Courage is timeless – and one of the greatest human virtues in all eras. The new book releases in October 2025 from AKRES Publishing tell of how people in various centuries took their destiny into their own hands – in the Middle Ages, during the industrial age, or in 20th-century contemporary history. These four titles demonstrate how diverse and moving courage can be – in novel form, as a family sagas, or as fictional nonfiction. All books are n German, but we are looking forward at getting one or two of them translated into English.
Knights, travelers, lovers and musicians – stories that inspire
Knights of the Dark Sun by Conny Burian is a gripping historical novel set in the world of the High Middle Ages. Amidst the power struggles surrounding Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, an extraordinary heroine fights for freedom and truth. Together with an excommunicated nun and a mysterious knight, she confronts a conspiracy surrounding the legendary Grail. A medieval adventure full of suspense, faith, and courage – perfect for lovers of historical novels with depth.
Europe in their Heart by Gino Pacifico is a poetic tale of migration, identity, and hope. Amidst war and flight, two women experience the dream of a new life—and find a second home in Europe. Pacifico's haunting style makes this short novel a moving homage to humanity in times of global crisis.
Happy to some extent by Gabriele Bagge , the third volume of her popular family saga , takes us to the era of early industrialization . Between crafts, social change, and family trials, a young couple searches for love and stability. Based on true events, Bagge tells a piece of North German history that is both touching and historically sound—a must-read for all fans of authentic family and period novels.
The Buttlars: Surviving through Music in the Time of Racial Madness by Carla van Beers and Dirk Alberti combines fact and fiction into a striking nonfiction novel about the musician couple Anita and Egon von Buttlar. Amid the November pogroms, war, and persecution, music becomes a tool for survival. A work about art, identity, and civil courage in a dark era of contemporary history .
Four eras – one theme: Courage
These four new books impressively demonstrate that courage has many faces. Whether a medieval knight, a wandering journeyman, a refugee, or a pianist—each figure represents the timeless strength of humanity.
Blog article published in English in October 2025. Machine translated from German.
