Ashes of the Firebird (The Firebird Faerie Tales)

A month had passed since the gates closed Russia off from Skazki, leaving Anya dealing with the consequences while her friends work to help her from the other side. Problems continue to rise with neutrals going missing and various creatures becoming less than discrete with feeding habits. Her life grows more complicated with ventures into the Land of Dreaming, a complicated romance that seems doomed even before it starts, and a battle that could end with a tragic cost.

The story is character driven with relationships that are genuinely explored through their connections. Kuivalainen has created an intriguing world built around Russian mythology and lore, specifically the firebird. Various creatures, such as the Ördögs, have a strong presence within the background of the story and supply plenty of danger for the characters to face.

Anya struggles to navigate the Land of Dreaming while maintaining the different dynamics in her life and a complicated relationship with Trajan. The romantic elements supply the drama while also balancing the creative world-building and magical essences within the story. A stunning blend of Russian mythology and fantasy, Ashes of the Firebird is a character-focused tale that takes you on an incredible adventure.