Fortune's Ashes

The Firebrand Series, Book 7

By: Helen Harper

Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart

A new power. A new threat. And some very new dangers.

Everything is falling apart. I've been cursed with the ability to catch glimpses of the future. It's a power which Lukas despises but it's one that I can't seem to get rid of. I'm also in trouble at work. Somebody else is claiming that they are the one true phoenix and that my entire existence is built on lies.

At least I have a cold case to investigate which will take my mind off my woes. Investigating the mysterious disappearance of an entrepreneurial gremlin is bound to keep me busy and focused—and surely nothing else is going to go wrong and nobody is going to get hurt.

Right?

©2022 Helen Harper (P)2023 Tantor

Ups and Downs

I skipped book 6 in this series because I don't enjoy characters who are immature about relationships, and the reviews warned me that this would be the case in that book. I figured by book 7 that issue would be resolved.... but nope, the book starts out with the main character being immature, whiny, and grumpy to everyone she sees for the first several chapters, and apparently when her boyfriend proposed in the previous book, instead of, you know... communicating... with him, she just ran away and has been avoiding him. So, nope, the immaturity issue wasn't resolved until well into this book. And I got really, really tired of hearing "I put my hand on my belly." I very nearly gave up on the book after a few chapters because it was more frustrating than enjoyable, but I stuck with it and she does eventually get her act together. I did enjoy the murder mystery aspect of the book and the good use of returning characters, and I didn't guess the whodunit until just before the detective made the connection. One character's changing outlook on his future made me smile at the end, and I appreciated that she figured out how to use her new abilities to help others.

Sad to see the end of this series but it was a great ride!!

This book was a great conclusion to an amazing series. Full of twist and turns and the perfect hea!!

Buffy alone is worth the price of admission

Thankfully, the F bombs dropped only sporadically in this installment. The drooling over guys’ rears also dropped to a single occasion … and it wasn’t even Emma doing the drooling. Both of these things “mostly” helped to avoid the juvenile feel in an otherwise adult paranormal police procedural series. I say mostly because on the home front, there’s still a very juvenile approach to romance.

I was exasperated by Emma’s childish approach to her relationship with Lucas. It’s bad enough we have the cliche romance between a young lady and an elder vampire, but does that have to mean that ordinarily smart Emma is a complete ninny when it comes to talking through relationship concerns? As the summary pointed out, Emma has unwillingly become a Cassandra, getting visions of the future. Because she’s scared of how he’ll handle the change, we’re supposed to believe that Emma, a supernatural who’s also a detective constable, runs away from Lucas and gives him the silent treatment for nearly a month … after he proposed? Who does that?! I really wish the author would stop writing Emma’s romance like she’s a high school airhead.

Thank goodness for Buffy the werewolf, who’s slightly unhinged and amusingly finds romance while getting in Emma’s way. Buffy’s part in the procedural gave the perfect counterbalance to what was a rather outlandish caper involving attacks against the sup squad. Even though I’m worried that the author is bent on giving Emma 2.5 kids, a dog and a white picket fence, this was fun enough that I’ll move on with the series and pray the focus remains firmly on paranormal police procedurals.

And Tellulah. I’m still hoping for an installment revealing Tellulah as a supernatural of some sort, maybe a trapped spirit needing Emma to free her? Wouldn’t that be fun?

Great resolution to the series.

This was a great resolution to the series. If you’ve listened/read any other Helen Harper series, you will be satisfied by the ending but intrigued about potential spin offs. If you are looking for a fun paranormal whodunit series with a bit of romantic interest, this is a great 7-book adventure. It’s serious enough to keep your attention but light enough to not be depressing with gritty plot lines. The MC is solid and not wimpy and a bit humble as she grows into her new skills and paranormal life. The recurring supporting characters are fleshed out with individual personalities. Whether you listen/read your series in one marathon session or savor the books over months, this series is worth the time and credits.

Too Obnoxious

I have read the whole series. I tried to like the heroine, but I just can't. Why do authors think it has to be a likeable character or a strong one. Why can't it be both. Every time I think Emma might be likeable, she acts like an immature child or a rude , arrogant b***h. I kept asking myself why Lucas could be so devoted, but he's a vampire, so maybe a pulse is all it takes?!?
I bought this book because of the narrator. She is just excellent. I love her work on every book she narrates. The other reason to listen to this book is for the supporting characters. The great supporting "cast" makes Emma even more disappointing. The others can be funny/pleasant and strong (see Buffy). Emma is the real disaster of this series.
The Emma character is a stereotype of a childish, independant woman that thinks taking help is asign of weakness, even from someone that loves you. This is a bigger social problem reflected in this book series. Powerful women can't do it all, but in this bookEmma gets stronger with every resurrection, but not any wiser. That's the real shame in the writing.