Does Ivan Vasilyevich, also known as Ivan the Terrible, deserve his menacing moniker? The grand prince of Moscow built an empire in the 16th century to become the first tsar of Russia in 1547. Though his achievements were considerable during his time in power, his suspicions about the loyalty of his subjects led to thousands of executions, casting a bloody pall over his entire reign. This story of an intriguing–though chilling–ruler will captivate readers as well as give them an understanding of the conflicts in Europe and Asia at this time.