The Firebird's Vengeance

Isavalta #3

by Sarah Zettel

Infused with folklore magic and history, The Firebird’s Vengeance is the stunning conclusion to the Isavalta trilogy. You will pay for this, screamed the Firebird. Life and blood and realm I will have from you. Thirty years ago the Empress of Isavalta imprisoned the terrible Firebird in a cage wrought with gold, magic and blood. She succeeded in saving her realm, but at a harsh the life of her loyal sorcerer, Avanasy. Now, with the Empress’s death, the Firebird has been freed, and its desire for revenge is unquenchable. Avanasy's daughter, Bridget, is warned by the Vixen, a great spirit-power, of the Firebird ‘s coming attack. But the Vixen also brings other, equally disturbing that Anna, the daughter Bridget buried as an infant nine years ago, is in fact still alive. Bridget is torn between her duty to defend her adopted homeland and her desperate longing to find her child. But she is not the only one with an interest in the girl. Bridget is the daughter of two sorcerers, as is Anna herself. Such a child is likely to be possessed of extraordinary powers. Powers that might be harnessed to save an empire – or to destroy one.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Adult, High Fantasy, Epic Fantasy

512 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Sarah Zettel is the critically acclaimed author of more than twenty novels, spanning the full range of genre fiction. Her debut novel, Reclamation, won the Locus Award for Best First Novel. Her second release, Fool’s War, was a 1997 New York Times Notable Book, and the American Library Association named Playing God one of the Best Books for Young Adults of 1999. Her novel Bitter Angels won the Philip K. Dick Award for best science fiction paperback in 2009. Her latest novel, Dust Girl, was named as one of the best young adult books of the year by both Kirkus Reviews and the American Library Association. Zettel lives in Michigan with her husband, her rapidly growing son, and her cat, Buffy the Vermin Slayer.

Reviews

[Kathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

9/10
The third book in the Isavalta series is a wonderful blend of magic, history, politics, and romance.

[Mark Edlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy series - the third book in Zettel's excellent fantasy series. A bit over written in spots but still a satisfying blend of politics and fantasy. Bridget makes an amazing discovery, the Vixen helps in surprising ways and Sakra tries to help as much as he can with Bridget's journey and the dangerous Firebird.
No Canadian references.
Pharmacy reference - Grace has an apartment over the apothecary.

[Linda Humby]

exellent story and new magic unheard of in other books. I felt much was left unsaid, and wondered if it was not a full, original version of the story. I hope there will be more to follow this amazing story line...

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could not get back into the series.

[Lemurkat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only recently have I started reading entire trilogies in one go, and I think this greatly enhances the experience. This proved to be a satisfying conclusion in many ways, although less than satisfactory in others. Several threads were left hanging - and I cannot help but feel that Zettel intended there to be another book, or perhaps even another trilogy, with Anna as the protagonist. She is, after all, a fascinating character and one that it cannot be easy to let go.

Picking up more-or-less where book #1 finished up (book #2 being a prequel), "Firebird's Vengence" begins with Grace's PoV. Grace is Bridget's aunt, a relatively minor character in #1 and of somewhat more import in #2. Grace's addition to the story is not woven in quite as well as it perhaps should be.

Bridget is now somewhat more adept with her magics, and her friendship with sorcerer Sakra is slowly developing, perhaps, into something more - in a sweet and natural fashion, that is quite charming to watch. However, the Vixen drops a bombshell on her (figuratively) by revealing that the child she thought dead is in fact still alive. Anyone who has read the first book would have guessed this fact - as it was too much of a plot hook to not follow up on, and her presence was mentioned, albeit briefly, in "Sorcerer's Treason". Meanwhile, the firebird has returned and seeks his vengence - first on the Heart of the World who abandoned him to his captivity for 30 long years, and then on Isavalta.

Although the character development and the folklore aspects are beautiful, the plot itself is somewhat disjointed, and does leave the reader wondering "...but what happened to X?" Still, I have enjoyed this series and would not hesitate to recommend it to lovers of fine female-lead fantasy.

[Whitney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Magic is hard. It takes a lot of work. Interesting concept with this series where the sorcerers create spells by weaving, braiding, knotting, etc. Nice idea. The first book in this series contained a surprising twist, no pun intended. Story maintained here, as characters attempt to save their world and fulfill their destiny. However, the characters did not sparkle for me. I'm not a deep reader of the fantasy genre. And I found it a little odd how certain countries within the author's world are obvious appropriations of real-world cultures.

[Mira · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying romp through fantasy lands complete with mythical creatures, mad queens, sorcerers and a slew of plucky heroines. I loved this book although I had to work a little to get an understanding of the world in which it was based. I think I might have read this novel out of order - I don't think it's the first in the series. Looking forward to discovering other books from this authoress.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I must say I have been impressed by every book in this series so far. The myths are woven together quite nicely.

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like this as much as the first book, but it's still good fantasy.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book with strong, complex characters and an interesting storyline.

[Lynn Calvin]

Amazon UK

[Rebekah Lockhart]

so cool. just loved Anna

[Brennan Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, not just the usual swords 'n sorcerors faux medieval setting. And inexpensive on Kindle!

[Lawal Joshua]

klgkjbn

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book and the last in the Isavalta series by Sarah Zettel. It nicely ties the story together.