The Firebird

This novel is based on the Russian fairytale, Prince Ivan, Grey Wolf and the Firebird, but also takes in a great many influences, ideas and stories not only from Russia, but neighbouring parts of the world to it, such as Persia (Iran) and Georgia, in the Caucasus. As well, there are echoes of Scandinavian myth. But though it is based on these things, it is also very much an original fantasy, set in its own world.

It is set in a timeless fairytale period, in three countries: Marossiya, Vahktania, and Caspia, as well as the strange stone desert of Al-Falak, and tells the story of the three sons of Tsar Demyan - brutal Yuri, sly Igor, and melancholy Ivan. All three young men must leave the court of their father to bring back the Firebird, a fabulous bird which has invaded the Tsar's precious garden. But Yuri and Igor try everything in their power to stop Ivan from getting anywhere, and it is lucky for Ivan that he has two friends to help him - the shapeshifting Grey Wolf, and the mysterious youth Bogatyr. But he also doesn't know if this quest is really for him, for his heart is back with feisty Princess Tamara, daughter of the King of Vahktania, who, alas, has been promised in marriage to his horrible brother Yuri...

Many adventures, strange events and terrifying things will happen to Ivan on his journey, a journey which will take him far from Marossiya, into the realm of the poet-magician Darius Rusta'veli and the Caspian astrologer Mizrat of the Stars... and right into the very gates of Death itself.