The historical-fantasy trilogy “Between the Eagle and the Lion” describes the magical world of Istria and Kvarner, where folk beliefs intertwine with a historical backdrop.
At the center of the story is the character of the krsnik. Krsniks are people remembered in folk tradition as individuals with supernatural powers, capable of miraculously healing people and livestock, removing curses, and fighting against evil beings from the twilight world, such as kudlaci (vampires), štrige and štriguni (witches and warlocks), more, urečljivci, and other supernatural beings from our folklore.
“One of the most intriguing debut works of contemporary domestic literature — and not just within the boundaries of genre.”
Davor Šišović
The story takes place during the war between the Habsburg Monarchy and the Venetian Republic (1615–1618). In this context, Croatian history tends to focus most on the legendary Uskoks, but behind the glory and heroism lies a dark period marked by wartime destruction, scarcity, and disease. Since the Austrian symbol at the time was the double-headed eagle and the Venetian symbol the winged lion, this imagery inspired the title of the trilogy: Between the Eagle and the Lion.
The novel Krsnik won the award for Best Unpublished Croatian Historical Novel in 2019, which led to its publication, and it later received the Artefakt Award for Best Fantasy Novel.
Book One – KRSNIK
At the dawn of the 17th century, the Adriatic seethes with conflict. The Venetian Republic demands that the Austrian court rein in the Uskoks, but the Austrian crown refuses to comply. A bloody war erupts between the two powerful empires.
After successful merchant Marija Lazarina is abducted in a Venetian raid on Lovran, her husband, Krsto of Kastav, embarks on a perilous quest. Following her trail through burned villages and warring strongholds, Krsto journeys across a land set by fate on the uneasy border between the Austrian Eagle and the Venetian Lion.
But the Istria he enters is not merely a land of war—it is dark, enigmatic, and full of menace. As he ventures deeper into the heart of the peninsula, Krsto encounters supernatural forces and mystical beings from folk legend. For Krsto is a krsnik—and krsniks are called upon to help people in times of greatest need…
The first installment of the award-winning trilogy Between the Eagle and the Lion weaves a historical foundation with elements of folk tradition, drawing you into a world of Istria and Kvarner like you’ve never imagined.
“The novel is striking from multiple perspectives precisely because it effortlessly encompasses multiple dimensions — from geopolitical and historical to reflective, and even romantic.”
Književne kritičarije
Book Two –
KRASNA ZEMLJA
Two months have passed since Krsto was taken aboard the notorious galley of Provveditore Venier. Driven by hundreds of oars, the Concordia sails toward Pula, where Krsto hopes to finally learn the fate that awaits him. Despite the horrors that fill his days, the longing to see Marija one more time gives him the strength to survive until their reunion.
Meanwhile, as he struggles to endure the hell of captivity, stories unfold around him—tales of a weary, war-ravaged land stretching beyond the walls of Pula…
For when a land grows weary—evil comes…
The second installment of the historical-fantasy trilogy Between the Eagle and the Lion will draw you even deeper into the political intrigues, wartime episodes, and mysterious phenomena that rule the Northern Adriatic—on the threshold between reality and imagination…
