Firebird

By: Mercedes Lackey

Narrated by: Curt Bonnem

In Mercedes Lackey's Firebird, Ilya, son of a Russian prince, is largely ignored by his father and tormented by his larger, older brothers. His only friends are three old people: a priest, a magician, and a woman who toils in the palace dairy. From them Ilya learns faith, a smattering of magic, and the power of love - all of which he will need desperately, for his life is about to be turned upside down.

The prince's magnificent cherry orchard is visited at midnight by the legendary Firebird, whose wings are made of flame. Ilya's brothers' attempts to capture the magical creature fail. When Ilya tries to catch the Firebird, he sees her as a beautiful woman and earns a magical gift: the speech of animals.

Banished, the young man journeys through a fantastical Russia full of magical mazes, enchanted creatures, and untold dangers. As happens in the best fairy tales, Ilya falls in love with an enchanted princess, but to win her freedom will be no easy task.

©1996 Mercedes Lackey (P)2020 Tantor

Enjoyable Book

Fun read. Felt little misogynistic, but if you can overlook that it is enjoyable.

this would make an amazing animated movie!

I love the story and the Storyteller. I can see it in my head as an animated movie.

Lovely tale of the clever fool.

Moved along smoothly. Well and thoroughly placed in the Russian setting. Fascinating magical palace, and nice twist to the traditional ending.

Classic Stlye Fairy Tale - well-paced, original story, strong narrator

I liked the classic style of this original fairy tale story. The narrator did a really good job. My only complaint, I suppose, is that it wrapped up very quickly (the last 5 minutes) without any real knowledge of what happens next in the couple’s life.

A grand fairytale

A Grand fairytale by a master story teller, performed talentedly. You won’t want to miss this magical, enthralling novel.

An Epic Fairy Tail that grabs you and sweeps you away

Mercedes Lackey is the best story teller ever. She takes an old tale and makes it into a journey of the soul and mind. Definitely would recommend Firebird to anyone of any age.

interesting Take on Firebird and Fool Memes

I have been a Mercedes Lackey fan for decades. I've enjoyed her retelling of fairy and folk tales. This one was darker than either original and added new twists and turns. The years of repetitive and escalating experiences of abuse at home for Ilyia culminate in near fratracide. The twist when the hero wins the fair captured princess was unexpected. There is no redemption for either family. This tale has heros, evil sorcerers, talking animals, even dragons and lots and lots of magic.

great story!

Really long chapters!!!, but fantastic story, great characters wonderful ending! I recommend this author, and enjoyed a story from a culture I'm not familiar with.

Could be better

This is an ok book.none of the breath holding drama one expects from lackey.narrator is ok no drama just plods along.no excitement in the narration. Not sure it is worth a credit.

Skip it

Characters are unlikable, situation is uninteresting. I wish I had not bought it. Lackey has been good in the past, but not here.