Firebird
Markovy, a land that resembles medieval Russia except for the presence of werewolves, troll-bears, ghouls, and various magical beings, is under a curse. The legendary Firebird’s Egg, Markovy’s most precious treasure, has been stolen by the king, who has since died, leaving a child as heir. Civil war rages through the land as various factions fight for control. Aria, a young girl of unknown parentage, raised by the ancient Bone Witch in the Iron Wood, comes across a French knight who carries the egg out of a burning castle. After Tartars attack and the Bone Witch is killed, Aria and her knight take on the task of returning the egg to its nest and freeing the land from the curse.
Firebird is a beautifully written historical fantasy, full of adventure, excitement, and narrow escapes from mortal danger. Garcia y Robertson has a vivid imagination, and brings his magical country to life with a wonderful variety of characters and inventions, continuing to surprise the reader. Eros and Persephone from Greek mythology make appearances, and people fly in hot-air balloons in this otherwise medieval country. It is definitely a place where I, as a reader, would like to spend more time.
