An illustrated historical book series bridging imaginative storytelling, medieval folklore, and authentic regional heritage.
Set against the dramatic landscapes of 15th-century Wallachia, Ion & Der Drachenprinz follows the unexpected friendship between Ion, a spirited young stable boy, and Prince Vlad. Through vivid narratives and rich visual illustrations, the series introduces young readers and families to medieval life, historic fortresses, and enduring cultural legends embedded into the real history of Eastern Europe.
The world of Ion & der Drachenprinz is continuously expanding to offer young readers and families an immersive historical experience.
- The Main Series: Currently features 7 full-length volumes following the adventures of Ion and Prince Vlad through Wallachia and Transylvania in the year 1440.
- Special Editions & Music: Includes the first Episode of the special story Friends Forever (Freunde für immer), taking place in the year 1460 accompanied by an original musical album that brings the medieval world to life through music and song.
- Interactive Companion Books: 3 companion coloring books allow young creators to bring the vibrant castles, knights, and landscapes to life with their own colors.
And the journey is far from over – new stories are currently in development!
Episode 1: The Vanished Horse
Wallachia, 1440 · Language: German
In the stables of the princely court, surrounded by princes, knights, and noble horses, eight-year-old stable boy Ion dreams of one day becoming the hero of his very own adventure. When a magnificent new horse arrives at court, Ion wants to prove his worth. But an unmindful moment changes everything: the horse breaks free, and Ion must bring it back before anyone notices.
Searching for the runaway animal, he stumbles right into an adventure filled with trials of courage, secret doors, and unexpected encounters. But as young Prince Vlad grows suspicious, a single race decides the truth- and marks the beginning of an extraordinary friendship between two boys whose paths in the 15th-century medieval world were never meant to cross.
Episode 2: The Knight Tournament
Wallachia, 1440 · Language: German
When Prince Vlad Dracul celebrates his birthday with a grand knight tournament, Ion is thrilled! What could be more exciting than a contest featuring some of the best warriors in Europe?
However, his best friend – the Prince’s son -cannot quite share the enthusiasm for the grand spectacle. Trying to cheer him up, Ion takes the young Prince on a secret excursion, but things quickly take a dangerous turn.
Suddenly, the two boys are caught in a web of intrigue and an age-old family feud that threatens the entire realm! Will they manage to prevent disaster and save the tournament?
Episode 3: Princess Alert
Wallachia, 1440 · Language: German
A Polish delegation is on its way to Târgoviște! But that’s not all… Among the guests arriving for crucial negotiations with Prince Vlad Dracul are not only advisors, servants, and representatives of the Polish King, but also a group of princesses – four of them at once!
Ion and the Prince’s son are anything but thrilled about the commotion. Not only is peace and quiet nowhere to be found, but the presence of the girls completely ruins their plans. How are they supposed to meet secretly in the stables to spend time with their horses when the court feels like a bustling beehive?
When they discover the true reason behind the visit, the ground beneath their feet begins to give way… Can they still avert the impending disaster?
Episode 4: Journey to Transylvania
Wallachia, 1440 · Language: German
In the stables of the princely court – surrounded by princes, knights, and noble horses – eight-year-old boy Ion dreams of one day becoming the hero of his very own adventure.
That dream comes within reach sooner than he ever expected. When his father, the stable master, receives orders from Prince Vlad Dracul to travel to a big horse market in Transylvania, Ion is beside himself with joy. He will see the Carpathian Mountains! He will explore a foreign land!
But what would a journey be without his best friend? For Ion, one thing is certain: Prince Vlad has to come along!
But can a young prince simply embark on such a journey? And will the two boys manage to convince the Prince’s father?
Episode 5: On the Trail of Thieves
Wallachia, 1440 · Language: German
Strange things are happening in Târgoviște! Night after night, horses disappear from stables and pastures, leaving the townspeople in deep concern. For Ion and Vlad, one thing is clear: this cannot continue.
Beyond the city walls, a group of travelers has set up camp, and peace in the capital begins to waver as rumors spread and mistrust fills the air. Determined to protect the horses, the two friends set out to solve the mystery behind the vanishings.
But when Ion and his father are suddenly summoned before the Prince, everything takes an unexpected turn – and nothing will ever be the same again.
Episode 6: Race Against Time
Wallachia, 1440 · Language: German
Everything could be so wonderful… Ion and Prince Vlad are finally allowed to show their friendship out in the open, and Ion even joins his best friend during his royal lessons. All that remains is the Prince’s father giving his permission for them to go riding together officially.
But just as they prepare to ask, Vlad makes a critical mistake in a careless moment. Suddenly, both boys are caught in the middle of a perilous intrigue – and a race against time begins.
When all hope seems to fade, a desperate Ion meets Fedor, a young Gypsy. Could he be the one to avert impending disaster?
Episode 7: Danger Ahead!
Wallachia, 1440 · Language: German
For a moment, the danger seems to have passed. Prince Vlad is steadily recovering from his poisoning, and it looks as though the two friends can finally enjoy the late summer to the fullest. The boys want only one thing: to go horseback riding and race along the river once again.
But not every wish comes true. Instead of a carefree summer, a dramatic flight to the furthest corner of the realm awaits Vlad and Ion. The intrigue that nearly cost the young Prince his life continues to spread. Prince Vlad Dracul realizes that the risk grows with every passing day. To keep his son safe, he entrusts the children to the care of an old, trusted friend…
Ion & Der Drachenprinz
Friends Forever
Wallachia, 1460 · Language: German · Includes Original Soundtrack
Wallachia, 1460. Twenty years have passed since the stable boy Ion and Vlad, Prince of Wallachia, first met. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, a deep bond formed between the two boys – one that guided them through countless adventures, secrets, and trials.
Together with their horses, they once explored the streets and fortress walls of Târgoviște, dreaming of distant lands and a world full of possibilities. But as they grew older, the realm transformed around them. Political turmoil, growing dangers, and the weight of expectations resting upon a young prince began to cast their shadows early on.
Now, decades later, Ion and Vlad look back on their childhood: remembering carefree days, a friendship that defied social boundaries, and the pivotal events that altered their lives forever.
As the first part of a planned three-part biographical bonus series, Friends Forever revisits the years 1431 to 1442 from the retrospective view of the legendary Wallachian Voivode Vlad III (Țepeș) and his closest friend, Ion. A moving story of courage, loyalty, and growing up in the shadow of history.
Special Extra: Each chapter features its own custom song! QR codes included throughout the book allow readers to listen to the soundtrack on YouTube, creating a truly unique reading and listening experience.
Creative Colouring Books
Interactive Companion Books · 31 Detailed Illustrations per Book
Choose your favorite topic, start the adventure, and bring medieval Wallachia to life with your coloured pencils!
Click on a cover to view the book on Amazon.
Horse Friends
Adventure Calls
At the Princely Court
Bring the medieval world of Ion and Prince Vlad to life with your own colors! Designed as interactive companions to the storybooks, these colouring books invite young artists to dive into historical Wallachia through creativity.
Each book features 31 hand-designed original scenes from the adventures of Ion, Vlad, their favorite horses, and the princely court.
Why young readers love them:
- Creative Exploration: Perfect for children who love horses, knights, and historical adventures.
- Designed for Ages 6+: Tailored for primary school children with detailed backgrounds and varied levels of difficulty.
- Immersive Storytelling: Connects directly to the characters and events from the main book series.
For Parents:
- Two-Page Layout: Every illustration is presented as a full-color watercolor reference on the left page and a clean line-art colouring template on the right.
- No Bleed-Through: This layout shows children the original colors while preventing markers or pens from bleeding onto the next template.
- Recommended Media: Best suited for colored pencils.
