Step into the thrilling world of Firebrand, where London’s supernatural underbelly pulses with mystery and magic! Helen Harper’s urban fantasy series follows Detective Constable Emma Bellamy, a half-human, half-mythic policewoman navigating the chaotic Supernatural Squad. With a knack for cheating death and a fiery phoenix heritage, Emma’s adventures blend gritty police procedurals with vampire-werewolf drama, captivating readers with sharp wit and heart-pounding stakes.
From the shadowy streets of Soho to the bustling Supernatural Summit, Firebrand delivers a fresh take on urban fantasy. Its mix of identity exploration, power struggles, and slow-burn romance has fans hooked. Ready to dive into a world where the supernatural meets the procedural? Let’s explore Firebrand’s magic!
How Firebrand Began
Scottish author Helen Harper, known for her Blood Destiny series, launched Firebrand in 2020 with Brimstone Bound. Inspired by her love for urban fantasy and police procedurals, Harper crafted a London where vampires, werewolves, and other creatures coexist under strict laws. Emma Bellamy emerged as a relatable yet extraordinary protagonist, whose mysterious resurrection powers set the stage for a series that’s both thrilling and introspective. Harper’s goal? To blend supernatural suspense with character-driven storytelling, creating a saga that feels both fantastical and grounded.
The Heart of Firebrand
The Firebrand series kicks off with Brimstone Bound (2020), where Emma, expecting a cybercrime gig, lands in the Supernatural Squad. After being murdered and waking up alive in the morgue, she tackles a werewolf killer while unraveling her phoenix lineage. Infernal Enchantment (2020) sees her investigating grave robberies and a vampire’s death, all while dodging a crush on the enigmatic Lord Horvath. Midnight Smoke (2020) ramps up the chaos with a bank heist, a suicidal vampire, and werewolf-hijacked buses. Scorched Heart (2021) takes Emma to her childhood village, probing a copycat murder tied to her parents’ deaths.
Harper’s London is a vibrant backdrop, teeming with vampires, werewolves, ghouls, and pixies. Themes of identity—especially Emma’s quest to understand her phoenix nature—anchor the series, while power dynamics between humans and supernaturals add tension. The style is fast-paced, with snarky banter and clever mysteries that keep readers guessing. Fans praise the series for its world-building and Emma’s growth from rookie to respected detective, making each book a compulsive read.
Why Firebrand Resonates
Firebrand has carved a niche in urban fantasy by blending police procedural grit with supernatural flair. Readers love Emma’s resilience and Harper’s ability to weave complex mysteries with emotional depth. The series’ focus on identity and belonging resonates with fans, while its diverse supernatural cast adds freshness to the genre. Reviews on platforms like Goodreads highlight the audiobooks, narrated by Ruth Urquhart, for enhancing the experience with vivid character voices. Firebrand’s growing fanbase proves its staying power, offering a thrilling escape for urban fantasy lovers.
- First Book: Brimstone Bound (2020)
- Total Books: Seven, concluding with Fortune’s Ashes (2022)
- Setting: Alternate London with supernatural communities
- Author: Helen Harper, Scottish urban fantasy writer
Grab Brimstone Bound and dive into Firebrand’s spellbinding world of mystery, magic, and mayhem!