Rastignit Intre Cruci (Crucified Between Crosses) is a historical novel by Romanian writer and historian Vasile Lupasc-Sfintes, published in three volumes between 2019 and 2020. The novel depicts the life and deeds of Vlad Tepes-Dracula, the 15th century Wallachian prince who defended his country against the Ottoman Empire and inspired the legend of Dracula. The novel also follows the adventures of four knights who serve as Vlad's personal guard: Ler, Stroe, Mihnea, and Marcu.
The novel is based on extensive historical research and incorporates authentic sources, such as manuscripts, chronicles, and letters. The author also visited the places where Vlad lived and fought, such as Targoviste, Poenari, Sighisoara, and Brasov. The novel aims to present a realistic and accurate portrait of Vlad Tepes-Dracula, as well as the historical and cultural context of his time. The novel also explores the themes of loyalty, courage, justice, faith, love, and sacrifice.
The novel has been praised by critics and readers alike for its captivating style, rich language, vivid characters, and thrilling plot. The novel has also been acquired by a Hollywood production company for a film adaptation. The author has expressed his hope that the novel will contribute to the promotion of Romanian culture and history in the world.
The first volume of the novel covers the period from 1448 to 1462, when Vlad Tepes-Dracula ascended to the throne of Wallachia for the first time, fought against his rivals and enemies, and established his reputation as a fierce and ruthless ruler. The volume also introduces the four knights who become his loyal friends and companions: Ler, a blond German warrior; Stroe, a dark-haired Moldavian archer; Mihnea, a clever Greek scholar; and Marcu, a brave Wallachian swordsman.
The volume contains many exciting scenes and events, such as Vlad's escape from Ottoman captivity, his alliance with King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary, his battles against the Turks and the Saxons, his impalement of thousands of enemies at Targoviste, his night attack on the Ottoman camp at Tirgoviste, and his retreat to Poenari Castle. The volume also shows Vlad's personal life, such as his love for his wife Ilona Szilagyi, his friendship with his brother Radu cel Frumos (the Handsome), and his conflict with his father Vlad Dracul (the Dragon).
The second volume of the novel covers the period from 1462 to 1476, when Vlad Tepes-Dracula was dethroned by his enemies, imprisoned by King Matthias Corvinus, exiled in Moldavia and Transylvania, and finally restored to power with the help of Stephen the Great of Moldavia. The volume also follows the fate of the four knights who remain faithful to Vlad until the end: Ler, who becomes a monk; Stroe, who marries a Turkish princess; Mihnea, who becomes a diplomat; and Marcu, who dies in battle.
The volume contains many tragic scenes and events, such as Vlad's betrayal by his brother Radu cel Frumos (the Handsome), who sided with the Turks; Vlad's torture by King Matthias Corvinus in Visegrad Castle; Vlad's exile in Moldavia and Transylvania; Vlad's reunion with his son Mihnea cel Rau (the Evil); Vlad's final campaign against the Turks in Wallachia; and Vlad's death at Snagov Monastery. The volume also shows Vlad's spiritual life, such as his devotion to God, his repentance for his sins, and his hope for salvation.
The third volume of the novel covers the period from 1476 to 1897, when Vlad Tepes-Dracula's legacy was preserved by his descendants and followers, distorted by his enemies and detractors, and immortalized by literature and art. The volume also reveals the secrets of the four knights who survived Vlad's death: Ler, who became the guardian of Vlad's tomb; Stroe, who became the leader of a secret society; Mihnea, who became the author of a manuscript about Vlad; and Marcu, who became the ancestor of a famous vampire hunter.
The volume contains many surprising scenes and events, such as Vlad's burial at Snagov Monastery; Vlad's resurrection by a mysterious ritual; Vlad's encounters with various historical figures, such as Elizabeth Bathory, Bram Stoker, and Abraham Van Helsing; Vlad's influence on various cultural phenomena, such as the Dracula novel, the vampire myth, and the Gothic movement; and Vlad's final confrontation with his archenemy, the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. The volume also shows Vlad's eternal life, such as his quest for redemption, his search for love, and his fight for freedom.
Source: [Booknation], [Rasfoieste-cartea]
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