Scorched Heart

Firebrand Series, Book 4

By: Helen Harper

Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart

Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

My parents were brutally murdered when I was five years old. Their killer has spent the last 25 years in prison for his terrible crimes - but I still have unanswered questions. After all, I am the phoenix. When I die, I am reborn in fire and brimstone. It happens again and again and again. I have no idea where my strange ability came from and nobody to ask.

Now another shocking murder has been committed in the small village where my parents died and there is evidence which suggests the killer is supernatural. The crime gives me the perfect reason to return to my childhood home. I can offer my expertise as a Supe Squad detective - and seek the truth behind what I really am.

The trouble is that I might not like what I find.

©2020 Helen Harper (P)2021 Tantor

Phoenix spelled Phantastic!

One of the really interesting things about audio books is how when you purchase a book you are given suggestions to others you may like .. to authors actually that you may like. This happened a couple years ago with Hellen Harper. The other day I was re-listening to her 'Lazy Girl's Guide to Magic" series and bemoaning the fact that there were only three books. I had clicked her name at some point and found this Firebrand series. Oh my! What a great read these books are. I have always enjoyed Ms Harpers writing but she seems to have reached the tipping point and moved her writing from simply .. really enjoyable to "I can't stop listening .. don't care what time it is .. and when is the next book going to come out". Having reached the end of the current book in the series I am now a bit depressed .. but .. I shall soldier on and look at other books of hers I haven't read yet.

Third times not just a charm,,

It's still fun!
Yup, third time, read whole series again. Still wish #5 would happen.
Really good story. Excellent characters. The description of clothes and
locations are just enough to make sure you don't get lost, not overdone.
Loved it again and again and again!

Thanks, Kaye

Still A Big Fan of This Series

I like Lucas and Emma together a lot. They work well together and it’s an upbeat part of the books. I liked the Druid storyline and hope some simple magic continues in the storyline.

I enjoyed learning more about Emma's past and how she came to be.

Looking forward to the next installment. My fave series, so hope it continues for a long while.

Ruth Urquhart does a great job as narrator.

Great

This is another great addition to the series. I find I can pin point the bad guys decently well in these but it’s not disappointing at all. It’s nice to be right! Can’t wait to listen to the next one.

Helen Harper did a great job as always.

I wish she would write faster. I really enjoy her storyline and characters. The twists she uses keep her books entertaining.

Much better than book 3

Having firmly left the nonsense in book 3 behind, this was a good story with enough twists and turns to keep it exciting while also doing some excellent world building.

And once again, Ruth Urquhart did an amazing job.

Road trip makes for a Grimm-er vibe

I like this series for Emma, a strong MC with the unique power of the Phoenix, who doesn’t need a man to save her. I also like that each book brings a self contained paranormal mystery procedural featuring one or two new creatures or magics. And, I like that the series is more about magic and mystery than just an “old vampire-young girl” romance schtick.

In this installment, Emma heads to her country childhood home and confronts murders new and old. Without the London setting and the weres vs vampires dynamic, this story feels a bit more Sleepy Hollow or Grimm’s Fairy Tales… all superstitious townsfolk, moonless nights, and goosebump stalker vibes.
I quite enjoyed this more intimate, isolated story, even if it did limit the number of regulars featured-
it’s mostly the Emma-show, with a side of Lucas and a smatter of her Sup Squad. Still, I look forward to the next book, which promises to get back to London and the larger cast.

amazing!

another amazing story by Helen Harper! The series is so great. The narrator is also fantastic. So well written and enjoyable.

Favorite Reads

Love anything by Helen Harper. Awesome narration. Highly recommend. Had me hoping for a fifth book in series.

use speed option if needed

I had a rough start getting used to the accent and pace of the performer reading this although I love this performance. I'm less cultured than I may like but after getting into the story I just adapted, my inner Monolog even had an accent (slightly annoying) it has the most comfortable balance of campy and enthralling without over doing either making for a wonderful series to binge while relaxing