undertheteacup's review
4.0
This was a great winter story to curl up with. The newlywed Tsesarevich and firebird’s journey through snow-covered lands gives an almost tangible sense of winter and its grim beauty. It was a refreshing, subtle romance where jumping into bed with somebody or even showing affection for them doesn't mean you're hopelessly devoted to them, and where significant conflicts of interest between the main couple take the better part of the book to be resolved. I was actually very pleasantly surprised with how the relationship was handled, especially the issues with consent and autonomy that would've been really squicky if not addressed. It was also wonderful to get a fantasy romance where the romance didn't constitute the whole of the plot.
I've been reading Naomi Novik's [b:Uprooted|22544764|Uprooted|Naomi Novik|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1420795060s/22544764.jpg|41876730] and was really intrigued by the parallels between the two. Both novels are inspired by Slavic folklore and include a struggle between a human world and a natural, untamed, magical one. But where Novik casts the Wood as the villain, in The Firebird’s Tale Faerie’s inhabitants are people (even if non-human people) with their own points of view. Ow’s skilled retelling of more traditional firebird stories reimagines the firebird as a man and the prince’s quest to capture the bird as romantic possession, thereby questioning both the impulse to imprison a living thing for our own pleasure and the heternormativity of usual fairy tale narratives. We are invited to examine stories themselves - how and why we tell them, to what ends - which I think will appeal to fans of [a:Neil Gaiman|1221698|Neil Gaiman|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1234150163p2/1221698.jpg], [a:Catherynne M. Valente|338705|Catherynne M. Valente|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1220999852p2/338705.jpg], and folklore more generally.
I thought this was a great, high-stakes set up for the series, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
**I received a copy for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
I've been reading Naomi Novik's [b:Uprooted|22544764|Uprooted|Naomi Novik|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1420795060s/22544764.jpg|41876730] and was really intrigued by the parallels between the two. Both novels are inspired by Slavic folklore and include a struggle between a human world and a natural, untamed, magical one. But where Novik casts the Wood as the villain, in The Firebird’s Tale Faerie’s inhabitants are people (even if non-human people) with their own points of view. Ow’s skilled retelling of more traditional firebird stories reimagines the firebird as a man and the prince’s quest to capture the bird as romantic possession, thereby questioning both the impulse to imprison a living thing for our own pleasure and the heternormativity of usual fairy tale narratives. We are invited to examine stories themselves - how and why we tell them, to what ends - which I think will appeal to fans of [a:Neil Gaiman|1221698|Neil Gaiman|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1234150163p2/1221698.jpg], [a:Catherynne M. Valente|338705|Catherynne M. Valente|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1220999852p2/338705.jpg], and folklore more generally.
I thought this was a great, high-stakes set up for the series, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
**I received a copy for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
nyphren's review
4.0
Also posted on my blog.
ARC acquired through Netgalley.
I wasn’t expecting much from The Firebird’s Tale for one single reason: I had never heard of it before when I found it browsing through NetGalley. I requested it on a whim, but I’m happy to say I don’t regret it one bit.
The Firebird’s Tale has everything I love in a fantasy book that has romance as one of its driving forces: good characters, good writing, original worldbuilding, an engaging plot plot and a relationship that makes sense. I loved both Aleksei (the prince) and Nazar (the thief) though they could’ve been flashed out more, and even though I’d have liked it better if their relationship took more time to develop I still loved it.
Weird, right? Usually romance is either hated it because it’s instalove or loved it because it’s slow burn/makes sense for me, but here in The Firebird’s Tale the author managed to convince me of Aleksei and Nazar’s love in a very short amount of time. Or pages.
The story does take some time to get going, but honestly, it didn’t bother me in the least. I do love slow paced books, so there is that, but it probably happened because I enjoyed the writing a lot and loved the worldbuilding (it’s inspired by Russian & Germanic folklore if I’m not mistaken) so even the more slow, almost-nothing-is-happening moments were interesting to me. The end comes with a bang, though, which only makes everything better.
And I felt so bad for Aleksei in the last chapters of the book. So bad. I thought for a moment that the book would have a sad ending, but I’m glad it didn’t. The characters were so charismatic I couldn’t help but feel for them, and a sad ending would have hit me hard.
My only complaint is that The Firebird’s Tale seems to be a standalone – I would love for it to a series because there is SO much potential. Both on the romance side of things and on the fantasy side. Honestly, I’d kill to know what’s going to happen in The Firebird’s Tale‘s world after what happened in the last chapters. 4.0 stars.
ARC acquired through Netgalley.
I wasn’t expecting much from The Firebird’s Tale for one single reason: I had never heard of it before when I found it browsing through NetGalley. I requested it on a whim, but I’m happy to say I don’t regret it one bit.
The Firebird’s Tale has everything I love in a fantasy book that has romance as one of its driving forces: good characters, good writing, original worldbuilding, an engaging plot plot and a relationship that makes sense. I loved both Aleksei (the prince) and Nazar (the thief) though they could’ve been flashed out more, and even though I’d have liked it better if their relationship took more time to develop I still loved it.
Weird, right? Usually romance is either hated it because it’s instalove or loved it because it’s slow burn/makes sense for me, but here in The Firebird’s Tale the author managed to convince me of Aleksei and Nazar’s love in a very short amount of time. Or pages.
The story does take some time to get going, but honestly, it didn’t bother me in the least. I do love slow paced books, so there is that, but it probably happened because I enjoyed the writing a lot and loved the worldbuilding (it’s inspired by Russian & Germanic folklore if I’m not mistaken) so even the more slow, almost-nothing-is-happening moments were interesting to me. The end comes with a bang, though, which only makes everything better.
And I felt so bad for Aleksei in the last chapters of the book. So bad. I thought for a moment that the book would have a sad ending, but I’m glad it didn’t. The characters were so charismatic I couldn’t help but feel for them, and a sad ending would have hit me hard.
My only complaint is that The Firebird’s Tale seems to be a standalone – I would love for it to a series because there is SO much potential. Both on the romance side of things and on the fantasy side. Honestly, I’d kill to know what’s going to happen in The Firebird’s Tale‘s world after what happened in the last chapters. 4.0 stars.
jenah's review
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this fairy tale of a Tsarevich and Firebird-in-human-form (for most of this story at least) forced into marriage by the Tsar's decree that anyone who could make the Tsarevich smile would marry him. The story is so much more than that, it's war, magic, political intrigue and fairy tales upon fairy tales. Don't get me wrong, there is romance in this book as well and a good one. I love romances between a "regular person" and someone who isn't regular - whether they're not human, hundreds of years old or an alien - so I really enjoyed this story.
I also particularly enjoyed the origin story and the ending in which these giant, magical creatures are freed to remake the world anew. Thinking of my tribe's origin stories, I can almost imagine this happening when the spirits and those who left this place to allow human beings to live here come back after deciding that we are no longer taking care of this land that was entrusted to our care. Maybe it's the stress and worries about the politic climate in the US that is making me appreciate these types of stories so much right now but I love it.
Overall, great story that kept me entranced until it was over. Perfect for anyone that love mythology, folk tales, fairy tales, or just some good same-sex romance in a land where same-sex relationships are treated as normally as any others. I almost feel like there could be a sequel though. I would love to see how everyone deals with the catastrophe that their world is currently facing.
*I received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
I also particularly enjoyed the origin story and the ending in which these giant, magical creatures are freed to remake the world anew. Thinking of my tribe's origin stories, I can almost imagine this happening when the spirits and those who left this place to allow human beings to live here come back after deciding that we are no longer taking care of this land that was entrusted to our care. Maybe it's the stress and worries about the politic climate in the US that is making me appreciate these types of stories so much right now but I love it.
Overall, great story that kept me entranced until it was over. Perfect for anyone that love mythology, folk tales, fairy tales, or just some good same-sex romance in a land where same-sex relationships are treated as normally as any others. I almost feel like there could be a sequel though. I would love to see how everyone deals with the catastrophe that their world is currently facing.
*I received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
fianaigecht's review
4.0
I requested this from NetGalley because, frankly, there was never any possibility that I wouldn't. I once did a major art project on Stravinsky and The Rite of Spring, in amongst which I got totally sidetracked by the Ballet Russes and therefore The Firebird. Now, I don't really know the story of the Firebird (just the costume design and music), but once this indicated that it was based on it to a certain extent, I was sold.
EDITED TO ADD: I actually just looked up the Firebird itself because I realised I might be talking rubbish, given my lack of information about the plot, and I guess I am. Sort of. They're both based on myths or stories about this creature called the Firebird; Stravinsky's ballet brings in Koschei the Deathless too, who is mentioned in this but as I remember, isn't a major character. (Haha, now this is testing my memory... whoops.)
From the research I've just done, I'd hazard that it's not based on the Firebird but on the same sources that the Firebird is based on (in a similar way that LotR and Wagner's Ring Cycle are both drawing on Norse stuff to create differenht finished products). But given that the ballet interpretation of The Firebird that I saw performed was a weird new interpretation about global warming or something (I don't even know), it's somewhat hard to tell. Anyway. Back to the review.
The worldbuilding of this book is very interesting, actually. Anya Ow has combined elements of Russian folklore and fairytales with other fairytales, ones I'm not sure of their origins. (Like Rapunzel.) It's particularly interesting to see a Russian interpretation of a fairy realm when, as far as I'm aware from all my research into fairies, this isn't particularly a concept that enters Russian folklore.
However, it's not exactly Russia, either, but a Russia-inspired fantasy realm -- and excitingly, one where it's perfectly normal for a prince to marry another prince, if a little scandalous due to external circumstances. Other kingdoms, they mention, are more gendered and have more limitations on this sort of thing, which they're very dismissive of, but here, it's something of a free for all. This was refreshing to read, because not only is there the major Firebird / Aleksei romance, there were also several background queer relationships, so that they weren't isolated or unusual within the story itself.
Nazar, the Firebird, likes to tell stories, and while these sometimes related to the plot, in places I felt it slowed the book down. Other than these digressions, the story was generally fast-paced, and while there was a lot happening, it didn't do so in the whirlwind way that makes it hard to follow but nor was it too drawn out. As well as this, a lot of the writing was very beautiful, and I highlighted several quotes that I'll add to this review when I share it on my blog.
The relationship between the Firebird and Aleksei had very odd beginnings due to the story it's based on, and it's a little hard to believe that Nazar would go along with this arranged marriage so easily or that he wouldn't be more resentful of it to start with. However, as the relationship develops there are a lot of really lovely scenes between them, and Anya Ow walks the delicate line between explicit and implicit very well, with enough information given to evoke a sense of steaminess without any of the awkwardness of explicit sex scenes.
Aside from the slight pacing issues, my one complaint would be that I found the book a little confusing at first. Or rather, I was able to follow it, but I felt like it wanted me to know more than I did about the background to these stories, and there were a lot of references to past events that made me wonder for a moment if I had accidentally picked up a sequel. It became much clearer as the book went on, though, and reading it in one sitting probably helped me keep track of what was going on.
I picked this out from a large number of ARCs to be today's late night read (it's currently 2:30am) because it's due to be published relatively soon compared to the others, but I didn't have high hopes, especially as I've been finding it hard to enjoy books lately. However, while I didn't think this book was perfect, it was well-written with some gorgeous lines, as well as a fascinating mixture of worldbuilding that evoked all sorts of nerdy folklore feelings in me and drew me into the story.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to listen to some Stravinsky...
EDITED TO ADD: I actually just looked up the Firebird itself because I realised I might be talking rubbish, given my lack of information about the plot, and I guess I am. Sort of. They're both based on myths or stories about this creature called the Firebird; Stravinsky's ballet brings in Koschei the Deathless too, who is mentioned in this but as I remember, isn't a major character. (Haha, now this is testing my memory... whoops.)
From the research I've just done, I'd hazard that it's not based on the Firebird but on the same sources that the Firebird is based on (in a similar way that LotR and Wagner's Ring Cycle are both drawing on Norse stuff to create differenht finished products). But given that the ballet interpretation of The Firebird that I saw performed was a weird new interpretation about global warming or something (I don't even know), it's somewhat hard to tell. Anyway. Back to the review.
The worldbuilding of this book is very interesting, actually. Anya Ow has combined elements of Russian folklore and fairytales with other fairytales, ones I'm not sure of their origins. (Like Rapunzel.) It's particularly interesting to see a Russian interpretation of a fairy realm when, as far as I'm aware from all my research into fairies, this isn't particularly a concept that enters Russian folklore.
However, it's not exactly Russia, either, but a Russia-inspired fantasy realm -- and excitingly, one where it's perfectly normal for a prince to marry another prince, if a little scandalous due to external circumstances. Other kingdoms, they mention, are more gendered and have more limitations on this sort of thing, which they're very dismissive of, but here, it's something of a free for all. This was refreshing to read, because not only is there the major Firebird / Aleksei romance, there were also several background queer relationships, so that they weren't isolated or unusual within the story itself.
Nazar, the Firebird, likes to tell stories, and while these sometimes related to the plot, in places I felt it slowed the book down. Other than these digressions, the story was generally fast-paced, and while there was a lot happening, it didn't do so in the whirlwind way that makes it hard to follow but nor was it too drawn out. As well as this, a lot of the writing was very beautiful, and I highlighted several quotes that I'll add to this review when I share it on my blog.
The relationship between the Firebird and Aleksei had very odd beginnings due to the story it's based on, and it's a little hard to believe that Nazar would go along with this arranged marriage so easily or that he wouldn't be more resentful of it to start with. However, as the relationship develops there are a lot of really lovely scenes between them, and Anya Ow walks the delicate line between explicit and implicit very well, with enough information given to evoke a sense of steaminess without any of the awkwardness of explicit sex scenes.
Aside from the slight pacing issues, my one complaint would be that I found the book a little confusing at first. Or rather, I was able to follow it, but I felt like it wanted me to know more than I did about the background to these stories, and there were a lot of references to past events that made me wonder for a moment if I had accidentally picked up a sequel. It became much clearer as the book went on, though, and reading it in one sitting probably helped me keep track of what was going on.
I picked this out from a large number of ARCs to be today's late night read (it's currently 2:30am) because it's due to be published relatively soon compared to the others, but I didn't have high hopes, especially as I've been finding it hard to enjoy books lately. However, while I didn't think this book was perfect, it was well-written with some gorgeous lines, as well as a fascinating mixture of worldbuilding that evoked all sorts of nerdy folklore feelings in me and drew me into the story.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to listen to some Stravinsky...
mythicgeek's review
I tried really hard with this book. I know it was supposed to be reminiscent of 1001 Arabian Nights with the stories-within-a-story trope, but it just got bogged down by too much of the storytelling. I didn't connect with the characters and i finally decided to just pass and try to find something else to enjoy.
krilves's review
5.0
This was so good ❤️ I loved everything about it. It seems to draw a lot on Russian and/or Eastern European fairy tales and folklore - I don't know much about it, but I recognise some things from other stories I've read (uprooted, in particular, springs to mind). I loved the tales the firebird told and how they were all connected, and how they were also real and connected to history (the history of this world, anyway, not the real one I live in...). I loved the way they slowly fell in love and dealt with it, with them having vastly different natures and world views and ways of loving, and I love that nazar came back. I find myself wondering if there'll be a sequel - if we'll get to see how the world changes and what'll happen in the new world, and how aleksei and nazar fit into it...
Highly recommended for anyone who loves fairytale inspired fantasy and romance. This was wonderful. ❤️
Highly recommended for anyone who loves fairytale inspired fantasy and romance. This was wonderful. ❤️
jamesflint's review
3.0
Galley provided by publisher
Rep: gay mcs
The Firebird's Tale tells the story of a prince who has to marry whomsoever can make him smile. Unfortunately, the person who manages this is not only a thief, but not even human at all, and this is particularly problematic in a land where humans have all but eradicated magic.
The story mixes elements of Russian folklore with other Germanic fairytales, which I wouldn't say worked all too well. On the one hand, you have Koschei the Deathless making an appearance, then the next page there's Snow White (not literally making appearances, though). It's a little dissonant at times. Not to mention it appears to be set in some sort of alternative Russia, because it borders a country they call "the Orient", which seems to encompass the whole of Asia. Again, a problem.
If I'm honest, I was expecting this one to be more of a slow burn than it was. That's not to say I didn't like the direction it went, but I did feel that maybe in the context of the story, it was perhaps more necessary. Within about 40 pages Aleksei (the prince) and Nazar (the firebird) were kissing. But at this point, they didn't even seem to like each other. So you're then stuck with a strange relationship, where they don't really like one another but they're married and apparently that means they have to have a sexual relationship. All this somewhat obscures the way that they could possibly be gaining feelings for each other. Which was a disappointment.
In addition to this, the story didn't really pick up until about two thirds of the way through. Sure, it was easy reading up until that point but nothing really happened. Then when something does happen, you'd think that it'd drive some sort of division between Aleksei and Nazar () but Aleksei isn't even angry. Which is not really in keeping with his character in the rest of the book. He seems to spend the book switching back and forth between being this ice-prince kind of character, who gets annoyed at Nazar quite often, and someone friendlier. What I think would have worked better would have been to see him start of as the former and slowly become the latter.
But despite all that, I did enjoy the story to an extent. It left it on a bit of a cliffhanger too, so I'm hoping there's another book just to see how everything pans out.
Rep: gay mcs
The Firebird's Tale tells the story of a prince who has to marry whomsoever can make him smile. Unfortunately, the person who manages this is not only a thief, but not even human at all, and this is particularly problematic in a land where humans have all but eradicated magic.
The story mixes elements of Russian folklore with other Germanic fairytales, which I wouldn't say worked all too well. On the one hand, you have Koschei the Deathless making an appearance, then the next page there's Snow White (not literally making appearances, though). It's a little dissonant at times. Not to mention it appears to be set in some sort of alternative Russia, because it borders a country they call "the Orient", which seems to encompass the whole of Asia. Again, a problem.
If I'm honest, I was expecting this one to be more of a slow burn than it was. That's not to say I didn't like the direction it went, but I did feel that maybe in the context of the story, it was perhaps more necessary. Within about 40 pages Aleksei (the prince) and Nazar (the firebird) were kissing. But at this point, they didn't even seem to like each other. So you're then stuck with a strange relationship, where they don't really like one another but they're married and apparently that means they have to have a sexual relationship. All this somewhat obscures the way that they could possibly be gaining feelings for each other. Which was a disappointment.
In addition to this, the story didn't really pick up until about two thirds of the way through. Sure, it was easy reading up until that point but nothing really happened. Then when something does happen, you'd think that it'd drive some sort of division between Aleksei and Nazar (
Spoiler
it is that Nazar is keeping secrets, and pretty important ones at that, from AlekseiBut despite all that, I did enjoy the story to an extent. It left it on a bit of a cliffhanger too, so I'm hoping there's another book just to see how everything pans out.
qui's review
3.0
I think I understand why people mostly didn’t like this book, but I did enjoy it in my own way. It was too slow, and I’m not entirely sure the dynamic between Nazar and Aleksei was a healthy one, but I still liked it well enough.
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