The book includes two novels dedicated to the most difficult period of Russian history - the Time of Troubles and the first years of the Romanov dynasty. Alexey Razin's (1823-1875) novel "Sambor" reveals the secret of the adventurer Grigory Otrepyev's ascent up the steep ladder of power, and Andrei Zarin's (1862-1929) novel "Dual Power" sheds light on the colorful figure of the young, but far-sighted and powerful Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich, who laid a strong foundation for the future and global significance of Russia.