Max Frei is the pen name of Svetlana Yuryevna Martynchik, a fantasy writer born on February 22, 1965, in Odesa, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union. She is known for her work in the Russian language and predominantly publishes in Russia, although she holds Ukrainian citizenship. Martynchik resides in Vilnius, Lithuania.

She is renowned for her series of novels set in the intricate world of Echo. Her work is often a collaborative effort with her spouse, the late artist Igor Styopin, who passed away in 2018. Together they crafted the character Max and his adventures within this universe.

Her notable series include the Laberintos de Ejo and Crónicas de Ejo. Some of her writings have been translated into Spanish, including "Forastero" and "Los reclutas de la eternidad".