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Ivan and the Firebird
A young man dismissed as a fool must capture a legendary firebird to prove his worth and discover who he truly is.
At twenty-seven, Ivan has spent his life in the shadow of his older brothers, labeled the family "dimwit" while he tends horses and keeps house in their remote Russian village. But when he stumbles upon a glowing feather in the forest and finds himself ensnared by the terrifying witch Baba Yaga, his life transforms in an instant. To earn his freedom, he must accomplish the capture the legendary Firebird, a creature whose magic can reshape kingdoms.
Thrust through a mystical portal into modern-day Virginia, this young man from Old Rus must navigate a bewildering world of cars, iPhones, and resort spas. He meets Lisa, a beautiful yoga teacher fleeing a toxic divorce, and Harry, a flying humpback horse who becomes his fiercest ally. Together, they embark on dangerous quests, stealing a priceless Faberge egg, confronting Lisa's violent ex-husband, and facing magical peacocks and mysterious witches, all while Ivan hunts for the elusive Firebird.
As Ivan proves his courage time and again, he begins to shed the "dimwit" label that has defined him. He falls deeply in love with Lisa and forges an unbreakable bond with Harry. But when he finally captures the Firebird, he faces a devastating return to Old Rus and fulfill his promise to Baba Yaga, or stay in Virginia with the woman he loves and the life he's built.
Some say Ivan is a fool for the choices he makes. But this young man is about to discover that true wisdom isn't about following the expected it's about having the courage to write your own story.
A spellbinding blend of Russian folklore and contemporary romance, Ivan and the Firebird reimagines the classic fairy tale hero as a relatable young man finding his strength, his voice, and his destiny across two worlds.
Perfect for fans of Naomi Novik's Spinning Silver and Katherine Arden's The Winternight Trilogy and readers who love fairy tale retellings with heart, humor, and unexpected magic.
At twenty-seven, Ivan has spent his life in the shadow of his older brothers, labeled the family "dimwit" while he tends horses and keeps house in their remote Russian village. But when he stumbles upon a glowing feather in the forest and finds himself ensnared by the terrifying witch Baba Yaga, his life transforms in an instant. To earn his freedom, he must accomplish the capture the legendary Firebird, a creature whose magic can reshape kingdoms.
Thrust through a mystical portal into modern-day Virginia, this young man from Old Rus must navigate a bewildering world of cars, iPhones, and resort spas. He meets Lisa, a beautiful yoga teacher fleeing a toxic divorce, and Harry, a flying humpback horse who becomes his fiercest ally. Together, they embark on dangerous quests, stealing a priceless Faberge egg, confronting Lisa's violent ex-husband, and facing magical peacocks and mysterious witches, all while Ivan hunts for the elusive Firebird.
As Ivan proves his courage time and again, he begins to shed the "dimwit" label that has defined him. He falls deeply in love with Lisa and forges an unbreakable bond with Harry. But when he finally captures the Firebird, he faces a devastating return to Old Rus and fulfill his promise to Baba Yaga, or stay in Virginia with the woman he loves and the life he's built.
Some say Ivan is a fool for the choices he makes. But this young man is about to discover that true wisdom isn't about following the expected it's about having the courage to write your own story.
A spellbinding blend of Russian folklore and contemporary romance, Ivan and the Firebird reimagines the classic fairy tale hero as a relatable young man finding his strength, his voice, and his destiny across two worlds.
Perfect for fans of Naomi Novik's Spinning Silver and Katherine Arden's The Winternight Trilogy and readers who love fairy tale retellings with heart, humor, and unexpected magic.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 7, 2026
Instead of another tired retread of Cinderella or Beauty and the Beast, we got to visit a Russian folktale, and it's a fun ride.
In Ivan and the Firebird by Alexandra Pugachevsky, we see an adaptation of a less-familiar folktale. Less familiar to me, anyway. For all I know, you might have Russian grandparents and grew up with stories about Dimwit Ivan. I liked Ivan and thought he was genuinely kind and thoughtful. Other than one notable choice late in the book, you could always count on him to make the right choice. The other characters in the book are a little more opaque and I often wasn't sure who was supposed to be on the side of good and not chaos.
In the book, Ivan sets out to capture the firebird to help rescue his village from hard times. He gets mixed up with Baba Yaga and slips into modern-day Virginia. There he meets a talking horse and a girl who may or may not be on his side. I get it, he loved her, but me, not so much.
The book is original, and it was fun visiting a retelling of a classic I didn't know. The only issue I had, other than it being a cliffhanger, was that some of the plot felt constrained by the original stories. It made for some inexplicable choices and out of character moments. It made it harder to stay invested in the characters because I was never quite sure what they really believe or cared about.
It's got lots of action and felt original and fresh despite its origin. I'll be happy to read the sequel when it's ready.
4.5 Ivan-You-Need-Better-Advice Stars
In Ivan and the Firebird by Alexandra Pugachevsky, we see an adaptation of a less-familiar folktale. Less familiar to me, anyway. For all I know, you might have Russian grandparents and grew up with stories about Dimwit Ivan. I liked Ivan and thought he was genuinely kind and thoughtful. Other than one notable choice late in the book, you could always count on him to make the right choice. The other characters in the book are a little more opaque and I often wasn't sure who was supposed to be on the side of good and not chaos.
In the book, Ivan sets out to capture the firebird to help rescue his village from hard times. He gets mixed up with Baba Yaga and slips into modern-day Virginia. There he meets a talking horse and a girl who may or may not be on his side. I get it, he loved her, but me, not so much.
The book is original, and it was fun visiting a retelling of a classic I didn't know. The only issue I had, other than it being a cliffhanger, was that some of the plot felt constrained by the original stories. It made for some inexplicable choices and out of character moments. It made it harder to stay invested in the characters because I was never quite sure what they really believe or cared about.
It's got lots of action and felt original and fresh despite its origin. I'll be happy to read the sequel when it's ready.
4.5 Ivan-You-Need-Better-Advice Stars
June 15, 2026
I received an ARC copy of Ivan and the Firebird by Alexandra Pugachevsky in exchange for an honest review. I always find reviews like this a little difficult to write because I genuinely like the author as a person and appreciate the opportunity to read the book. Unfortunately, this one simply wasn't for me.
The story follows Ivan, a young man from the fairytale land of Zorya. After finding a feather from the legendary Firebird, he falls into the clutches of Baba Yaga, who offers him an impossible bargain. To gain his freedom, he must find the Firebird itself. His journey eventually takes him into our modern world, where he encounters magical creatures inspired by Slavic folklore and meets Lisa, a young woman with whom he falls in love.
I love fairytale retellings and stories inspired by folklore, so this sounded like something I should have enjoyed. Sadly, I struggled almost from the beginning.
My biggest issue was Ivan himself. For a significant part of the book, I assumed he was a teenager. I was genuinely surprised to discover that he is twenty-seven. He consistently came across as much younger, both in his behaviour and in the way he viewed the world. His nickname is "the Dimwit", and unfortunately he often lived up to it. Rather than feeling endearingly naïve, he simply felt childish. I never connected with him, and because the story is centred on his perspective, that made the whole book difficult to become invested in.
The prose also didn't work for me. I think it deliberately imitates the language and structure of traditional fairy tales. It reminded me of reading old translations of the Brothers Grimm. However, the style felt very simple and repetitive to me. Rather than giving the book a timeless atmosphere, it made it feel much younger than I expected. At times I wondered whether I had somehow picked up a children's book by mistake.
The romance between Ivan and Lisa also felt very fairytale-like in the least satisfying way. They meet, they are attracted to each other, and suddenly they are in love. I never really felt any chemistry between them. In fact, I spent a good portion of the book expecting Lisa to turn out to be a villain because that seemed more interesting than the straightforward romance we received.
Unfortunately, I struggled with the supporting cast as well. There is a magical horse, a wolf, another witch and numerous magical beings along the way, yet I never became attached to any of them. A compelling cast can make me forgive many flaws, but here I simply didn't care what happened to anyone.
Some elements also felt strangely disconnected from the rest of the story. There are discussions about organic food that felt oddly preachy and very out of place in the middle of a Russian-inspired fantasy adventure. Lisa's yoga classes become surprisingly prominent for stretches of the story, but these sections felt disconnected from her character outside of yoga itself. I found myself wondering why these particular topics were receiving so much attention.
Even the magical horse occasionally pulled me out of the story. The poor creature seemed to carry everyone everywhere, sometimes in ways that felt physically impossible. Instead of marvelling at the magic, I found myself worrying about the pony.
What surprised me most was how little excitement I felt despite the story constantly moving from one place to another. There is adventure, there are magical creatures, there are portals and witches and flying horses, but I never felt emotionally involved. Towards the end, I realised I would rather be doing almost anything else than reading. Eventually I found myself skimming simply because I wanted to finish the book and move on to my other ARCs.
Perhaps younger readers or readers looking for a straightforward fairytale adventure will enjoy this much more than I did. I certainly know there are people who will connect with it. Sadly, I wasn't one of them.
I wanted to love this book. I really did. But in the end, no amount of folklore or magical creatures could compensate for characters I never managed to care about. And without that connection, the adventure itself became a journey I simply wanted to reach the end of.
The story follows Ivan, a young man from the fairytale land of Zorya. After finding a feather from the legendary Firebird, he falls into the clutches of Baba Yaga, who offers him an impossible bargain. To gain his freedom, he must find the Firebird itself. His journey eventually takes him into our modern world, where he encounters magical creatures inspired by Slavic folklore and meets Lisa, a young woman with whom he falls in love.
I love fairytale retellings and stories inspired by folklore, so this sounded like something I should have enjoyed. Sadly, I struggled almost from the beginning.
My biggest issue was Ivan himself. For a significant part of the book, I assumed he was a teenager. I was genuinely surprised to discover that he is twenty-seven. He consistently came across as much younger, both in his behaviour and in the way he viewed the world. His nickname is "the Dimwit", and unfortunately he often lived up to it. Rather than feeling endearingly naïve, he simply felt childish. I never connected with him, and because the story is centred on his perspective, that made the whole book difficult to become invested in.
The prose also didn't work for me. I think it deliberately imitates the language and structure of traditional fairy tales. It reminded me of reading old translations of the Brothers Grimm. However, the style felt very simple and repetitive to me. Rather than giving the book a timeless atmosphere, it made it feel much younger than I expected. At times I wondered whether I had somehow picked up a children's book by mistake.
The romance between Ivan and Lisa also felt very fairytale-like in the least satisfying way. They meet, they are attracted to each other, and suddenly they are in love. I never really felt any chemistry between them. In fact, I spent a good portion of the book expecting Lisa to turn out to be a villain because that seemed more interesting than the straightforward romance we received.
Unfortunately, I struggled with the supporting cast as well. There is a magical horse, a wolf, another witch and numerous magical beings along the way, yet I never became attached to any of them. A compelling cast can make me forgive many flaws, but here I simply didn't care what happened to anyone.
Some elements also felt strangely disconnected from the rest of the story. There are discussions about organic food that felt oddly preachy and very out of place in the middle of a Russian-inspired fantasy adventure. Lisa's yoga classes become surprisingly prominent for stretches of the story, but these sections felt disconnected from her character outside of yoga itself. I found myself wondering why these particular topics were receiving so much attention.
Even the magical horse occasionally pulled me out of the story. The poor creature seemed to carry everyone everywhere, sometimes in ways that felt physically impossible. Instead of marvelling at the magic, I found myself worrying about the pony.
What surprised me most was how little excitement I felt despite the story constantly moving from one place to another. There is adventure, there are magical creatures, there are portals and witches and flying horses, but I never felt emotionally involved. Towards the end, I realised I would rather be doing almost anything else than reading. Eventually I found myself skimming simply because I wanted to finish the book and move on to my other ARCs.
Perhaps younger readers or readers looking for a straightforward fairytale adventure will enjoy this much more than I did. I certainly know there are people who will connect with it. Sadly, I wasn't one of them.
I wanted to love this book. I really did. But in the end, no amount of folklore or magical creatures could compensate for characters I never managed to care about. And without that connection, the adventure itself became a journey I simply wanted to reach the end of.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really wanted to fall in love with Ivan and the Firebird because I genuinely love the concept. The mix of Russian folklore, magical creatures, some familiar to me, some not, and a portal to modern day Virginia. It felt fresh and imaginative and immediately caught my attention.
Unfortunately for me, it was a bit of a mixed read. I had some trouble connecting with some of the pacing and narrative flow. There were just several moments where it felt the story jumped too quickly between events and magical concepts and left me feeling a little disconnected from what was happening.
I was also expecting more of a romantic fantasy with a bit more romantic tension. The romance for me leans much sweeter and softer than I personally tend to enjoy. It also felt as though those emotions landed a bit inorganically at times. Readers who prefer low spice or closed-door romance may connect with it more than I did.
All that said, I can absolutely appreciate the creativity of this story and the folklore inspiration woven into it. It has a strong core, and I think this book will find its audience among readers who enjoy whimsical, fairytale inspired fantasy.
Thank you so much Alexandra Pugachevsky for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately for me, it was a bit of a mixed read. I had some trouble connecting with some of the pacing and narrative flow. There were just several moments where it felt the story jumped too quickly between events and magical concepts and left me feeling a little disconnected from what was happening.
I was also expecting more of a romantic fantasy with a bit more romantic tension. The romance for me leans much sweeter and softer than I personally tend to enjoy. It also felt as though those emotions landed a bit inorganically at times. Readers who prefer low spice or closed-door romance may connect with it more than I did.
All that said, I can absolutely appreciate the creativity of this story and the folklore inspiration woven into it. It has a strong core, and I think this book will find its audience among readers who enjoy whimsical, fairytale inspired fantasy.
Thank you so much Alexandra Pugachevsky for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2026
Ivan and the Firebird by Alexandra Pugachevsky. I was given the opportunity to read and ARC of this book and am thankful for the opportunity to read and review it.
“Ivan has never questioned his place in the world: youngest brother, village dimwit, the one who tends the horses and keeps the fire burning while everyone else gets on with living. Then one day, everything changes. When a glowing feather leads him into the clutches of Baba Yaga, the ancient witch gives him an impossible choice; capture the legendary Firebird, or die”…………..
Ivan and the Firebird starts like any fantasy we have some world building introducing the characters and the setting. Then it seems to take off. It does a beautiful job of combining two different worlds, the magical old world and the modern one filled with inventions and electronics.
Being able to watch Ivan grow confidentially in himself and other people around him is one of my favorite things about this book. This book being a blend of folklore and present day fairytale provides and interesting take on a story. I was not familiar with the original story but this was easy to follow and made for a great read. Check out Ivan and the Firebird.
“Ivan has never questioned his place in the world: youngest brother, village dimwit, the one who tends the horses and keeps the fire burning while everyone else gets on with living. Then one day, everything changes. When a glowing feather leads him into the clutches of Baba Yaga, the ancient witch gives him an impossible choice; capture the legendary Firebird, or die”…………..
Ivan and the Firebird starts like any fantasy we have some world building introducing the characters and the setting. Then it seems to take off. It does a beautiful job of combining two different worlds, the magical old world and the modern one filled with inventions and electronics.
Being able to watch Ivan grow confidentially in himself and other people around him is one of my favorite things about this book. This book being a blend of folklore and present day fairytale provides and interesting take on a story. I was not familiar with the original story but this was easy to follow and made for a great read. Check out Ivan and the Firebird.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is an easy yet captivating read. Although the beginning feels a little slow as the story introduces the setting and characters, the plot soon becomes interesting , making readers constantly wonder what will happen next.
One of the most interesting parts of the story is the way it combines two very different worlds, the old magical world and the modern world filled with inventions and electronics.
The main character by Ivan, is a memorable and likable hero. As a fairytale character, he begins as an innocent and humble young man, but throughout the story he proves to be intelligent and brave. His journey to find the mysterious Firebird becomes more than just a quest. It is also a story about growth, friendship, and discovering his place in a changing world.
The writing style is simple and easy to follow, which makes the book enjoyable for many types of readers. The pacing becomes stronger as the story progresses, balancing adventure, magic, mystery, and emotional moments very well. The author creates a world that feels imaginative without becoming confusing, allowing readers to stay fully engaged in the story.
One of the most interesting parts of the story is the way it combines two very different worlds, the old magical world and the modern world filled with inventions and electronics.
The main character by Ivan, is a memorable and likable hero. As a fairytale character, he begins as an innocent and humble young man, but throughout the story he proves to be intelligent and brave. His journey to find the mysterious Firebird becomes more than just a quest. It is also a story about growth, friendship, and discovering his place in a changing world.
The writing style is simple and easy to follow, which makes the book enjoyable for many types of readers. The pacing becomes stronger as the story progresses, balancing adventure, magic, mystery, and emotional moments very well. The author creates a world that feels imaginative without becoming confusing, allowing readers to stay fully engaged in the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced Copy Review- I had the pleasure of reading Ivan and the Firebird by Alexandra Pugachevsky, the first book in the Tales of the Thrice-Nine Lands duology; a beautifully written Slavic folklore retelling. This was a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me and one I definitely recommend checking out!
The writing was incredibly vivid and descriptive; I could picture every scene so clearly. Ivan’s story hooked me from the very beginning and kept me wanting to know more.
The story follows Ivan’s journey from Zorya to modern-day Virginia through a magical portal, where he meets Harry the humpback horse and Lisa, a yoga instructor. Along the way, the book explores friendship, bravery, courage, romance, witches, magical elements, and found family themes.
I genuinely loved the cast of characters, especially Harry, who completely stole my heart.
I’m already looking forward to book two so I can continue Ivan’s journey!
The writing was incredibly vivid and descriptive; I could picture every scene so clearly. Ivan’s story hooked me from the very beginning and kept me wanting to know more.
The story follows Ivan’s journey from Zorya to modern-day Virginia through a magical portal, where he meets Harry the humpback horse and Lisa, a yoga instructor. Along the way, the book explores friendship, bravery, courage, romance, witches, magical elements, and found family themes.
I genuinely loved the cast of characters, especially Harry, who completely stole my heart.
I’m already looking forward to book two so I can continue Ivan’s journey!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This review is based on an ARC copy I received from the author.
Ivan and the Firebird was such a cozy and enjoyable read. Inspired by a Russian folktale, the story follows Ivan, who is sent on a quest by Baba Yaga to find the legendary Firebird. After traveling through a magical portal, he unexpectedly ends up at a horse ranch in Virginia, where he meets Harry the Horse and begins an adventure filled with friendship, self-discovery, and a little bit of romance.
One of my favorite parts of the story was watching Ivan grow in confidence and learn to trust both himself and the people around him. The blend of folklore and modern-day setting made the story feel unique and engaging.
I wasn't familiar with the original fairytale before picking up this book, so it was fun to experience elements of the legend while reading. Overall, this was a charming, heartwarming read that left me with a smile.
Ivan and the Firebird was such a cozy and enjoyable read. Inspired by a Russian folktale, the story follows Ivan, who is sent on a quest by Baba Yaga to find the legendary Firebird. After traveling through a magical portal, he unexpectedly ends up at a horse ranch in Virginia, where he meets Harry the Horse and begins an adventure filled with friendship, self-discovery, and a little bit of romance.
One of my favorite parts of the story was watching Ivan grow in confidence and learn to trust both himself and the people around him. The blend of folklore and modern-day setting made the story feel unique and engaging.
I wasn't familiar with the original fairytale before picking up this book, so it was fun to experience elements of the legend while reading. Overall, this was a charming, heartwarming read that left me with a smile.
June 6, 2026
Review of an ARC received from the author.
Ivan and the Firebird is a genuinely delightful read that weaves classic Russian folklore into the backdrop of modern-day Virginia with a lot of heart. Pugachevsky pulls off combo with charm and creativity.
At its core, this is a story about friendship, personal growth, love. The character arcs feel earned, and I found myself genuinely invested in the journey. The love story is sweet and tender, so if you’re looking for spice, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you’re in the mood for something warm and sincere, the romance here delivers exactly that.
My absolute favorite though was Harry. He stole every scene he was in and honestly deserves his own spinoff.
The pacing was a bit slow for me in the beginning, but it picked up toward the middle. Overall, Ivan and the Firebird is a refreshing, feel-good fairytale retelling that YA romance, fantasy and folklore fans alike will enjoy.
Ivan and the Firebird is a genuinely delightful read that weaves classic Russian folklore into the backdrop of modern-day Virginia with a lot of heart. Pugachevsky pulls off combo with charm and creativity.
At its core, this is a story about friendship, personal growth, love. The character arcs feel earned, and I found myself genuinely invested in the journey. The love story is sweet and tender, so if you’re looking for spice, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you’re in the mood for something warm and sincere, the romance here delivers exactly that.
My absolute favorite though was Harry. He stole every scene he was in and honestly deserves his own spinoff.
The pacing was a bit slow for me in the beginning, but it picked up toward the middle. Overall, Ivan and the Firebird is a refreshing, feel-good fairytale retelling that YA romance, fantasy and folklore fans alike will enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book.
I really appreciated the Russian folklore inspiration and magical fairytale atmosphere in this book. The Firebird mythology and whimsical fantasy elements made it a quick and accessible read.
For me personally, the story leaned much younger in tone than I expected. The writing style, character interactions, and romance had a very simple, storybook feel that reminded me more of a children’s fairytale. Because of that, I struggled to fully connect with the romance and emotional stakes.
That said, readers who enjoy lighter, cosy fairytale fantasy with classic magical tropes, witches, and folklore-inspired storytelling may have a better experience with it than I did.
Thank you so much again for the ARC. This will definitely find its audience.
I really appreciated the Russian folklore inspiration and magical fairytale atmosphere in this book. The Firebird mythology and whimsical fantasy elements made it a quick and accessible read.
For me personally, the story leaned much younger in tone than I expected. The writing style, character interactions, and romance had a very simple, storybook feel that reminded me more of a children’s fairytale. Because of that, I struggled to fully connect with the romance and emotional stakes.
That said, readers who enjoy lighter, cosy fairytale fantasy with classic magical tropes, witches, and folklore-inspired storytelling may have a better experience with it than I did.
Thank you so much again for the ARC. This will definitely find its audience.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4 Stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
Do you like Slavik folk tale? Do you like fantasy and two space time worlds? Then this book is for you.
The story takes place in old Russia and New Virginia USA. Both places are filled with magic.
The main character, Ivan, is an honest and true to his word young man who cares about his family, his reputation and the love he finds outside his village.
As in every tale, there are good and bad fairies and this book has just that.
The characters, human and non-human are well described and each has their own personality.
Reading this book made me think of my childhood when I was reading about all sorts of fairies.
I do believe the book can be read by both, adults and children.
Thank you Alexandra for introducing me to your writing and making me feel like a child again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Do you like Slavik folk tale? Do you like fantasy and two space time worlds? Then this book is for you.
The story takes place in old Russia and New Virginia USA. Both places are filled with magic.
The main character, Ivan, is an honest and true to his word young man who cares about his family, his reputation and the love he finds outside his village.
As in every tale, there are good and bad fairies and this book has just that.
The characters, human and non-human are well described and each has their own personality.
Reading this book made me think of my childhood when I was reading about all sorts of fairies.
I do believe the book can be read by both, adults and children.
Thank you Alexandra for introducing me to your writing and making me feel like a child again.
May 26, 2026
Review of advanced copy received by author.
First I want to say I really enjoyed this story. I had never read any Slavic folktales and this retelling was pleasantly entertaining. Ivan’s journey from Zorya to present day Virginia and him adjusting to the way life is in present time is awesome because he can see that the advancements made in the world make total sense. He also makes notes that the way things are in Virgina he wishes he could bring back to Zorya. I loved Harry the pony and the love story between Lisa and Ivan. The journey to catch the firebird was exciting and I want to say I hated the peacocks. They were so mean. Overall I would recommend this story if you like fantasy and like to read about mysteries journeys. I am definitely looking forward to book two as I have to know how Ivan’s story ends.
First I want to say I really enjoyed this story. I had never read any Slavic folktales and this retelling was pleasantly entertaining. Ivan’s journey from Zorya to present day Virginia and him adjusting to the way life is in present time is awesome because he can see that the advancements made in the world make total sense. He also makes notes that the way things are in Virgina he wishes he could bring back to Zorya. I loved Harry the pony and the love story between Lisa and Ivan. The journey to catch the firebird was exciting and I want to say I hated the peacocks. They were so mean. Overall I would recommend this story if you like fantasy and like to read about mysteries journeys. I am definitely looking forward to book two as I have to know how Ivan’s story ends.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Obviously, the author is greatly fascinated with Russian folk tales.
Out of this, came this charming and creative adaption, written with full attention
to detail, love to subject matter, humor and vivid imagination.
In this book, tales of Thrice-Nine Lands take place in a modern day USA,
in addition to kingdom of centuries old Russia.
There are many twists and turns. There are all elements of a fairy tale.
There are intriguing hints pointing to a Book 2.
I am not giving away any spoilers, just one.
The main hero, Ivan, is 27 years old. Can you guess why 27 ?
Read the Book 1, enjoy the story, and give it to your kids to read.
And after that you would want to read the Book 2 "Ivan and the Gray Wolf".
Out of this, came this charming and creative adaption, written with full attention
to detail, love to subject matter, humor and vivid imagination.
In this book, tales of Thrice-Nine Lands take place in a modern day USA,
in addition to kingdom of centuries old Russia.
There are many twists and turns. There are all elements of a fairy tale.
There are intriguing hints pointing to a Book 2.
I am not giving away any spoilers, just one.
The main hero, Ivan, is 27 years old. Can you guess why 27 ?
Read the Book 1, enjoy the story, and give it to your kids to read.
And after that you would want to read the Book 2 "Ivan and the Gray Wolf".
Review of advance copy received from Author
This review is based on an ARC copy I received from the author.
Ivan and the Firebird contains elements of a Russian fairytale about a character named Ivan who is aided in a quest by a wolf and a horse. In this iteration, Ivan is sent through a portal by a witch named Baba Yaga in order to find a mythical firebird. The portal lands him in Virginia at an equestrian ranch where he meets Harry the Horse. Hijinks obviously ensue after that meeting.
Ivan learns to trust others and himself while he searches for the firebird, and he also finds love and friendship along the way.
Ivan and the Firebird was a cozy and charming read. I was not familiar with the fairytale when I began this book, so I feel like I learned something along the way.
Ivan and the Firebird contains elements of a Russian fairytale about a character named Ivan who is aided in a quest by a wolf and a horse. In this iteration, Ivan is sent through a portal by a witch named Baba Yaga in order to find a mythical firebird. The portal lands him in Virginia at an equestrian ranch where he meets Harry the Horse. Hijinks obviously ensue after that meeting.
Ivan learns to trust others and himself while he searches for the firebird, and he also finds love and friendship along the way.
Ivan and the Firebird was a cozy and charming read. I was not familiar with the fairytale when I began this book, so I feel like I learned something along the way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved Ivan and the Firebird! It’s a modern fairytale that brings classic characters into today’s world in a way that feels natural and believable.
The story moves quickly and is full of unexpected twists—I couldn’t put it down. I found myself completely absorbed in Ivan’s journey, rooting for him from start to finish.
This is a story about friendship, love, and courage. I felt genuinely connected to the characters, and by the end, I was a little sad to leave them behind. My favorite was Harry, the magical horse—loyal, charming, and full of personality.
This was such an enjoyable, immersive read—perfect for a quiet evening when you want to escape into a magical world for a while.
The story moves quickly and is full of unexpected twists—I couldn’t put it down. I found myself completely absorbed in Ivan’s journey, rooting for him from start to finish.
This is a story about friendship, love, and courage. I felt genuinely connected to the characters, and by the end, I was a little sad to leave them behind. My favorite was Harry, the magical horse—loyal, charming, and full of personality.
This was such an enjoyable, immersive read—perfect for a quiet evening when you want to escape into a magical world for a while.
June 21, 2026
If you love cultural myths turned into fresh fairy tale stories, you will love Ivan and the Firebird. Ivan hopes for a better world where he and his family is free from hunger. He goes in search of the firebird hoping to find a feather and make a wish to save his village.
He finds himself in a predicament and is sent to a modern day village instead. I enjoyed Ivan’s innocence and capacity to make a lot of mistakes because of it.
This is a clean fairy tale with a touch of romance. I liked that it has a MMC as the innocent main character and found the story appropriate for teens as well as adults.
I really enjoyed this book and found it a great cleanser between heavier stories. I am rating it 4. 1/2 stars.
I received this book from the author and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
He finds himself in a predicament and is sent to a modern day village instead. I enjoyed Ivan’s innocence and capacity to make a lot of mistakes because of it.
This is a clean fairy tale with a touch of romance. I liked that it has a MMC as the innocent main character and found the story appropriate for teens as well as adults.
I really enjoyed this book and found it a great cleanser between heavier stories. I am rating it 4. 1/2 stars.
I received this book from the author and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This book is an interesting interpretation of the Slavic folklore.
It takes place in modern day Virginia, USA and in the Thrice-Nine Lands of old Russia.
Main character is a popular folklore hero "dimwit" Ivan.
Ivan is on a quest ordered by most feared Russian evil witch Baba Yaga.
Both worlds have characters with magical powers. Some characters help Ivan.
The evil characters try to break him.
Slavic folklore is creatively reimagined. Even if you are familiar with it,
you wouldn't guess what happens next.
The book is very well written, with humor and authentic details.
It is perfect for both adults and children.
It takes place in modern day Virginia, USA and in the Thrice-Nine Lands of old Russia.
Main character is a popular folklore hero "dimwit" Ivan.
Ivan is on a quest ordered by most feared Russian evil witch Baba Yaga.
Both worlds have characters with magical powers. Some characters help Ivan.
The evil characters try to break him.
Slavic folklore is creatively reimagined. Even if you are familiar with it,
you wouldn't guess what happens next.
The book is very well written, with humor and authentic details.
It is perfect for both adults and children.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This book is unique and very imaginative adaptation
of Russian folk tales. It takes place in two space-time worlds, connected via portal:
centuries old Russia and modern day Virginia, USA.
Both worlds have magic power and magic heroes.
There are all elements of a good fairy tail: good main hero Ivan on the quest,
his helpers, his villains, his struggles to accomplish the goal,
the unexpected encounters and turns of events.
Characters are well developed with their quirky personalities.
There is love story. There is unexpected ending.
There is anticipation for the next book.
I would highly recommend this enjoyable story to both adults and children.
of Russian folk tales. It takes place in two space-time worlds, connected via portal:
centuries old Russia and modern day Virginia, USA.
Both worlds have magic power and magic heroes.
There are all elements of a good fairy tail: good main hero Ivan on the quest,
his helpers, his villains, his struggles to accomplish the goal,
the unexpected encounters and turns of events.
Characters are well developed with their quirky personalities.
There is love story. There is unexpected ending.
There is anticipation for the next book.
I would highly recommend this enjoyable story to both adults and children.
June 8, 2026
First, I want to thank Alexandra Pugachevsky for sending me the ARC.
This book mixes fairytale, folklore and reality together.
It has been a while, since I read a fairytale book.
I loved how the fairytale and reality mix so good.
How Ivan adapts to a whole new world. Where everything is new for him.
And Lisa, who doesn't believe in fairytales, in the beginning. Starts to believe in fairytales.
I fell in love with Harry the horse. He is so cute and adorable.
I wish, there was more of a love story between Ivan and Lisa. Sometimes it felt a little forced between them.
Maybe it is, because they are from different worlds.
The book ends with a cilffhanger.
This book mixes fairytale, folklore and reality together.
It has been a while, since I read a fairytale book.
I loved how the fairytale and reality mix so good.
How Ivan adapts to a whole new world. Where everything is new for him.
And Lisa, who doesn't believe in fairytales, in the beginning. Starts to believe in fairytales.
I fell in love with Harry the horse. He is so cute and adorable.
I wish, there was more of a love story between Ivan and Lisa. Sometimes it felt a little forced between them.
Maybe it is, because they are from different worlds.
The book ends with a cilffhanger.
Read
June 29, 2026Ivan and the Firebird is a charming and imaginative fantasy that breathes fresh life into classic Russian folklore.
Alexandra Pugachevsky skillfully combines myth, adventure, romance, and humor to create an unforgettable journey of courage and self-discovery. Ivan's heartfelt transformation, paired with magical quests and richly drawn folklore, makes for a captivating story that feels both timeless and refreshingly original.
Overall, it's an engaging read for fans of fairy tale retellings, Russian folklore, portal fantasy, romantic fantasy, magical adventures, and character-driven stories of courage, destiny, and hope.
Alexandra Pugachevsky skillfully combines myth, adventure, romance, and humor to create an unforgettable journey of courage and self-discovery. Ivan's heartfelt transformation, paired with magical quests and richly drawn folklore, makes for a captivating story that feels both timeless and refreshingly original.
Overall, it's an engaging read for fans of fairy tale retellings, Russian folklore, portal fantasy, romantic fantasy, magical adventures, and character-driven stories of courage, destiny, and hope.
May 21, 2026
Review of an ARC received by the author
I really enjoyed the fairytale elements of this story and the russian folk elements I learned about through reading it! However, I found it very simply written, almost YA, and for that reason I don’t feel like the gap between modern day and Zorya was spanned well. I felt some of the transitions were rushed and poorly explained but it was creative and the writing style was fitting for Ivan’s character. I was lucky to receive and ARC and would highly recommend this for like.. a middle school mythology or english class!
I really enjoyed the fairytale elements of this story and the russian folk elements I learned about through reading it! However, I found it very simply written, almost YA, and for that reason I don’t feel like the gap between modern day and Zorya was spanned well. I felt some of the transitions were rushed and poorly explained but it was creative and the writing style was fitting for Ivan’s character. I was lucky to receive and ARC and would highly recommend this for like.. a middle school mythology or english class!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had received a gifted copy of this book from Alexandra Pugachevsky. This book was breathtaking. I could put it down. The mystery behind each character along with all the twists and turns each chapter took was amazing. If you love books about magic and quest you will love this book. A book that hooks in you from the start, makes you feel like you are actually there with them. Brilliant book. Mark your calendar for 6th June
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Ivan and the Firebird” completely pulled me into its magical world 🩵 Full of adventure, friendship, courage, and beautiful Slavic folklore. I loved following Ivan’s journey and honestly couldn’t put it down! 📖🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
If you love whimsical fantasy, heartfelt friendships, and fairytale vibes, this one is definitely worth picking up ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
If you love whimsical fantasy, heartfelt friendships, and fairytale vibes, this one is definitely worth picking up ✨
June 21, 2026
I want to thank the author for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this one wasn't the right fit for me, and I decided to DNF at 104 pages. I found the writing style to be much younger and more simplistic than I personally prefer, and the pacing felt very slow, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. It took me several weeks to reach this point, and ultimately I chose not to continue.
While this book didn't work for my tastes, other readers who enjoy a more youthful writing style and slower-paced fantasy may have a different experience. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this title.
Unfortunately, this one wasn't the right fit for me, and I decided to DNF at 104 pages. I found the writing style to be much younger and more simplistic than I personally prefer, and the pacing felt very slow, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. It took me several weeks to reach this point, and ultimately I chose not to continue.
While this book didn't work for my tastes, other readers who enjoy a more youthful writing style and slower-paced fantasy may have a different experience. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this title.
July 8, 2026
I loved the concept of the book - the idea to mix the Russian/Slavic fairytale and modern America life is brilliant. I enjoyed reading it and meeting all familiar characters in a new setting. I also liked the writing style, it's easy to read, so it's a perfect book to relax and unwind.
I am looking forward to the second part to see where adventures will take Ivan and Lisa.
I am looking forward to the second part to see where adventures will take Ivan and Lisa.
May 20, 2026
REVIEW OF ADVANCE COPY RECEIVED BY AUTHOR
As a lover of folktales, this was such a great read! I love these characters very much-Harry being my absolute favorite! But all have intriguing personalities and you care for them all! So much to look forward to in the next book!
As a lover of folktales, this was such a great read! I love these characters very much-Harry being my absolute favorite! But all have intriguing personalities and you care for them all! So much to look forward to in the next book!
June 6, 2026
Review of E-ARC from the Author. Thank you!!!
This was cute and cozy little Russian folktale. I love how it was full of adventures, friendship, creative, and how beautiful it was written. I love how magical is book made me feel. Definitely recommend ❤️ I read this book in one sitting.
This was cute and cozy little Russian folktale. I love how it was full of adventures, friendship, creative, and how beautiful it was written. I love how magical is book made me feel. Definitely recommend ❤️ I read this book in one sitting.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It was a little hard to follow at times, but I liked the main characters & story.
June 7, 2026
This was truly a sweet read if you are looking for spice this is not the book. Its such a sweet read and friendship! I was totally invested in the main characters growth and joirney
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book felt like a soft, magical fairytale that I didn’t want to end. Ivan really stood out to me. He’s kind, gentle, and always seen as the “least important” in his village, but he’s actually the one with the biggest heart. I liked watching him step into a world where he finally gets to be more than what people think of him.
I also liked the mix of Slavic folklore and modern-day Virginia. It sounds like it wouldn’t work, but it actually does. It made the story more interesting and easy to follow. The romance between Ivan and Lisa is very slow and soft. It doesn’t feel rushed at all, just two people slowly getting close without forcing anything.
In the end, it just gave me a warm, a little bittersweet feeling. If you like fairy tales, portal fantasy, and slow, soft romance, this is a nice one to read.
I also liked the mix of Slavic folklore and modern-day Virginia. It sounds like it wouldn’t work, but it actually does. It made the story more interesting and easy to follow. The romance between Ivan and Lisa is very slow and soft. It doesn’t feel rushed at all, just two people slowly getting close without forcing anything.
In the end, it just gave me a warm, a little bittersweet feeling. If you like fairy tales, portal fantasy, and slow, soft romance, this is a nice one to read.
June 15, 2026
I had received a gifted copy of this book from Alexandra Pugachevsky for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book. I could not put this book down. I ate this book up!
An enchanted feather. An impossible quest. A portal between two worlds that opens the door to love. If you’re ready for an adventure this book comes out June 6th so mark your calendar!
I absolutely loved this book. I could not put this book down. I ate this book up!
An enchanted feather. An impossible quest. A portal between two worlds that opens the door to love. If you’re ready for an adventure this book comes out June 6th so mark your calendar!
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