Epic story

Fantasy cycle Polaris

Polaris is an epic fantasy cycle, written by Ukrainian author Roman Surzhykov.

The cycle has been complete. It includes 6 novels.

The first novel – Arrow, Coin, Spark – is already translated to English. The translation of other novels is in progress.

Short description

Medieval world with features

Polaris is a world of fantastic Middle Ages. Strict and cruel feudal laws coexist with amazing sprouts of the future. Swords and crossbows stand alone with early power plants and railways. Emperor Adrian leads the state along a difficult path of reforms and progress. Powerful feudal lords weave sophisticated intrigues in the struggle for power. The Church has enormous influence, because in this world no one doubts the existence of gods. The gods send people gifts - incomprehensible Sacred Objects. Scripture says: the Objects provide a great power, capable of healing diseases, controlling the elements, destroying obstacles. The secret of this power was lost centuries ago…

Key themes

Fantasy themes

Hybrid era: It’s not strictly “high fantasy medieval” or “steampunk” but something in between: medieval setting + early industrial/technological elements.
Power & reform: The central conflict seems to revolve around change (led by the Emperor) vs entrenched powers (feudal lords, the church).
Mystical artifacts / lost knowledge: The Sacred Devices add a layer of mystery / magical technology to the saga.
Worldbuilding: The author creates a unique world with these blended elements, rather than a derivative generic fantasy setting.

What you might expect as a reader

If you enjoy fantasy worlds where the old (knight, sword) and the new (railways, early power) collide, this might be of interest.
Expect political intrigue, detective story, power struggles and civil war.Expect mysterious devices whose secrets drive part of the plot.
Brilliant live characters, capable of making mistakes, growing up and changing, are worth attention.

About author

Ukrainian author

Roman Surzhykov is Ukrainian citizen living and working in Kyiv. He holds education in aviation engineering and psychology, but discovered his true calling in literature. He writes in Russian.

Roman has been writing short sci-fi and detective stories since he was five. In 2015 he created his first novel – Arrow, Coin, Spark. The debut novel turned out to be a success. Arrow, Coin, Spark was appreciated by readers in all post-Soviet countries and awarded the prize ‘Book of the year’. In years 2016-2023 Roman hardly worked at Polaris cycle and wrote 5 more novels. With Shadow of Eternal Tree written and published in 2023 Polaris cycle was finished. Nowadays Roman works at creation of the new epic fantasy – The World of Wells.

Roman is noted on the post-Soviet literature platform FantLab.org as one of the “top 5 fantasy authors” .