Books & Reviews
Firebrand
Rebel Angels Book One
Seth MacGregor is the half-feral, bastard son of a Sithe nobleman. It’s the last decade of the sixteenth century: a time of religious wars and witch-hunts in the full-mortal world. But the Sithe are at peace – until their queen, Kate NicNiven, determines to destroy the protecting Veil.
When his father Griogair is assassinated, and Seth is exiled with his brother Conal to the full-mortal world, they vow to survive, to return to reclaim their fortress and save the Veil.
But even its power can’t protect the brothers when the witch-hunts begin.
Nominated for the David Gemmell Legend Award.
Longlisted for the North Lanarkshire Catalyst Award.
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Reviews of Firebrand
‘A fantastically violent, utterly thrilling tale… The contemporary use of enchantment in children’s literature is extensive – but Firebrand is one of the very best. Like Alan Garner, Philip reforges our most popular myths. Seth exudes a surly sexiness that girls will swoon over, but his rudeness, gutsiness and sense of humour will appeal to boys as much as the wild Scottish landscape in which he fights, hunts and rides for his life. Philip’s clear prose is as fiery as whisky… this has to be the best children’s fantasy novel of 2010’
– Amanda Craig, The Times
‘A completely fresh and exciting fantasy for teenagers… Philip has created an utterly believable other world, where make and female are equals in arms. It is often stark and brutal but with moments of heartbreaking beauty. I haven’t enjoyed a book in this genre so much since Susan Price’s The Sterkarm Handshake.’
– Mary Hoffman, The Guardian
‘Philip’s imagination is enviable and the settings and characters are solid, chunky, 3D creations. Seth is feral, loyal, vulnerable and real. This is adventure writing of immense and energetic skill.’
– Keith Gray, The Scotsman
‘This brilliant novel is a story of loyalty and betrayal, families and clans, battle and courage and, above all, love in all its forms… it is stark and brutal in places but is excellent storytelling in its truest sense.’
– Louise Stothard, Armadillo
‘There are so many things about this book that make me crazy with love… I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It takes you to the wilds of Scotland and makes you smell the air and feel rugged ground beneath your feet. The story wraps around your heart… Gillian Philip is a breathtaking writer.’
– The Bookette. Read the full review.
‘Firebrand is a fantastic tale of treachery and love, and it’s the kind of book you just want to sit down and read and read… Gillian may write whatever she likes. I’m likely to like it.’
– Ann Giles, Bookwitch, Read the full review.
‘In Firebrand Gillian has taken her own mythic heritage and made it into something rare, new and infinitely exciting… I REALLY, REALLY LOVE THIS BOOK!’
– Lucy Coats, Scribble City Central. Read the full review plus Mythic Friday interview.
‘Oh, Firebrand is a wonderful, wonderful read. It’s everything fantasy should be: peopled with vital, charismatic characters; intensely personal stories; big, arching themes of power and greed, love and loyalty.’
– Jill Murphy, The Bookbag. Read the full review.
‘An action-packed, fast-paced novel… I NEED to know what happens next!’
– Our Book Reviews Online. Read the full review.
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