginary historical fantasy that touches our heart and blended with magic, memories, and faith with emotional depth which points into deeper. The plot shaped by clashing beliefs and ancient traditions, etc. The novel follows a journey where magic is discover, love is lost by painful, and faith is slowly reclaimed. The characters in this story are driven not just by destiny, but by inner conflict, making their struggles deeply human. This include themes of loss and spiritual rediscovery are handled with sensitivity, giving the story a reflective, almost meditative tone.

[FATHIMA SHAZNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Land of Cross and Star by Andrew Volkov is a strong and atmospheric opening to the Ilyusa series. Blending historical depth with subtle fantasy, the novel delivers an emotionally driven story set against a vividly realized Russian landscape.

The parallel journeys of a conflicted monk searching for lost love and a spy bound by duty and obsession add depth and tension to the narrative. The magic is restrained and meaningful, enhancing the themes of faith, sacrifice, and loyalty rather than overshadowing them.

Well-written and thoughtfully paced, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy historically grounded fantasy with emotional and philosophical weight.

[Priya Srinivasan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly unputdownable! A captivating and fun read! Complete mayhem from the 1st page to the end. A lot of action, a lot of conflict—on various levels: romantic triangles, people running for their lives, magic mystery, and police chases. The lead is interesting and worth following—a monk wanting to do good in the world but also being pulled in all directions by his emotions, desires, and family problems. I wished that the magic was explained a bit better. The ending is somewhat of a cliff hanger. I assume it sets up book 2 where all loose ends will be tied. Again, overall, a wild, fun read; not your typical historical adventure.

[J.B · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Land of Cross and Star is a masterful blend of historical epic, dark magic, and moral intrigue. Andrew Volkov weaves a gripping tale of faith, love, and betrayal, taking readers from revolutionary Russia to the mystic East and the American frontier. The characters are vividly drawn, the stakes are high, and the mix of history, magic, and philosophical depth keeps you turning pages long into the night. Fans of Romanov, Deathless, and thought-provoking historical fantasy will find themselves utterly captivated.

[Angela Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me in the best way. I expected magic and historical tension, but I didn’t expect such a relentless, cinematic adventure. Volkov throws you into train heists, occult sects, and shadowy espionage with no time to catch your breath. The chase between two former friends, now enemies, is gripping, and their emotional conflict is just as intense as the action scenes. The blend of Russian revolution vibes, Eastern mysticism, and American frontier grit works far better than I thought it would. Highly recommended for anyone who wants fantasy with teeth.

[Bhavna Malhotra · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the Land of Cross and Star by Andrew Volkov is a thoughtful and emotionally layered work that stays with the reader long after the last page. The title itself intrigued me, and as I moved deeper into the book, I realized how beautifully it reflects the core themes of faith, identity, suffering, and hope that Volkov explores.

The writing style is calm, reflective, and sincere. There were moments where I had to pause and think about how deeply history can shape personal lives and collective memory. The book does not rush; instead, it allows emotions and ideas to unfold naturally.

[Kelley McNeill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting, beautiful, and unexpectedly tender. From the Land of Cross and Star swept me into a world where faith is a weapon, love is a wound, and magic is both curse and redemption. I’m still thinking about it days later.

[William Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relentless, pulse pounding chase across continents and beliefs. Volkov’s world is so vivid you can smell the gunpowder and incense on every page. I couldn’t put it down.

[Valeria Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rare fusion of philosophical depth and explosive storytelling. This novel reads like Dostoyevsky crossed with dark fantasy, probing moral ambiguity while delivering unforgettable adventure.

[Delbert Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who devours alternate-history epics, this book blew me away. The blend of Russian mysticism, frontier grit, and political intrigue is unlike anything I’ve ever read.