Title: Firebird
Author: Mercedes Lackey
First published December 27, 1996
346 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780812550740 (ISBN10: 0812550749)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
In a land of magic and wonder, a young nobleman catches a glimpse of the elusive Firebird as it plucks cherries from his father’s orchard. With an unrelenting desire to find the creature and claim its power, he embarks on a journey through a mystical version of Old Russia.
Along the way, he encounters dangerous foes and unexpected allies, all while falling deeply in love with a mysterious woman. Will he succeed in his quest for the Firebird, or will the challenges prove too great?
Find out in this enchanting tale of love and adventure.
About the Author
Mercedes was born on June 24, 1950, in Chicago and had a typical upbringing. After graduating from Purdue University in 1972, she worked as an artist’s model in the late 70s and eventually transitioned into computer programming.
She landed a job with American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she currently resides. In addition to writing fantasy novels, Mercedes has written lyrics for almost fifty songs for Firebird Arts & Music, a small recording company that specializes in science fiction folk music.
“I consider myself a storyteller; that’s what I believe my purpose is. My stories originate from my characters and how they would react to the given situation.
Perhaps that’s why I receive letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty. I write song lyrics because I view songs as ‘story pills’ – they condense a story to its bare essentials or capture a particular crucial moment in time.
I often write lyrics when I’m attempting to get to the heart of a pivotal scene. I find that once I’ve done so, the scene becomes crystal clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I want to say.
Another reason I write song lyrics is due to the type of novels I’m writing, which are fantasy novels set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is essential to medieval people; bards are the primary news bringers.
By writing the ‘folk music’ of these individuals, I’m enriching my entire world, whether or not I use the song in the text.
“I began writing out of boredom, and now I write out of addiction. I can’t stop writing, which leaves me with no social life! I started writing fantasy because I adore it, but I try to create my fantasy worlds with the same level of care as a high-tech science fiction writer.
I apply the TANSTAAFL principle [‘There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch,’ credited to Robert Heinlein] to magic. In my worlds, magic comes at a cost, and the expense to the magician is often high.
I try to keep my world as realistic and solid as possible. People deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in their porridge, and complicated love lives, as well as invading armies and evil magicians.
And I attempt to make all of my characters, even the ‘evil magicians,’ more than one-dimensional stereotypes. Even evil magicians sometimes wake up in the middle of the night looking for cookies.
“I imagine that in everything I write, I strive to espouse the creed I gave my character, Diana Tregarde, in:
“‘There’s no such thing as ‘one, true way;’ the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the opportunity to do some good – they’re the things worth living and dying for.
If you’re not prepared to die for the things worth living for, then you might as well turn in your human race membership card.'”
Mercedes also writes under the pseudonym “Misty Lackey.”
Editoral Review
In her 1996 novel Firebird, Mercedes Lackey blends elements of fantasy and romance to create a captivating tale that will keep readers engaged from the first page to the last. Lackey, one of the most prolific authors in the fantasy genre, has won numerous awards for her work, including the Skylark award and the World Fantasy Award.
The story is set in Russia during the time of Ivan the Terrible, a period known for its political intrigue, religious conflict, and cultural richness. The protagonist is a young girl named Ilya, who possesses the rare gift of magical foresight.
With the help of a mythical creature called the Firebird, Ilya sets out to rescue her family from the clutches of a treacherous prince, and in doing so, discovers the true nature of her own powers. Lackey’s writing style is clear and descriptive, using imagery and metaphor to create a vivid sense of time and place.
The plot is carefully constructed, with each twist and turn building suspense and raising the stakes for the characters. The pacing is brisk, yet well-paced, allowing for moments of introspection and emotional depth.
One of the strengths of Firebird is its rich portrayal of Russian folklore and history. Lackey incorporates elements from traditional folktales, such as Baba Yaga and the Firebird, while also incorporating historical figures and events, such as Ivan the Terrible and the Time of Troubles.
This adds depth and richness to the story, while also grounding it in a specific cultural context. Another strength of the book is the development of the characters.
Ilya is a compelling protagonist, with a strong sense of justice and a fierce determination to protect her family. Her relationship with the Firebird is complex and well-drawn, with both trust and mistrust playing a role in their interactions.
The other characters, such as the prince and Ilya’s siblings, are also well-developed, with distinct personalities and motivations. One weakness of the book, however, is its somewhat predictable plot.
While the story is engaging and well-written, readers familiar with the fantasy and romance genres may find themselves anticipating certain plot twists and resolutions. Additionally, some readers may find the use of magic and myth to be overly familiar or cliché.
Despite this, Firebird is a highly recommended read for fans of fantasy and romance. Its blend of Russian folklore, history, and magic creates a unique and captivating world, while its well-drawn characters and brisk pacing keep readers engaged throughout.
Overall, Firebird is a must-read for anyone looking for a well-crafted and emotionally resonant fantasy novel.
