Infernal Enchantment

Firebrand Series, Book 2

By: Helen Harper

Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart

Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's Summary

A gruesome case of grave-robbing lands on Detective Constable Emma Bellamy's desk. But is there more to it than meets the eye?

Being the sole police detective in London's Supernatural Squad is no easy task. I have to navigate my way through a world teeming with supernatural creatures, from vampires to werewolves and everything else in between. My inexperience might count against me but my own shocking supernatural abilities will stand me in good stead - especially when I'm confronted yet again by the gruesome spectre of death....

A vampire has been mysteriously killed in the centre of the city. 

Werewolf graves have been plundered for their bodies. 

And I think I might be developing an ill-advised crush on a certain black eyed vampire Lord. 

Infernal Enchantment is the second book in the thrilling Firebrand urban fantasy series. If you like dark twisty mysteries, smart heroines, and the faintest touch of slow-burn romance, then you'll love Helen Harper's mystical adventure.

©2020 Helen Harper (P)2020 Tantor

Phoenix rising - improves on the first

On the plus side, book 2 expands on the tired vampires vs werewolves schtick, adding ghouls and opening the door on Emma as a Phoenix. Also, there are several new, and hopefully recurring characters to add more variety, including a pickpocket crime boss and fleshing out the personalities of the four alpha weres. The mystery is also better written. The multi-book plots of Emma’s nature and the potential romance with Lucas proceeds slowly (reaaaal slow in the case of romance). Emma dies a lot, and there’s potential for humor and growth, ala Buffy the Vampire Slayer snark (please lean into the fun!, fingers crossed for future books!)

On the down side, this is still a pretty shallow, almost cozy listen (there’s occasional Fx, but otherwise these are profanity, gore, and sex-free). The lack of clever dialogue or detail on settings or character backstories keep this in matinee popcorn territory. Worse, at this point, two books in, the characters are all whiter than white, with ultra white characters with ultra white names (Emma, Lucas, Frank), and ultra white customs and cultures. The lack of human diversity is particularly unfortunate considering the diversity of paranormal creatures in this modern day London area.
But, I still found this a fun sale listen, and hope book 3 continues to improve.

For better London paranormal series, I recommend:
📍Alex Verus, with a 12 book series arc. Verus may be your typical white “Dresden” MC, but the supporting cast includes fabulous gals, minorities, and creatures. This is missing the police procedural side, but weaves a better tale of good vs. evil.
📍Rivers of London series, starting with Midnight Riot, and starring half black Peter the detective and fledgling magician. The writing is more complex, funny, and also dark.

If you want fantastic, and fun, urban fantasy with a non-police, mystery procedural, head across the pond to Texas and the Hidden Legacy series, written by author team Ilona Andrews. Don’t let the weird romance covers turn you off; these books are more about magic, action, and family than romance.

Please, please continue this series beyond a trilogy!

This is a fantastic world Helen Harper has created; narrated flawlessly by Ruth Urquart picks up where book 1 left off.
D’Artagnan (Emma) is now Londons only Detective in the Supe department. She is blazing a new path forward in her life. She is strong, funny and so very smart. The mysteries are fantastic and can easily see this series having life beyond the trilogy format.

Please please continue this series!

Fun adventure

I enjoyed this book. It had some mild humor ,good adventure scenes, good plot. Not crazy about the voice. But I got used to it. I am sticking to this series.....wish each book was longer.

A solid second book

While not as good as the first book, still an excellent story with lots to enjoy. Looking forward to the third book. The narrator was once again outstanding.

Review

I am absolutely in love with this story and the narrator is a new favorite of mine!!

Interesting and Fun Series

The limitations placed on the familiar myths and legends of the supernatural is a great grounding for this series.

The story has legs and manages to keep the up and down emotional beats. I look forward to seeing how the characters grow.

great story

I really like the characters in this series. looking forward to reading more by this author.