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Tales of the Khortytsia Island #4
The Enchanted Feather
Marko is the best hunter in the area, but the creature stealing apples from his brother's orchard is no ordinary beast. Catching the mythical firebird can bring either a blessing or a curse.
Faced with this unusual challenge, Marko seeks the help of the girl who can't walk but can read hearts and see into the future.
As they work together, Marko begins to look at the world through her eyes. When devastating news strikes, the firebird's promise might be the only thing to carry them through. But will the wish-fulfilling feather be enough?
This short story combines fantasy, myths, and the traditions of historical Ukraine. All books in this series are clean and contain an inspirational message.
Faced with this unusual challenge, Marko seeks the help of the girl who can't walk but can read hearts and see into the future.
As they work together, Marko begins to look at the world through her eyes. When devastating news strikes, the firebird's promise might be the only thing to carry them through. But will the wish-fulfilling feather be enough?
This short story combines fantasy, myths, and the traditions of historical Ukraine. All books in this series are clean and contain an inspirational message.
58 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2025
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Elena Shelest
21 books190 followersElena Shelest is an artist, a blogger, a nurse, a mom, an immigrant, a nature explorer, and an avid reader of fantasy books. She is hoping to encourage her readers to be able to look beyond what's possible and believe again that everyday miracles do happen. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter for book updates and discounts: https://www.subscribepage.com/fantasy...
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 25, 2025
Full of heart and soul
The Enchanted Feather is aptly titled, as the entire story is enchanted. I find it hard to remember when I have been so completely enamored by such a tale. Each character played a perfect part in this story and, in their own way, pulled on my heartstrings. Author Elena Shelest's writing is masterful in describing the scenery as if she had lived it and the characters as if they were personal friends, flaws and all. Throughout this short story, I wondered what decision Marco would make. Well worth reading to know the answer. This novella can be read in one sitting. Praise to the author.
The Enchanted Feather is aptly titled, as the entire story is enchanted. I find it hard to remember when I have been so completely enamored by such a tale. Each character played a perfect part in this story and, in their own way, pulled on my heartstrings. Author Elena Shelest's writing is masterful in describing the scenery as if she had lived it and the characters as if they were personal friends, flaws and all. Throughout this short story, I wondered what decision Marco would make. Well worth reading to know the answer. This novella can be read in one sitting. Praise to the author.
July 26, 2025
The author writes a beautiful story to introduce the reader to a "fantasy creature in Slavic folklore - firebird". The driving quest for our protagonist is “The greatest desire . . .”. How would you answer that question?
This story plays to your heart, your ethics and your morals as it opens the world to the reader along the Dnipro River. This story, though short, will open your eyes and your heart.
I strongly recommend this read.
This story plays to your heart, your ethics and your morals as it opens the world to the reader along the Dnipro River. This story, though short, will open your eyes and your heart.
I strongly recommend this read.
July 26, 2025
A clean and sweet 60-minute retelling of the Firebird
I first read this is Once Upon a Name charity anthology, so this is a re-read of an enhanced story. I loved this Slavic retelling of the Firebird fairytale of love and hope and adore the entire Khortytsa story series - remind me of Valya Lind’s Skazka tales. Once, in the orchard 17yo Marko captures Tsarina of the Enchanted Borderlands and this apple-stealing firebird grants him one fiery feather and one wish, whatever his heart desires. And you’d be surprised what he uses it for. Truly heartwarming and captivating story and despite or perhaps because of the cliffhanger, I definitely want to read the next story, too.
Recommended for lovers of YA Slavic myths and fairytales.
I first read this is Once Upon a Name charity anthology, so this is a re-read of an enhanced story. I loved this Slavic retelling of the Firebird fairytale of love and hope and adore the entire Khortytsa story series - remind me of Valya Lind’s Skazka tales. Once, in the orchard 17yo Marko captures Tsarina of the Enchanted Borderlands and this apple-stealing firebird grants him one fiery feather and one wish, whatever his heart desires. And you’d be surprised what he uses it for. Truly heartwarming and captivating story and despite or perhaps because of the cliffhanger, I definitely want to read the next story, too.
Recommended for lovers of YA Slavic myths and fairytales.
August 13, 2025
I love Elena Shelest's stories, and this one is among my favorites! It's inspired by Slavic folklore--in particular, by the mythical character of the Firebird, a beautiful and dangerous creature who can grant the desire of a person's heart. Shelest's tale explores the meaning of true, sacrificial love--putting another person before yourself. I loved how Marko's desires shift over the course of the story, as he learns to seek the happiness of his beloved--and finds true joy because of it.
August 24, 2025
This story is like cotton candy: sweet, colourful, with a lingering taste that I want more of.
The MC is so kind and selfless.
I love learning about different cultures and folklore through fiction, it makes it easier to remember.
The MC is so kind and selfless.
I love learning about different cultures and folklore through fiction, it makes it easier to remember.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews