You often ask in the comments about stories and novels that share the atmosphere of, or are even set in the world of, Anno Domini 1666. Today, we are launching a series dedicated to literature related to AD1666.

First, we need to clarify one thing. We do not plan to publish any fiction books set in the world of Anno Domini 1666. All available stories can be found on our website in dedicated files (e.g. Swords of Light and Darkness), specific sections (e.g. factions), or on our blog.

However, if playing the game has sparked your appetite for a longer read, there are several books worth recommending where you can find characters that have been brought into Anno Domini 1666. Today, we present a book that is probably known to everyone in Poland—the first part of Henryk Sienkiewicz’s Trilogy, titled With Fire and Sword. Warning! The following text contains spoilers.

The first volume of the Trilogy tells the story of the Khmelnytsky Uprising—a major 17th-century Cossack rebellion against Polish rule in Ukraine, which led to a prolonged and bloody conflict. The most dramatic moment of the novel is the defense of Zbarazh. The fortress is besieged by Cossack forces, supported by the Tatars under Tugay Bey. Defending it, alongside the rest of Prince Jeremi Wiśniowiecki’s army, are the well-known Anno Domini 1666 characters: Wołodyjowski, Zagłoba, Longinus, and Skrzetuski.

The four protagonists meet shortly before the outbreak of the uprising. Wołodyjowski and Skrzetuski are officers in the army of Prince Jeremi Wiśniowiecki, Longinus seeks to enlist in the service, and Zagłoba joins as a volunteer due to a series of unexpected circumstances.

In With Fire and Sword, you will also encounter other characters that appear in our game—but more on that another time.