This is a fantastic middle-grade fairy tale adventure drawing on Russian and Chinese folk traditions. A refugee Russian girl is waiting for her father to join her in China after the Russian Revolution, only her father doesn't arrive, and it seems as if he has been captured by an evil warlord. So, she sets off to find him and rescue him, in a forest full of strange creatures. The story is inspired by one of the authors' ancestors, and a brief memoir section after the story shows images of some of the people who inspired the story's characters. I really enjoyed this book and have already recommended it to several people.

As a Russian girl living in China, if it weren’t for her best friend, Su, then Lucy would be totally isolated. She’s lived away from Russia and her father, but finally the day arrives when he will return. However, when Lucy waits at the train station, the unthinkable happens: young fighting men have been stolen and forced into the terrible army of the criminal warlord known as Taotie. A man named after a mythical creature of insatiable greed. 👹 Lucy knows her father has been taken, because he leaves behind a feather from the legendary firebird, a revered creature in Russian folklore, known for bringing good fortune. 🐦‍🔥

🥟 She sets out on an adventure across China to take him back, and is joined by not only her best friend, but a mysterious gangster whose precious horse has also been taken by Taotie. But even this man has secrets of his own. In a world full of mythical creatures and magic, who can Lucy trust?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As someone who has lived abroad in China I was so excited to read this book, and even more privileged to do so ahead of publication day!
This is a fast-paced adventurous story, but along the way you are introduced to famous Chinese poetry, as well as folklore from both China and Russia. 🇷🇺 ❤️ 🇨🇳
The blend of both cultures was wonderful to read, as were the vivid descriptions of scenery that popped-out on page. 👀

A particularly interesting touch was the authors connection to China, with Russian relatives fleeing to Harbin, a haven for many Russian refugees, before eventually relocating to America over time. The tribute to her grandfather, and her own years in China was so touching! 😊

I wish this book every success once it hits the shelves later this year!

Short, sweet, and very fun, this is an inventive blend of Russian and Chinese folklore! Definitely recommended for any fans of Russian fairy tales! Thank you to NetGalley and Earnshaw Books for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

SO GOOD. LOVED TO READ THIS AMAZING STORY. I RATED THIS BOOK 4 STARS. SO SO SO GOOD. I RECOMMEND EVERYONE TO READ THIS BOOK ASAP.