I started working on this story in 2019 for my young niece, Daryna, who holds a special place in my heart and lives in Ukraine with her parents. At the time, I didn't know how this fantasy tale would unfold, but the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 left me with no choice. I felt compelled to finish this story as quickly as possible, realizing the fragility of human life and the importance of taking immediate action rather than delaying it for the future.

This is also my tribute to the events of 2013-2014 in Ukraine, to those who lost their lives on the Maidan during the Revolution of Dignity, and to all those who persistently defend my homeland despite the brutalities of war.

Having lived in the United States for two decades, I adopted a pen name that honors the two countries that have become my home. Galicia represents the old name for Halychyna, the region in West Ukraine where I originate from, while the Midwest encompasses several states, including Illinois, where I currently reside.

"The Case of Unauthorized Release of the Lost Souls" is a Ukraine-centric fantasy that delves into the search for one's identity. The kindness of the Ukrainian nation sets us apart from our aggressive neighboring country to the east. This characteristic has been targeted for destruction by imposing a relentless struggle against oppression, attempting to erase our memory for centuries, making us forget our history, and fostering self-hatred and a disconnect from our roots. However, kindness cannot be easily eradicated. Sometimes, it manifests unexpectedly, but it will always prevail over evil.

This is the first book of the fantasy trilogy. It was originally written in Ukrainian but translated into English.