A Father’s Love. A Child’s Courage. Discover the Ivanovs in Canyon of Deceit

By DiAnn Mills @diannmills

Before CANYON OF DECEIT hits shelves on September 9, meet two of the characters who give this story its emotional core—Rurik Ivanov, a Russian professor living in Houston, and his young daughter, Alina, whose disappearance sets off a race against time. Here’s an inside look at who they are—and what they’re fighting to hold onto. By the way, wondering what Rurik and Alina might look like? I asked AI to help bring them to life using the original character profile sketches I created before writing the novel. Below is what it came up with.

Name: Rurik Ivanov—First name meaning: Famous ruler in Old Norse, Son of Ivan in Russian

Physical Characteristics:

• Age: 37
• Birth Date: 1989
• Height: Average (not tall)
• Weight: Slender build
• Eye Color: Gray
• Hair Color: Medium brown
• Complexion: Fair
• Face Shape: Thin, angular
• Distinguishing Features: Slender frame and intense, searching eyes
• Handedness: right handed

Psychological Profile:

• Personality Type: ISTJ – analytical, loyal, reserved but deeply caring
• Strengths:
  • Hardworking and disciplined
  • Honest and generous
  • Deeply devoted to his family
  • Sharp analytical mind
• Weaknesses:
  • Struggles with asking for help
  • May be overly trusting or idealistic
  • Keeps emotions bottled up
• Fears:
  • Losing his wife Daria, or daughter Alina
  • Not being able to protect his family
  • Being unable to return to Russia if needed
• Motivation:
  • Keeping his family safe
  • Protecting his daughter’s innocence and building a safe future after tragedy
  • Excelling in his field of study

💬 Fun Fact: Rurik speaks at least three languages fluently—his lectures at the university sometimes slip between English, Russian, and a third depending on his audience.

Backstory:

• Born and raised in Russia.
• Pursued higher education and became a university professor in Houston, TX.
• Met and married Daria, whom he deeply loves.
• Their daughter, Alina, is his greatest joy, and he is highly protective of her.
• Values integrity and intellectual pursuits but is willing to bend his own principles for his family’s safety.

Relationships:

• Alina Ivanov: His young daughter, the center of his world.
• Daria Ivanov: His wife, whom he loves deeply.
• Jurg Falin: Former brother-in-law.
• Edik Baranov: Close friend and first cousin. 

Abilities and Skills:

• Highly educated, likely in a subject like history, linguistics, or political science.
• Fluent in multiple languages (Russian, English, possibly others).
• Exceptional critical thinker, accustomed to deep analysis and structured reasoning.
• Adaptable, balancing Russian cultural heritage with life in America.
• Skilled in using a firearm

🎧 Listen to the voice of a man who has everything to lose—and no choice but to fight.

Memorable Quotes:

• “I’m afraid she witnessed my Daria’s murder and might not ever recover from the sight.”
• “My wife was murdered today…  and kidnappers have taken my daughter.”
• “Please, I’m begging you to help me save what’s left of my family.”

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Now for Alina!

Name: Alaina Ivanov—First name meaning: Bright, shining light

Physical Characteristics:

• Age: 8 years old
• Height: 4 feet
• Weight: petite
• Eye Color: Bright blue, expressive
• Hair Color: Long, blonde, slightly wavy
• Complexion: Fair
• Face Shape: Soft and delicate
• Distinguishing Features:
  • Innocent, wide-eyed expression
  • A small dimple when she smiles
  • Always wears a ballet necklace given to her by her father
• Handedness: right handed

Psychological Profile:

• Personality Type: INFJ
• Strengths:
  • Intelligent beyond her years, picks up on adult emotions easily
  • Loving, trusting, and deeply attached to her father
  • Brave despite her fears
• Weaknesses:
  • Vulnerable and physically small
  • Sometimes too trusting
  • Struggles with separation anxiety
• Fears:
  • Never seeing her father again
  • Losing her mother’s memory
  • The dark and unfamiliar places
• Motivation:
  • Finding her way back to her father
  • Holding onto hope and courage despite fear
  • Proving to herself she’s strong like her father

🎨 Did You Know? Alina loves to draw animals and dreams of one day illustrating her own storybook.

Backstory:

• Born in Russia
• Speaks both English and Russian, though she is more fluent in English.
• Extremely close to her father, Rurik, whom she admires.
• Her mother is deceased.

Relationships:

• Rurik Ivanov (Father): Her protector and role model.
• Therese Palmer & Blane Gardner: The people risking everything to rescue her.
• Daria Ivanov: Her beloved stepmother, was the only mother she truly knew.
• Jurg Falin: Her deceased mother’s brother.

Abilities and Skills:

• Quick learner, absorbs knowledge like a sponge.
• Fluent in Russian and English
• Good with puzzles and problem-solving, loves figuring things out.
• Observant, picks up on people’s emotions and intentions.
• Likes to draw.

🎧 Hear her voice. Feel her fear. Witness her strength.

Memorable Quotes:

• “God isn’t real at my old house. Daria said God is pretend.”
• “What did Mr. Falin want Daddy to do? It must be something horrible.”

Rurik and Alina’s story is one of heartbreak, hope, and courage. Their journey through CANYON OF DECEIT will leave you breathless—and believing in the strength of family.

💥 Preorder your copy today and join the adventure on September 9!