Saturday Sample: Firebrand by Gillian Philip

Again, my new feature where I post the opening few lines of one of my favourite books. I'd love it if you want to join in, do the same on your blog, and leave me a comment here with a link!

Extract:

"The courtyard stinks of animals and muck and human waste. And wasted humans, I can’t help thinking, because beneath the stench and the louring sunset sky lies the taint of death, like a stain that can’t be shifted. My brother isn’t the first to die here, and he won’t be the last."

Longer extract can be found at the awesome Wondrous Reads, by the way.


Why I love it:

Narrator Seth MacGregor, hot-headed and fiercely loyal, is an absolutely superb central character and Philip creates a wonderful supporting cast for him and not one but TWO amazing worlds as we see Seth and brother Jamie in our world - in the 16th century - and their world, beyond the veil with the rest of the Fair Folk. The first in a four-part series, this is one which is definitely worth picking up right now - especially since sequel Bloodstone is out in a couple of months!

For more on Firebrand, my review is here while there's an interview Gillian Philip was kind enough to do for this blog here.