This collection features new stories and a short novel from 2022-2023 by Dmitry Gromov and Oleg Ladyzhensky, who write collaboratively under the pseudonym Henry Lion Oldie.

These works are set during the full-scale war initiated by Russia against Ukraine. In these stories, the reality of wartime life intertwines with mysticism and fantasy, human tragedies blend with hope, and harsh and extreme trials are met with humanity and compassion.

The protagonists in Oldie's stories are mostly ordinary people, much like us. They are old and young, civilians and military, living and dead — Ukrainians who have found themselves living in these harsh times. Yet, each possesses an inner strength and, in one way or another, finds the courage to stand against the aggression, evil, and despair that have befallen Ukraine.

Dmitry Gromov and Oleg Ladyzhensky (Henry Lion Oldie) have been recognized as Europe's best science fiction writers. They are laureates of the National Fantasy Award of Ukraine, holders of the honorary "Golden Writer of Ukraine" title, and recipients of numerous international literary awards.