Into the Carpathians: A Journey Through the Heart and History of East Central Europe

by Alan E. Sparks

Finalist, 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Travel/Travel Guide and Regional Non-FictionThe journey continues in Part 2 of Into the an engaging chronicle of a hiking and wildlife research expedition along the Carpathian and Sudety Mountains, from Romania to Germany, some 800 miles as the crow flies. Still on the trail of wolves, we now explore the enchanting mountain landscapes of Slovakia, Poland, and the Czech Republic, where encounters with wolves, bears, and lynx; lumberjacks, shepherds, and outlaws; poets, tyrants, and saints; nomads, nobles, and knights; sprites, spirits, and witches—and such ancient peoples as Neanderthals, Celts, and Quadi; and such imposing historical figures as Marcus Aurelius of the Roman Empire, Svatopluk I of Great Moravia, Stephen I of the Kingdom of Hungary, Boleslaw the Brave of the Kingdom of Poland, and Jan Sobieski of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth—give us broad insight into the natural, historical, and mythological forces that have shaped, and continue to shape, the nations, cultures, and psyches along the way. 72 fascinating color photographs also emblaze this memorable trek.

Genres: Nonfiction

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2020

Reviews

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of heavy history, interesting information, and made me wish I was hiking with the group on their adventure.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book as part of GoodReads' First Reads program

This book, though labeled part 2, is apparently the last part of a trilogy of related books. I haven't seen the others, but after reading this one, I would certainly like to read them. This volume documents the author's journey, as part of a group, along the Carpathian Mountains from Romania through Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and ending up in Germany. The group is looking for signs of wolves and is peopled by a shifting cast of volunteers. Along the way, the author shares some scientific information about the area, a large amount of historic information, along with his experiences dealing with the people and area today. I found the book fascinating and highly recommend it.

[Maj · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Into the Carpathians, Alan E. Sparks invites readers on a breathtaking—and admittedly ambitious—expedition spanning some 800 miles across the Carpathian and Sudeten ranges, from Romania all the way to Germany. Part 1 guides you through fog-laced Transylvanian forests and the rugged beauty of Ukraine’s mountainous terrain, while Part 2 ventures through Slovakia, Poland, and the Sudeten frontier—all in search of wolves, but also in pursuit of history, myth, and meaning. Along the way, Sparks weaves in encounters with bears, lynx, shepherds, ancient ruins, and local legends—drawing you deeply into the region’s wild and storied soul.

The book’s greatest strength lies in Sparks’s vivid storytelling and immersive historical insight. His descriptive prose brings the landscape to life: the misty hills, the haunting woodlands, picturesque villages, and the ever-shifting weather become characters in their own right. From his first disastrous night in Slovakia to a poignant reunion near the German‑Polish border, the narrative is richly textured with both the beauty of nature and the quirks of travel. Sparks also dives deep into the region’s past—tracing the legacies of the Dacians, Attila the Hun, Vlad the Impaler, Rusyn communities, and folklore woven with werewolves and vampires—offering both grand sweep and intimate detail.

Yet readers should be aware that the book walks a fine line between travelogue and historical treatise—and not always seamlessly. Some passages veer into dense, academic-level digression, particularly when Sparks switches from vivid on-the-ground reflections to long historical expositions. While the appendices, end notes, and photographs (especially in the deluxe color edition) provide valuable context and gorgeous visuals, these moments can disrupt the narrative flow for those craving a leaner journey. That said, for readers with a passion for wildlife, Central and Eastern European history, and evocative travel literature, Into the Carpathians offers both a compelling adventure and a richly researched window into an awe-inspiring frontier.

[Zeb Kantrowitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just like Part 1, but even with more personal information, the book is better with it's appendices (at least for me) than the body of the book. How many times do you need to hear they couldn't find a place to stay or a level place to plant their camp. How many times do you have to listen to him talk about how grungy the group got or they had to bath in mountain stream?? Don't Care. Stop complaining, you knew before you went what it would be like.

Now some of the appendices follow the histories of countries or people, or wars of religion, these are at least worthwhile to read.

[Maryann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book and since I have hiked in the Polish mountains, read those chapters first. It was interesting to compare my views with the author. The other chapters were a travel adventure.

[Debbie Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history of the Carpathians weaved in between the author's diary of a hike from the southern Carpathians in Romania to the northern Carpathians in the Ukraine.