Vladimir Malik (real name Sychenko, 1921 - 1998) is a Ukrainian writer, known as the author of historical adventure novels (tetralogy “The Secret Ambassador”, “Prince Kiy”, “Scarlet Shields”, etc.). His works are ranked on a par with the novels of Alexandre Dumas and Henryk Sienkiewicz. In 1983, V. Malik was awarded the Prize named after him for achievements in the field of literature. Lesya Ukrainka. The tetralogy “The Secret Ambassador” tells about the struggle of the Ukrainian people against the Turkish-Tatar invaders in the second half of the 17th century, about the tragic events in Ukraine after the Chigirin campaigns and about the defense of Vienna (in the summer of 1683). Captivating are the incredible adventures of the main character of the novel, the Cossack daredevil Arsen Zvenigora and his brothers-in-arms, whose dedication in the fight for “their friends,” for honor, justice and humanity makes them real knights “without fear and reproach.”