Book Synopsis
A bullet-riddled train staggers into a Chinese station in 1920, and Lucy discovers that her father, a Russian officer, has been kidnapped. A mysterious feather guides her into a dangerous realm of magic and monsters to rescue him. But she knows she can’t take on the quest alone. With her friend Su, a girl as quick with words as with her fists, the two uncover the terrifying truth: a notorious warlord has seized Lucy’s father. Worse, he is about to invade their city. The friends confront the criminal underworld, cross a haunted forest, and outsmart creatures they thought lived only in fairytales. But will their wits and bravery be enough to beat the warlord’s army of human soldiers and magical beasts?
Soar into a grand adventure, a world of Chinese and Slavic myths … into the world of The Phoenix and the Firebird.
Book Details
- Publisher : Earnshaw Books Ltd (August 20, 2024)
- Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy
- Language : English
- Paperback : 224 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9888843389
****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****
My Review
The title of this novel caught my attention at the start. I was interested in what the difference was between a Phoenix and a Firebird or were they the same? Here is what I found...
The phoenix and the firebird are both mythical bird-like creatures, but they have some distinct differences:
The phoenix is a mythical bird from Greek and Egyptian mythology. It is known for cyclically burning itself to death and then rising renewed from the ashes. The phoenix is associated with the sun, fire, and renewal. It is often depicted as a large, beautiful bird with red and gold plumage.
In contrast, the firebird is a mythical creature from Slavic folklore. It is typically described as a large, magnificent bird with glowing, luminescent feathers, often in shades of red, orange, and gold. The firebird is known for its mystical powers and is often sought after by heroes in Slavic folktales. Unlike the phoenix, the firebird does not cyclically burn and regenerate itself but is more associated with bringing good fortune to those who glimpse or capture it.
So in summary, the key differences are the phoenix's strong associations with the sun, fire, and cyclical rebirth, versus the firebird's connection to Slavic folklore and its glowing, luminescent appearance and mystical powers, without the same cyclical regeneration motif.
This middle-grade novel offers an engaging mix of early 20th-century Russian and Chinese life, filled with exciting fantasy elements. It begins with an intriguing beginning that pulls readers in right away. The story follows two heroines, Lucy and Su, who set out on a mission to save Lucy's father from a wicked tyrant. Su, who became Lucy's friend when she moved to China three years earlier, stands by her side. Together, they build a strong bond based on trust and support, as they learn to be courageous as they forge ahead on this dangerous journey.
The story is even more thrilling because of the inclusion of Russian and Chinese folklore. Young readers will be fascinated by the many strange and mystical creatures they meet along the way.I enjoyed the many riddles the girls had to figure out to help them in their quest to find Lucy's father. This makes the book appealing to a wide range of readers, not just for middle-grade or teen readers. The writing flows well, and the intriguing legends will be well-liked by readers of all ages. The authors did a phenomenal job and it was especially amazing to have the appendices at the end to send me off for continued learning about Chinese and Russian mythology.
The Phoenix and the Firebird is a great new fantasy adventure that readers, young and old will enjoy reading.
Praise for The Phoenix and the Firebird
"With cinematographic crispness, this romantic vision of a distant time and culture conjures up a tale of friendship, family, and magic. Stay up all night to read it, and you’ll freshly understand the old Russian adage, 'The morning is wiser than the night.' I was enchanted."
- Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked
"It was a joy from start to finish! The world was brilliantly imagined, the plot filled with excitement and I loved the fusion of Chinese and Russian folklore."
- Abi Elphinstone, author of Sky Song
"A Peking caught between an imperial city and a new republic; a world where harsh reality mingles with myth and magic. Warlords, exiled Russians, gangsters, a child in search of her father. There are worlds within worlds in old Peking - real and imagined. Kossiakoff and Crawford bring them all together and to life."
- Paul French, author of Midnight in Peking and City of Devils
“The magical story, told in melodic prose, held this reader rapt with wonder throughout. An absolute gem of a read!”
—Alice Poon, author of The Heavenly Sword and The Earthly Blaze
****Meet the Authors****
Trained as an anthropologist and now an international teacher, Alexis Kossiakoff is fascinated by the meeting of cultures. Alexis' research into the history of her family, who escaped from revolution and war in Russia to China, inspired the writing of The Phoenix and the Firebird.
Scott grew up in Japan and studied at a Chinese university. He is the author of the novel Silk Road Centurion ("compulsive reading due to its many colorful characters and twisting plot points" - Taipei Times), a history book on ancient China ("a fast-moving, readable narrative" - Asian Review of Books), and numerous fantasy, adventure, and mystery short stories. He's also an award-winning poet. Scott and Alexis live in Japan with their daughter.
~*~*~*~*Purchase The Phoenix and the Firebird~*~*~*~*
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Paperback-https://amzn.to/46YY6Xx
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