DNF. Also didn't read the prior two, so that may have had something to do with it. Pacing was just too slow, and I wasn't captured by any of the characters.

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. ( )

Solid fantasy. I regret not reading the others in the series first. This seems almost young adult but you need to have some background in more than one area of myth to really enjoy the fusion she has created. I'm going to get the other two books if I can. I'll let Mom read them in order. ( )

Medeoan is dead, Valin Kalami has vanished, hence the Phoenix, one of the four heavenly guardians of the empire of Hung-Tse, is freed from its tormented imprisonment. Bridget Lederle after witnessing the release of this mighty spirit returns to Isavalta. There she is summoned to an interview with the queen of the lokai during which she is forewarned of the Firebird’s intent for retribution; on all who caged it, and on all who abandoned it to this fate for thirty years. But that is not all the information the Vixen imparts – hinting strongly to Bridget that her daughter Anna is still alive.

Thus The Firebird’s Vengeance weaves, at last, all the strands of the stories from the previous two books into the final act. Sarah Zettel creates a remarkable world of fascinating customs and culture, filled with captivating beliefs and magical abilities while offering, concurrently, an interesting opinion on the game of thrones and the powers inherent behind them. The story now encompasses all the lands around Isavalta, from Hung-Tse, Tuukos, and Hastinapura then across the Land of Death and Spirit to Wisconsin, where Bridget searches for answers to her daughter’s whereabouts; and ultimately for a solution to counter this terrible threat. Through this, the reader is instructed in the society of each empire, the rigid systems of attitudes and viewpoints, the structure of the populace, and the requirements of each culture; as a result providing the underlying basis for the whole plot device.

I really enjoyed these books. I found the fantasy enthralling, the story convincing and the divinities, their powers and their place in each realm, unique and attractive. For once, the ending, while satisfactorily resolved did not seem too rushed or too neatly afforded a result; with enough issues remaining to allow future tales. This series was an enchanting, engrossing, absorbing read – another talented author to watch.

(Mar 30, 2008) ( )

I really am enjoying this series. Very well written, makes you want to read the next one. ( )