How to Read the Firebrand Series
Helen Harper's urban fantasy series is a highly linear urban fantasy police procedural. Because the overarching mystery of Emma Bellamy's phoenix heritage, her relationship with Vampire Lord Lukas Horvath, and the secrets behind her parents' deaths build from book to book, you should read the main series in strict publication order. Below is the recommended sequence to follow Emma's journey from a rookie detective to a powerful force in Supernatural London.
The Firebrand Core Reading Order
- Brimstone Bound (2020) – Emma Bellamy expects a quiet job in cybercrime but is assigned to the Supernatural Squad. She is promptly murdered, wakes up in the morgue twelve hours later as a newly realized phoenix, and must find her own killer.
- Infernal Enchantment (2020) – Emma investigates a series of mysterious grave robberies and the murder of a prominent vampire, all while trying to handle her growing attraction to Lukas Horvath.
- Midnight Smoke (2020) – London erupts into chaos with a supernatural bank heist and public disruptions. This installment also introduces Devereau Webb, a werewolf syndicate leader who becomes the star of the spin-off series.
- Scorched Heart (2021) – Emma travels back to her childhood village to investigate a copycat murder that mirrors the brutal killing of her parents when she was five years old, forcing her to confront her past.
- Dark Whispers (2021) – A high-stakes Supernatural Summit at the DeVane Hotel goes horribly wrong when a murder takes place inside, threatening to tear apart the fragile peace between humans and supernaturals.
- A Killer's Kiss (2022) – Emma hunts down a ruthless serial killer targeting vampires, werewolves, and pixies across London before she becomes the next target. (Note: Some retailers and databases list this book as A Killer Kiss).
- Fortune's Ashes (2023) – The final chapter in Emma's story. Armed with a chaotic new power to see glimpses of the future, Emma is framed for murder and must prove her innocence while someone else claims to be the only true phoenix.
Expanding the Universe: The Wolfbrand Spin-off
If you want to experience everything the Supernatural London universe has to offer, you should also read the Wolfbrand spin-off series. This duology shifts the spotlight to Devereau Webb, a newly turned werewolf navigating the dangerous criminal underworld and supernatural politics of London.
Where Wolfbrand Fits into the Timeline
- The Noose of a New Moon (2022) – This book picks up directly after the events of Midnight Smoke (Firebrand Book 3). It follows Devereau as he struggles to control his predatory wolf side and deal with illegal werewolf turnings.
- Licence to Howl (2023) – The second and final book in the Wolfbrand duology, concluding Devereau's personal arc.
Reading Advice: You can read the Wolfbrand series as a standalone, but the best experience is to insert it directly after reading Midnight Smoke (Book 3) to see Devereau's transition from supporting character to lead protagonist in real chronological time. Alternatively, you can read the complete Firebrand series first, then dive into Wolfbrand as a prequel/companion series.
What to Know Before You Start
Helen Harper's London is a gritty but witty urban fantasy setting where magic exists alongside bureaucracy. Before you dive in, keep these world-building rules in mind:
- Phoenix Lore: Emma's phoenix powers do not make her invincible. When she dies, she remains dead for exactly twelve hours before resurrecting in a burst of flames. This limitation creates high-stakes scenarios where she is vulnerable during her downtime.
- Romance Style: The relationship between Emma and Lukas is a slow-burn romance. Do not expect instant resolution; the chemistry develops gradually alongside the procedural crime cases.
- Audiobook Recommendation: The audiobooks, narrated by Ruth Urquhart, are highly recommended by fans for capturing Emma's snarky, determined voice and bringing the diverse cast of British supernaturals to life.