Mystery and Magic Collide—Reviewing Helen Harper’s Brimstone Bound

Brimstone Bound by Helen Harper is the first book in the Firebrand series, and it offers a lively introduction into a supernatural London where the ordinary meets the extraordinary in unexpected ways. If you’re a fan of urban fantasy with a dash of police procedural, this book is likely to draw you in from the start.

What I Liked

The plot grabs you from the get-go with its mystery, supernatural intrigue, and fast-paced action. Emma Bellamy, the protagonist, is about to finish her detective training and expects to land a position in the Cyber Squad. However, she’s unexpectedly assigned to the Supernatural Squad—a place where detectives go to retire. This twist immediately sets the stage for an adventure filled with cranky werewolves, helpful vampires, and an array of strange happenings that challenge Emma’s resolve and detective skills.

Emma’s character is another highlight. She’s a strong-willed and driven woman, determined to prove herself in a world where supernaturals dominate. By refusing to let supernatural beings manipulate her, and embracing her vulnerability and occasional recklessness, she becomes a relatable and compelling character. I appreciated how Harper gave Emma a balance of strength and flaws, making her journey even more engaging. I loved that she's investigating her own death. Not many detectives get to do that.

The introduction of Lukas, the dark and mysterious vampire lord, amps up the intrigue. He reminds me of Eric Northman from The Southern Vampire Mysteries—a character who effortlessly embodies both the charm and danger of the supernatural world. Yet, Lukas has a slightly softer, more protective side when it comes to Emma, which hints at deeper motivations and potential future developments in their relationship.

The world-building, while leaning on some familiar urban fantasy tropes, is well-executed. The supernatural elements are integrated seamlessly into a modern London setting, creating a world that feels both mysterious and familiar. The action scenes, suspense, and tension throughout the book kept the pace brisk, making it a quick and enjoyable read.

What Didn’t Resonate with Me

While I found Brimstone Bound to be entertaining, there were certain aspects that didn’t quite resonate with my personal preferences. For one, the cover, though beautiful, is somewhat spoilery. It hints at aspects of Emma’s identity that the narrative only begins to explore, potentially spoiling a major reveal in future installments. This slightly dampened the mystery surrounding Emma’s supernatural connections, which I would have preferred to uncover through the story itself.

Another minor disappointment was the reveal of the killer. While the mystery element of the book was generally well-crafted, the final revelation felt a bit anticlimactic. The killer’s identity, once revealed, didn’t carry the shock or intensity that the buildup suggested. I started suspecting this character early on but dismissed it as too obvious, which left the resolution feeling somewhat flat.

Themes and Tropes

The book Brimstone Bound explores themes of identity, power dynamics, and resilience. Emma’s struggle to assert herself in a world where she is seen as an outsider reflects a broader theme of finding one’s place in a complex and often hostile environment. The tension between humans and supernaturals, along with the tangled politics within the supernatural community, are tropes familiar to urban fantasy, yet Harper handles them with enough originality to keep things fresh.

The mentor-mentee relationship between Emma and Tony Brown adds another layer to the story, providing a more grounded human element amidst the supernatural chaos. I was surprised to see that plot twist.

Final Thoughts

I'm so glad I started this series. Brimstone Bound is a promising beginning to an engaging urban fantasy series. With its well-crafted world, dynamic characters, and fast-paced plot, it’s a book that keeps you turning the pages. 

I would recommend Brimstone Bound to fans of urban fantasy, especially those who enjoy a mix of supernatural suspense and police procedural elements. It’s a fun, energetic read that delivers an entertaining escape into a world where the supernatural lurks just beneath the surface of everyday life.