A story written and illustrated by Ruth Sanderson called 'The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring'. Long time ago in a world similar to ours yet very different, where animals are capable of undestanding human speech or blazing embers take to the skies, and magic exists. This is the tone of this Russian folktale. The tale is told about customs that reminded me of an old century, but one where magical creatures used to roam the lands and adventurers went out to experience it all and hoped to possibly profit from them. A young huntsman, Alexis, seeking journey gets what he wants after sparing the life of a beautiful talking golden mare who aids him on his adventures under a Tsar of the lands. This selfish and jealousTsar sends him on quests that no other can accomplish, as no one had a talking mare advising and assisting them on their quests. These were not quests tbat the huntsman hoped to do. Capturing a Firebird with the right to fly freely and a girl with the right to say "no" to a Tsar trying to marry her forcefully, is all dream gone bad leading our huntsman to seeing the right thing to do in time to undo his wrongs. ( )

Kind huntsman Alexi earns the help of the golden mare when he spares her life. She helps him to accomplish great feats.

I wouldn't recommend this book to young readers. IN the book the main character is sent to his death. Which is how he found the mare. Its a folklore based on, russian story about the Tsar. ( )

Wonderful detailed illustration make the reader feel like they are right there. I wasn't impressed with this book. How arrogant the King was in sending Alexi to do deeds or be put to death. I would not recommend this book for young readers. ( )

When Alexi spares the life of a mysterious horse, he is rewarded for his kindness. The Golden Mare promises to help the young man become a huntsman for the Tsar. But the greedy ruler wants more than Alexi’s services; he wants the Golden Mare. The Tsar demands that Alexi capture the elusive Firebird, bring Yelena the Fair to his palace, and find her ring so that she will marry. Each time the Golden Mare saves Alexi, until the young man and Yelena trick the Tsar into jumping into a cauldron of boiling water. He changes from an old man to a baby, and is adopted by the new Tsar, Alexi, and his queen, Yelena.

Both Sanderson’s story and artwork are rich and detailed. The illustrations are oil on canvas on double-page spreads. The feathers of the firebird glow, the czar’s jewels sparkle, and the waters of the Lake of the Sun reflect back the beauty of Sanderson’s landscapes. The text is unobtrusive and often decorated with intricate borders. Readers may find the story somewhat long – according to the author’s note, this book is a retelling of four different Russian fairy tales – but will be encouraged by the illustrations and exciting plot. As with most fairy tales, the characters are somewhat two-dimensional, though Alexi ponders issues of freedom and captivity. ( )