The Stranger
"You never know when you'll luck out."
Max Frei's novels have been a literary sensation in Russia since their debut in 1996, and have swept the fantasy world over. Presented here in English for the first time, The Stranger will strike a chord with readers of all stripes. Part fantasy, part horror, part philosophy, part dark comedy, the writing is united by a sharp wit and a web of clues that will open up the imagination of every reader.
Max Frei was a twenty-something loser – a big sleeper (that is,
during the day; at night he can't sleep a wink), a hardened smoker, and
an uncomplicated glutton and loafer. But then he got lucky. He contacts
a parallel world in his dreams, where magic is a daily practice. Once a
social outcast, he’s now known in his new world as the "unequalled Sir
Max." He's a member of the Department of Absolute Order, formed by a
species of enchanted secret agents; his job is to solve cases more
extravagant and unreal than one could imagine – journey that will take
Max down the winding paths of this strange and unhinged universe.
Praise for The Stranger from Russia:
"'Splash a bit of enchantment into my glass'... there is no better phrase to describe the state that a reader may find themselves in when exposed to a strong, absolutely legal, literary narcotic by the name of Max Frei." – Stolichniye Novosti
"To the reader: plan wisely. This book will permanently transform you." – Knizhniye Retzenziyi
