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

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.

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.

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.