The Firebird

By: Susanna Kearsley

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

Length: 14 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Nicola Marter was born with a gift. When she touches an object, she sometimes glimpses those who have owned it before. When a woman arrives with a small wooden carving at the gallery Nicola works at, she can see the object’s history and knows that it was named after the Firebird - the mythical creature from an old Russian fable.

Compelled to know more, Nicola follows a young girl named Anna who leads her into the past on a quest through the glittering backdrops of the Jacobites and Russian courts, unearthing a tale of love, courage, and redemption.

©2013 Susanna Kearsley (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Listened to This Years Ago

...and I remember not liking it but I could not remember why - so I listened to it again. This is an example of listening to something during an unreceptive time - maybe sleeping through some of it?

This was a very different type of historical romance 'lite' story about a time that - outside of Jacobite historians - knew about - well, me anyway. I didn't know Russia figured so prominently in Jacobite history - mostly as a refuge from England and Scotland. This theme is woven in a current story of a couple of psychics with a capability called psychometry. (Nic can see the history of things by touching them.) Interesting dynamics in the parallel story.

I'm glad I didn't write a review the first time I listened to it, since one cannot update or change a review - and honestly I do not remember much about the first listen.

The story is a continuation of "The Winter Sea" or now known as "Sophia's Secret" - which I remember enjoying a lot.

This is different, enjoyable, and worth the credit. I think I'm going to listen to "The Shadowy Horses" which sounds like it carries forward some characters in this story. More to come.

Lovely

Amazing narration. I loved every minute of it. I now have a new favorite author.

Overall I really enjoyed this book.

It had a bit of a slow start, but it was worth it. I really enjoyed the story. Also the narrator was excellent.

Great Read - Terrible Listen

What did you love best about The Firebird?

This is very good book, picking up where The Winter Sea leaves off

What did you like best about this story?

the historical elements

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Katherine Kellgren?

Anyone!

Any additional comments?

This is a great book - completely ruined by the narrator. Katherine Kellgren reads as through she is Chelsea Handler delivering one liners. There is absolutely no emotion or depth in her rendering of the characters or the story. If you want to enjoy this book - read it!

Wonderful Story. Kept me captivated all the way!

This was my first Susanna Kearsley story and I loved it. I bought the audio book because Katherine Kellgren is my favorite narrator and she lived up to my high expectations of her performance. The story was intriguing and fun, and provided many twists. I will definitely be reading more of Susanna's stories.

I got lost in the story

love this and could not stop listening. I'm sad it ended. I wished it went on.

Great character development, plot, and historical references

I wish the main character had a little more agency and said “I can’t less often”

Narration was grating!

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I love Kearsley's stories. But the narration for this story was painful. The reader has a "haughty" tone when reading as the main character. Miss Jane Hathaway from Beverly Hillbillies came to mind while listening. Then there's the way she runs sentences together - as if punctuation is merely a suggestion that can be ignored. Makes it hard to follow the story. It's like she was in a rush to get through the book.

How could the performance have been better?

A different narrator.

Not up to her usual

Sadly, this one did not engage me and I was somewhat disappointed. I suppose it's because the main character merely observes rather than engages in the history. There just wasn't enough in this book to live up to her others.

Good, but not gripping. I was able to put it down.

Would you try another book from Susanna Kearsley and/or Katherine Kellgren?

Maybe.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I actually think the story of Ana (the flashbacks) would've been fine without all of the modern stuff.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Katherine Kellgren?

Yes.

Did The Firebird inspire you to do anything?

Nope