THE MYSTERY OF THE LOST RING
About this audiobook
“The Mystery of the Lost Ring” – a novel about the wonders that surround us
Written in 2015, this novel is the second literary work by Barry Cussel. At that time, the author was 57 years old – a mature man, rich in life experience and wisdom. Although his views have changed over the years, he remains faithful to his belief in reincarnation and in the magic of destiny. In this novel, he doesn’t merely tell a story; he creates a world where reality and fantasy intertwine to convey a profound message.
A story inspired by real events
The Mystery of the Lost Ring is not just a fairy tale or fiction – it is inspired by a true story. This is a tale in which magic is not merely a literary device, but a metaphor for the power of love, fate, and choice.
At the center of the plot stands an extraordinary object – a golden ring, forged centuries ago in Byzantium. It was crafted by a skilled master, created not only with his hands but with his soul and the greatest love ever known. According to legend, this ring holds an indestructible energy, passing through the ages, guarded by the mysterious “Pale Ones” – beings who possess the secrets of time and space.
But this ring is not an ordinary ornament. Whoever touches it faces a fateful choice – either to be blessed with immeasurable happiness and eternal love, or to be drawn into the abyss of suffering and darkness. What is the secret of the ring? Does it carry a curse, or does everything depend on the person who owns it?
Miracles exist – we just have to believe.
Barry Cussel’s novel does more than entertain the reader – it invites reflection on deep philosophical questions. Do miracles happen only in books? Or are they all around us, though we do not always notice them?
After turning the last page of The Mystery of the Lost Ring, you will find yourself asking one question:
Are miracles perhaps closer than we ever imagined?
Because they truly happen – if only we believe.
About the author
Ivan Stoyanov is a Dutch writer of Bulgarian origin.
Since 1990, he has lived in Amsterdam, working under the pseudonym Barry Cussel.
He is the author of novels inspired by mysticism, fantasy, and magical realism.
Ivan Stoyanov – Barry – was born in 1958 in the village of Mihaylovo, Vratsa region, Bulgaria.
From an early age, he showed a passion for art and literature – painting, writing stories, and experimenting with sculpture.
In the late 1980s, he moved with his family to Sofia, where he took part in the social and political changes in Bulgaria.
In 1990, he moved to the Netherlands in search of new inspiration and opportunities.
There, a new chapter of his life began.
He not only adapted to his new environment but also developed into a multidisciplinary artist and innovator.
His artistic career started in the city of Leiden, where he devoted himself to painting and sculpture.
He organized several successful exhibitions marked by symbolism, expressiveness, and deep philosophical meaning.
In 2005, he founded the online magazine Emigrant-BG, which operated until 2017.
It became one of the leading media platforms for Bulgarians abroad, offering news, analysis, interviews, and cultural content.
He also collaborated with national and international media, writing about the Bulgarian diaspora, cultural identity, and global trends in art and literature.
Together with his wife, Doris Alexandrova, he participated in all World Meetings of Bulgarian Media organized by the BTA (Bulgarian News Agency), presenting his research and insights on cultural processes within the diaspora.
In 2000, he graduated in Internet Engineering in Arnhem and later specialized in computer graphics and film art.
Combining his passion for art with technology, he created interactive digital projects, visual installations, and film productions.
For fifteen years, he worked as a programmer and software engineer in various companies, mainly in the banking sector.
Despite his technical career, he continued to write and established his own publishing house, Baridor, which he still runs today.
Since 2014, he has been working at the EYE Filmmuseum in Amsterdam, contributing to cultural and educational film-related projects.
In 2015, he produced the documentary series “Biographical Portraits of Prominent Bulgarians in the Netherlands” (13 episodes), featuring inspiring life stories.
A year later, he directed the film “The Netherlands – My Second Homeland”, screened in Amsterdam, exploring the lives of immigrants and the cultural exchange between Bulgaria and the Netherlands.
His literary career began in 1996 with the novel “The Blood of the Black Tulip”, translated into English in 2005 and distributed through Amazon.
Critics described it as “a powerful novel comparable to the works of Stephen King,” recognizing it as a new stage in Bulgarian fantasy literature.
In 2015, the first part of his trilogy “The Mystery of the Lost Ring” was published – a magical story blending history, mythology, and the supernatural.
Four years later came the second part, “Hell 1666 Amsterdam”, where the characters from the first novel enter a new world ruled by Kasul.
In 2020, both novels were released as audiobooks narrated by his wife, with a total length of over twenty hours.
They were made freely available to the Bulgarian public via the BDJ website.
That same year, he began writing the third part of the trilogy, “Paradise 2020 Amsterdam.”
Through his versatile work and broad creative scope, Ivan Stoyanov (Barry Cussel) has made a lasting contribution to literature, art, film, and digital culture.
He does not merely tell stories – he creates worlds that inspire, provoke, and leave a lasting impression.
All novels by Barry Cussel have been narrated and are available to listen to on all major digital platforms. They are also available as apps for phone and tablet via Google Play.
Through the QR code below, you can find links to the complete works of this author.
