Author: Gillian Philip
Published: Strident, 2010
Synopsis: It’s the last decade of the sixteenth century: a time of religious wars in the full-mortal world. But the Sithe are at peace, hidden behind the Veil that protects their world - until their queen, Kate NicNicven, determines to destroy it.
Seth MacGregor is the half-feral son of a Sithe nobleman. When his father is assassinated, and Seth is exiled with his brother Conal to the full-mortal world, they vow not only to survive, but to return to reclaim their fortress and save the Veil.
But even the Veil’s power can’t protect the brothers when the brutal witch-hunts begin…
From Strident Website
Star parts: I don't think I'm a big fan of YA. You know teenagers are just so awkward and troublesome and they think they're so grown up and know it all and they mess up so much. Really, who wants to read that? But I love fantasy and I'm planning on writing one, and it will probably be YA, so in the spirit of reading around the genre Firebrand ended up in my to-be-read pile. And really Seth MacGregor is one of those annoying teenagers, he's in love with the girl who will never have him. He takes ages to recognise the girl who is in love with him. He does stupid, stupid stuff. He's proud, he's a softie, he's all those things that teenagers are. In addition he's this kick ass fairie that can go into people's minds, fight like you wouldn't believe. He has this amazing horse thing and finds and rears two super cute wolves. Even when he is in big, big trouble he goes back for the wolves. How can you not begin to like him? Firebrand kind of crept into my mind, and instead of staying at my bedside I found myself sneaking a read whenever I could. You know, I think I really rather liked it. 
Black clouds: And to be perfectly honest when I started reading it, I wasn't at all sure that this was going to be the case. I found the first half of part one a little overly descriptive, with not enough action for my taste, but that was soon forgotten. The other little niggle was that there were times when I wasn't totally sure what was going on. I didn't quite get all the ins and outs of the political shenanigans that were going on at the beginning. But by the second half of the book I was really into it and now...
Do I recommend it: Yes, and Bloodstone the second book in the trilogy is out in August and one of those beautiful wolves is on the cover. Oh and did I mention that Seth is a tad on the vain side as well? This is the seventh book I've reviewed for the British Book Challenge. I've had a look at the Challenge rules, so I've done the Winston Churchill bit, but I'm heading for the Royal Family. Kudos to those who are going for the 50 reads in one year - Phewy. Now I need to get on with the other reviews, The Blackhope Enigma, Puddle Goblins, The Book of Dead Days and I'm in the middle of reading THE GOODMAN JESUS AND THE SCOUNDREL CHRIST.
6 comments:
I think you must have a psychic connection with my BBC posts.
I love Seth. I really do. I've just finished rereading Firebrnad and I loved it even more the second time around. I also loved the descriptive nature of the start. To be honest I just love Gillian's writing; it speaks to me.
Glad you liked it. I really enjoyed Firebrand; it's easily one of the best books I've read this year. Looking forward to Bloodstone now...
Hi Becky, weird isn't it. I wonder if you'll give away what I'm reading next month? And Beth tell me what you think of Bloodstone. Unless I get a BIG book token for my birthday I won't be buying books for a while (sob, sob, hint, hint).
Sounds like a great book. I love the title. Its very catchy.
I loved Firebrand. I think Seth is gorgeous and the whole Sithe world really readable.
Thanks
Lynn
Thanks Rachna, do try it, it's a good book. And thanks for dropping by Lynn. Have you read Bloodstone yet?
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