In the decades following World War II, as the Iron Curtain sealed Eastern Europe into silence, two men fled Communist Bulgaria with nothing but courage, faith, and a will to survive. George is the protagonist of Kiril Kristoff’s award-winning historical fiction series. His path never crossed, yet the destinies of so many freedom fighters symbolized a shared immigrant legacy: the struggle to preserve identity, spiritual freedom, and the right to dream beyond borders.
Today, their parallel histories have become the backbone of a literary movement led by Kiril Kristoff, an American-Bulgarian author who lived for 35 years with his wife, Vessy, and their children, Nicole, Julia, and Kristian, in Suburban New Jersey.
Kristoff’s novels Crossing Borders of Time and Crossing Borders & Generations are rapidly gaining global attention for their blend of faith, history, and intergenerational resilience.
Kristoff’s work, rooted in real events, ancestral memory, and spiritual symbolism, has earned widespread acclaim, including the Golden Literary Titan Gold Book Award, Indies Today recognition, and the International Impact Book Award 2025, where he was named Author of the Year (Historical Fiction) at the Loews Hollywood Hotel. His sequel later secured the International Christian Book Award in Indiana, solidifying him as one of the most compelling immigrant voices in modern historical fiction.
A Story That Bridges Continents and Generations
At the heart of Kristoff’s rising impact is Crossing Borders of Time, a novel that follows Grandfather Georgi, a Bulgarian immigrant who escapes communist rule to rebuild his life in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach, and his grandson Alex, who, after a near-death experience, is thrust back into 1948 Communist Bulgaria. There, he faces political terror, ancestral visions of Saint George, and supernatural forces tied to his lineage.
One of the novel’s most striking elements is its ability to convey emotion through the power of memory. The re-experiencing of George’s past does more than recount events; it immerses the reader in his emotional reality. Kristoff’s skill in translating raw emotion into words, allowing the reader to step into the mind of a man who has lived through exile, hardship, and ultimate resilience, is unmatched.
The sequel expands the universe, taking readers deeper into the struggles of the underground freedom movement and the spiritual warfare faced by families caught between totalitarian oppression and the legacy of faith.
Critics have called Kristoff’s work “a moving bridge between history, faith, and ancestral identity” (The Philadelphia Journal). Reviewers emphasize the emotional depth and cultural insight, praising how Kristoff blends authentic immigrant struggles with mystical, almost cinematic storytelling: “Rich with culture and personal insight… a rewarding read that stays with you.” – Mt. Michaels ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A vivid portrayal of Eastern European heritage and immigrant reflections.” -Vesselia K. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Journey Rooted in Heritage and Reinvented in America
Born in Bulgaria and now a New Jersey resident for 35 years, Kristoff’s path to becoming an internationally recognized author was anything but linear. Before publishing his novels, he built a career as a licensed physical therapist and acupuncturist, earning a postgraduate degree in Oriental Medicine from the Tri-State College of Acupuncture in New York City.
But it was his family’s history, the stories of those who fled persecution, and his own immigrant journey that compelled him to write. “By telling their stories, I hope readers reflect on their own roots and the strength that heritage provides,” Kristoff says.
Hollywood Takes Notice
Kristoff’s novels are now being pitched for a faith-inspired historical film adaptation titled “Gold Through the Fire.” The proposal has been submitted to Angel Studios, the powerhouse behind The Chosen and Sound of Freedom. Kristoff’s Torch video is being prepared for review by the studio’s one million Angel Guild members. He pitched scripts also on Netflix and Great American PureFlix.
The film concept positions Crossing Borders of Time as a sweeping generational epic, part historical drama, part supernatural saga featuring heavenly realms, ancestral battles, and a demon named Vasiliy attempting to erase the family’s lineage. The story’s cinematic depth has already generated industry interest.
Parallel to this, Kristoff is developing a documentary film based on the actual events depicted in his novels, focusing on underground Christian movements in Communist Bulgaria, the escape from totalitarianism, and the intergenerational impact of trauma and faith. He is currently seeking collaboration with Emmy-winning Hollywood producers he met at the 2025 International Impact Awards Gala.
A Vision for the Future
Kristoff’s long-term vision is clear: to elevate immigrant stories, faith-driven resilience, and historical truth to mainstream global audiences through books and film. As a devoted member of Angel Studios, he draws inspiration from its lineup of faith-based and historical productions, including The Last Rodeo, Bonhoeffer, and Between Borders.
For Kristoff, the lesson is simple but enduring: Freedom is not inherited. Each generation rediscovers it.
With the momentum of multiple awards, critical acclaim, and Hollywood interest, Kristoff’s work stands at the intersection of heritage and modern storytelling, proof that the seeds of resilience planted in Communist Bulgaria can one day bloom on the world’s biggest stage.
