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Wolfbrand #1

The Noose of a New Moon

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Devereau Webb is in uncharted territory. He thought he knew what he was doing when he chose to enter London’s supernatural society but he’s quickly discovering that his new status isn’t welcome to everyone.

He’s lived through hard times before and he’s no stranger to the murky underworld of city life. But when he comes across a young werewolf girl who’s not only been illegally turned but who has also committed two brutal murders, he will discover just how difficult life can be for supernaturals - and also how far his own predatory powers extend.

The Noose Of A New Moon follows on from the events in Midnight Smoke, the third book in the the Firebrand series although it can be read separately.

The Firebrand Series

Brimstone Bound
Infernal Enchantment
Midnight Smoke

The Wolfbrand Series

The Noose Of A New Moon

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2021

495 people are currently reading
769 people want to read

About the author

Helen Harper

93 books3,547 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
Profile Image for Lucie V..
1,219 reviews3,642 followers
March 3, 2024
This book is free on Amazon (Canada) today (03/03/2024). 🙂

✅ Pace
✅ Action
✅ Intrigue / Mystery
✅ Supernatural creatures
✅🆗 Characters (it depends on who)
🆗 "Romance"
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: mentions of slavery, torture, branding, and human trafficking

I recommend reading the first 4 books of the Firebrand series before diving into this one as it happens at the same time as the events of Scorched Heart.

This first book in the spinoff series follows Devereau Webb after he managed to get himself turned into a werewolf. He thought it would make everything easier for him and his flock, but he quickly realizes that being a supe comes with powers, but also a whole new set of rules and restrictions. Forced to move with other supes, and now separated from his flock, he has to learn how to live as a supe, with the supes. On top of his personal problems, he stumbles onto a crime scene where he finds a 12-year-old werewolf who was turned against her will and is now hunted by the people who changed her and by the alphas since turning a minor is illegal. The more he tries to figure out what happened to this young girl, the more horrible discoveries he makes. With the help of Scarlett, the one-fanged vampire we met in the previous books of the Firebrand series, Devereau will have to find and destroy a supe-trafficking ring before he gets himself killed.

As in the Firebrand series, this book is fast-paced, entertaining, and full of action, and the intrigue is complex enough to remain interesting, but I was less involved in this one because of the main characters I think. I like Devereau well enough, but I don’t like him or Scarlett nearly as much as I like Emma and Lukas.

I liked that we saw a “softer” side to Devereau in this book. In the Firebrand series, we met him as a cunning (but not too evil) crime lord, but in this book, we can appreciate his empathetic side when it comes to the outcasts and less fortunate people. He really wants to help others, and he might have been a crime lord in the past, but it was always with the idea of helping his people have a better life, and helping his community by making donations. I would not describe him as a true anti-heroe, but he does have a little anti-heroe vibe to him, I have to give him that.

While I liked Devereau Webb in the Firebrand series, I was not really a fan of Scarlett. I understand that this is her whole vampire persona, but I don’t particularly like the way she plays with people and doesn’t have any remorse… On one hand, it’s true that she never promises them anything, but on the other hand, she knows the effect she has on men, and she knows they will fall for her. Because I am not a fan of her “player” side, I didn’t enjoy her exchanges with Devrau that much. I can’t say that I felt the chemistry between the two of them, and I honestly don’t care if they end up together or not. Whatever happened between them was 90% physical attraction, and maybe 10% of true chemistry, but it didn’t resonate with me.

I have to say that I like Scarlett a little more after reading this book because she showed that she did care about others, and she risked her status and security to help Devereau, but she is still not a favorite character of mine.

I will read the second book of this spinoff series because I am curious to see what will happen to Devereau, but I am not in a hurry to read it.


Brimstone Bound ⭐⭐⭐.5
Infernal Enchantment ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Midnight Smoke ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scorched Heart ⭐⭐⭐.5


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Profile Image for Jacob Proffitt.
3,311 reviews2,151 followers
May 31, 2021
This is first in a new series, but it's a follow-on for Harper's Firebrand series and extends from it. This one starts just after Scorched Heart starts and ends just after it ends as well (they overlap is what I'm saying). I recommend reading at least the first three Firebrand stories before this one as they give a lot of Devereau's backstory. And I think reading Scorched Heart first was beneficial as well, as it enhanced this story and I don't think it would have been as effective in reverse. They only barely relate, but I kind of liked knowing what was up with Emma and that's at least a little relevant to Dev whereas the reverse isn't the case.

I think Helen Harper has leveled up as a storyteller. I've liked some of her previous work, but it has been a bit, I dunno, facile? until now. This story shows how far she has come. Devereau is not only a complex character, but the heart of this story is gut-wrenching and layered with Devereau finding himself cut off from his past in an unexpected way and having to forge ahead with something new. I loved his interaction with Scarlett and the delicious undercurrents. And I loved finding him caring so deeply about something fundamentally unfair and frustratingly intractable. His relationship with Martina was completely endearing and alone would have kept me engaged.

The plot was engaging, as well, and I liked seeing him team up with Scarlett as something of a supe-rights fireteam. Scarlett has been a bit enigmatic as Horvath's second in command so seeing her out on her own and embodying vampire rep was a little bit awesome. They make a great team and the sexual chemistry between them sizzled.

And that's about all I really want to say, I think. Well, beyond "read this if you have any UF aspirations at all". It's a solid five stars and I'm loving both this and the Firebrand series and together they're awesome. I can't wait for the next in either to show up.

A note about Chaste: Sexual chemistry aside, there's not a lot of time for shenanigans and they just aren't in a place where they can indulge during this story. Which was a little bit perfect because it left them both on a heightened sizzle that was only made stronger for both of them openly acknowledging it. The banter that provided was delicious.
Profile Image for Ronie Reads.
1,550 reviews28 followers
April 5, 2024
Apparently this is book 4 in the Supernatural London World. So I'll be re reading this on in suggested reading order. World Building is important and not all writers provide a crash course into their world. Well Mississippian understanding of London politics. Especially the views of the supernatural. Needs a sparks notes
Profile Image for Laura..devouring books like crumpets.
1,960 reviews109 followers
April 9, 2021
Helen Harper is always a hit or miss Author for me..... Im not a huge fan of her writing style as shes erratic jumping from one subject to another, and alot of the Novel is conversations where lots of people talk alot and over each other.... But she has fantastic characters and a great Imagination.....

This had criminal turned werewolf team up with one fanged vamp to hunt down a shady company making and selling supes.....

I wish we had a bit more insight into the world the history who supes came out cam to be ect... The Author just kind of drops you there scrambling around.
Profile Image for Choko.
1,497 reviews2,684 followers
May 11, 2025
*** 4 ***

Another breezy, short and entertaining story. This series is connected with the Firebrand Series, making the Supernatural London universe. They are easy to read, not pretentious, and perfect for summer reading. I recommend it for all fans of Urban Fantasy!🙂👍
Profile Image for Suz.
2,293 reviews73 followers
May 30, 2021
I enjoyed this beginning series more than what I have listened to of the original series from which it was spun off. The anti-hero that's not so anti is a much more interesting character, but I like how it dovetails into the main series, too.

Good story. Good characters.
Profile Image for remi.
90 reviews10 followers
August 13, 2021
‘Are you trying to say I have a small dick?’ Devereau questioned. ‘Because my fanged friend here seems to think I’m actually a very big dick.’
‘I can’t deny it,’ Scarlett said, nodding. ‘He is.’
Phillips looked at her. ‘Who are you exactly?’
Scarlett looked at Devereau. ‘I should tell him that I’m his worst nightmare.’
‘Definitely,’ he agreed. ‘If I were you, that’s what I’d say.’
‘True.’
Profile Image for TJ.
3,282 reviews274 followers
July 23, 2022
This one is probably one of the best and most tightly written of all the books I’ve read of Ms. Harpers. Dominic is an incredibly intriguing character and one, I feel, who has a plethora of interesting possibilities (not sure I’m into Dominic as James Bond, though.)

I’m just not sold on Scarlett. I didn’t like her AT ALL in the Firebrand series, she completely tuned me off with the way she “played” with people (the author’s words, not mine) then just threw them away with no thought to feelings whatsoever. How does one like someone like that? I’m having a really hard time accepting her as a romantic interest for Dominic (who I love!) Maybe that will change (can’t see how) in the future…

The storyline with Marina, the mystery and Dominic’s struggle to conform and find his way in the supernatural world is incredibly interesting and completely enthralling, however, so it still hangs on to those 4 stars!
Profile Image for Vannessa.
1,208 reviews25 followers
February 5, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the author, but this review is all my own!

When Helen told me she was going to write a spin off series about Devereau Webb, I admit I did let out a little squeal. I loved him in the Firebrand series - he was so charismatic and intriguing. Why did his followers love him so? His revelation at the end of Midnight Smoke left the rest of the supes reeling and I so wanted to see what the fall back of that would be! And this is Devereau's story! It was utterly fantastic!

If you haven't read the Firebrand series, you can easily jump into this one as enough background information is shared for you to follow it, but why not start at the beginning and see what he was like before his big change? You will soon see, he may be physically different, but he's still the same old Devereau - charming, sexy, ruthless, determined, sneaky criminal, just a little hairier than before!

Solving a mystery into a truly evil crime has many pitfalls and many accusations are thrown at Devereau, but he soon receives help from unexpected allies even if it goes against everything the supes believe should be going on! He does not cower in fear of the werewolf alphas nor Lord Horvath (who I did miss in this book, but it's not his story!), yet he has no-one to call as his own pack...yet. I do think after the events in this book, that may just change! There's more power to Devereau than anyone ever expected, but he's not yet going to throw it in the other alphas' faces just yet!

As always this book was superbly written with great characters, great descriptions and just a touch of romance thrown in alongside the big action plot! I don't expect much to come between Scarlett and Devereau, but I think they may have a little fun along the way!

Thank you to Helen for sending me a copy of this book without obligation! I just loved it and it was better than I had hoped it would be!
75 reviews
July 27, 2023
I really like this book but it does contain swearing
498 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2021
Loved this new series start. Will definitely go on to the next book. So many possibilities of where this story line will go.
807 reviews
February 9, 2021
Great spinoff from Firebrand! Love Emma and Lord Horvath characters, and missed them. But i also wanted to find out more about Webb. Helen Harper does a great job of illustrating a flawed character who saves the day. Interesting storyline and great mystery writing. Can’t wait for more!
85 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2025
Great spin off

I'm really glad I took the time to look for more of Helen Harpers books around these characters. As a fan of the urban fantasy genre and of the light hearted way this is written I'm very grateful that this universe will continue. Thank you 😊
Profile Image for Stephaniec.
857 reviews17 followers
May 13, 2021
While I didn't enjoy this as much as the Firebrand series I am interested enough to see where this goes. And more Scarlett :)
Profile Image for Laur Laur.
579 reviews14 followers
September 7, 2021
Maybe too high of expectations, or I overly loved the Emma Bellamy books, but this really lacked chemistry for me. The mystery was good, but...
Profile Image for Kelly.
1,216 reviews15 followers
July 10, 2021
I just had to read this after finishing the first 4 books in the Firebrand series - didn't quite love the main 'potential' couple as much as Emma & Lukas, but I feel like there is a lot of potential for them to grow on me, so this series will be a definite to continue reading.
Profile Image for Cristina.
139 reviews7 followers
June 11, 2022
Not much to say. It’s another amazing book so well written. Fun and exciting. Super excited for the next ones.
Profile Image for Cate.
65 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2021
Love this spinoff!

I was a bit hesitant about the redemption storyline but it had a lot more depth so yay, looking forward to the 4th Firebrand and any others of this arc even
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,341 reviews131 followers
August 7, 2021
I first followed detective constable Emma Bellamy in the Firebrand series which is the first series in the Supernatural London universe. I loved following Emma as she solved crimes. In Infernal Enchantments is when Devereau Webb is first introduced as a smart, kind, and sensible human crime lord. He's ambitious as well, he wanted power so by Midnight Smoke Devereau put a plan in action to become a werewolf. The Noose of A New Moon is the first book following Devereau as he is adapting to his wolf and his new placement in the world.

Things aren't what Devereau expected, instead of more power and freedom, Devereau has more restrictions than ever and realizes that the consequences of breaking those rules can be deadly. Devereau is starting to learn just how prejudice the humans are towards supernaturals and how limited their freedom is, plus he has to deal with supernaturals getting use to his new status. Devereau is an unknown factor and the supes like to test the unknown. However, all that gets put on the back burner when a child is turned into a wolf and Devereau finds himself smack dead in the middle of the investigation of a deadly crime ring.

I already liked Devereau, he's not what I expected from a criminal leader. Devereau is smart, kind, respectful, laid-back, and so much more. Devereau cares about people and is willing to help anyone in need, so it doesn't surprise me that he wanted to help a little girl. What did surprise me is that Scarlett from the Firebrand series, Lord Horvath's right-hand is very involved with the investigation and with Devereau. The chemistry between the two is strong and very real. They get along great and I can see something real forming between the two. After only just getting slight glimpses of Scarlett before I enjoyed seeing her more fully in this book.

As for the plot, once again Helen has done a fantastic job of writing a story. This time instead of a detective solving the crime it was done through the mind of a criminal with very little resources and it was great. I loved how everything connected and how Devereau followed clue after clue made a lot of sense, and it went about a way that is easy to see a cop wouldn't. There was a fair amount of danger, detective work, and more of the supernatural world was revealed.

The Noose of A New Moon was a great read, narrator Shaun Grindell did a great job bringing Devereau Webb to life. The story ended great but also had a surprising twist that seems would take Devereau's story in a totally different direction than I thought it would. It's obvious that this isn't the end of Devereau's story and I can't wait to see where it leads to next.
Profile Image for Marsha.
3,053 reviews58 followers
February 11, 2021
I am a fan of Helen Harper’s Firebrand series and that is where I was introduced to Devereaux Webb. At first I felt he was a determined but cocky man but now thanks to the new series opener, “The Noose of the Full Moon” I found him to be charming and an advocate for the downtrodden. In a nutshell, this series is incredible.

When Devereaux was turned into a werewolf he had no idea how his life would turn. People who supported him, worked for him and benefited from his benevolence now want nothing to do with him. To make matters worse the Supe Squad just informed him he has to move to Lisson Park where all supes must go. While deciding to drown his sorrows in whiskey he goes to a vampire bar of all places where he meets a single fanged vampire beauty named Scarlett. After kicking him out of his little pity party Scarlett gives him some of the best advice ever, start his own pack.

Before Devereaux can act if her advice there are a series of murders executed by a vampire. When he investigates he discovers the culprit is none other than a twelve year old girl who was illegally turned against her will. The law is clear, she must be euthanized. Well, not of Devereaux’s watch! With the help of Scarlett a a few other unlikely allies, they discover a supernatural slave ring. This is not to be tolerated and the people responsible clearly don’t know who they are messing with.

The story line was intriguing, the world building was incredible and the characters were magnificent. Oh and if I failed to mention, the action was off the chart. My only criticism is that I want the second book now! After that cliffhanger ending, I am in desperate need for more adventures in this fabulous world created by Helen Harper . She definitely has a hit on her hands. Don’t put this on your to read list, put it on your currently reading list instead. You won’t regret it!
Profile Image for Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish).
920 reviews178 followers
May 27, 2021
Excellent spin-off of the Firebrand-series. Deveraux Webb, „The Sheperd“, a crimelord who had himself turned into a werewolf in Firebrand #3, is grudgingly trying to settle into his new life, when he stumbles upon a teenage werewolf girl who’s been turned against her will by a slave ring. Together with Scarlett, the second-in-command vampire, he sets out to bring the criminals down.

I loved Deveraux in the Firebrand-series, and I’m more than happy that he has his own spin-off. This book is focused less on the romance part, although there’s quite some sexual tension between Deveraux and Scarlett, but they’re both very strong characters who seem to enjoy the foreplay before giving in to the inevitable. I also liked the multitude of different characters, as well discovering the many layers of Deverau and Scarlett.

The book takes place right after Firebrand #3 and mostly during Firebrand #4, so we don’t get to see Emma until the very end of the book.

The narration by Shaun Grindell is excellent, I love how he gave Deveraux a less sophisticated accent, but managed to let him sound like a man who worked hard and educated himself to rise above the coarse circumstances he grew up in. I’m looking forward to more!
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,791 reviews17 followers
February 11, 2021
The Noose of a New Moon by Helen Harper a five-star read that bites back. This is number one in the Wolfbrand series and follows on from the first three books of the Firebrand series and I loved them, so I had high hopes for this one, and well it just gave me chef kisses it was so good. Deveraux Webb is a complex character, and he is so much more than he first appeared, I think we always knew there was more to the criminal entrepreneur, but he is deeper again, if e was any deeper, he could tunnel to the other side of the world. Every turn I just took another chink of the armour around him, but it was Scarlett who I simply adored, she was another one who we got to know more, and I hope we will get to know her deeper, as there is definitely something her. This story and I am sure the series will just keep going building and revealing great characters, some mystery to keep you hooked and enough drama and funnies to keep you holding your breath and then smiling like a loon!! Simply amazing, now role on the next story, but on the other hand take your time as writing this good needs time to brew like a good cuppa I’m sure!!
868 reviews14 followers
February 23, 2021
I absolutely fell in love with Emma and the Firebrand series and was all in for a new lead character set in the same world. I was unsure as Deveraux Webb starts out as a bad guy but I had every faith in Helen Harper as an author who writes everything I love. And right I was as Dev was every bit as interesting and compelling as any lead who finds himself a werewolf. After designing himself to be a powerful werewolf, Dev comes to realise that he might not have thought all the consequences through, but when he discovers a child in trouble, he doesn't hesitate to protect and her and try to get to the bottom of what is rotting in London high society.
A fast paced and thrilling ride, Dev is a character to watch out for, building a new team of people around him and starting from scratch all over again, in a way that completely unsettles the supernatural community around him. Having captured the interest if Scarlet, the hot and capable vampire loyal to Lord Horvath, they discover a crime deeply disturbing and risk their lives to bring about justice. I loved every second and can't wait to read more about Dev, Scarlet and what is sure to be a new gang.
Profile Image for Alison.
3,685 reviews145 followers
September 15, 2021
First in a new spin-off series featuring Devereau Webb, a modern-day Fagin leading a rag-tag group of pick-pockets in London (more politely referred to as a small criminal syndicate). In Midnight Smoke Devereau chooses to become a werewolf, intending to then change his niece Alice who is dying, a sacrifice that is ultimately unnecessary.

Now Devereau is a werewolf he is discovering that life isn't as great as he was expecting. There are rules and regulations, his old crew are scared of him, and the Alphas of the four London werewolf clans expect him to be subservient.

Then he comes across a young girl who has been illegally turned into a werewolf at the scene of a double homicide and all his protective instincts are triggered. Can he save this girl from near-certain death and bring whoever turned her to justice while fending off the clans and the Supe Squad?

This was a great read, fast-paced, engaging and full of supernatural creatures, I have already bought and read the second book in the series!
Profile Image for Graylark.
1,020 reviews42 followers
September 20, 2021
Had to read this since Firebrand right before it was so good. It didn't disappoint.

I quite liked the hero and loved seeing Scarlett here. She's such a fun character, especially with how she leaves clever Devereau gobsmacked when she teases him.


'Scarlett,' he called softly, 'I need to know.'
'Red thong,' she called back. 'With a cute lace trim.'
Devereau blinked and Scarlett's laughter rolled towards him. 'Have I actually managed to make you lost for words?'


Unfortunately, did not realize this series isn't finished yet. Gah. Will stop here and wait for the series to finish.
Profile Image for Meera.
1,520 reviews15 followers
November 26, 2021
This was a fun read. Even if this is the first book in this series, it is a continuation from a different series and should start from that. I really liked the brash character, Devereaux, and the fast-paced nature of this book. It also had the procedural elements I like in my mysteries. I am not a fan of the potential romance with Scarlett though. I didn't like her from the other books and while she grew on me in this one, I am still not a fan.
Profile Image for Melindeeloo.
3,268 reviews158 followers
May 23, 2021
4.5 stars - when bad guys go (sort of) good;)

I really enjoyed this spin off of the author's Firebrand series. Devereau Webb takes the lead and does it well. This falls between book 3 and 4 of the other series. And I definitely want more of him plying his special skill set along with his new wolfish powers.
Profile Image for Snarktastic Sonja.
546 reviews62 followers
October 1, 2021
Really really loved this one. It has all the hallmarks of the series from whence it came and the characters and the snark are on point.
Profile Image for Olivia Ganzenmuller.
426 reviews
November 8, 2022
The Noose of The New Moon by Helen Harper: NA Investigative Werewolf Fantasy. Action. Urban. Protecting themes. Allies. Single Third-person POV. Criminals. Political Intrigue. Leadership.

After getting himself turned into a werewolf, Devereau Webb thinks he's found a way to rise in the socio-political food chain and is on the road to a better future for his humble criminal society. However, what he doesn't expect is that his people, instead of being grateful, are now scared of him. Ripped from the home and community he's spent years building under threat of arrest, Devereau must come to terms with who and what he now is and where he fits in the supernatural society, cause there's no way in hell he is serving one of the werewolf alphas.

When he finds an illegally turn werewolf child, Devereau must do all he can to protect her and find the criminals who are behind it. If he fails to protect her, she dies.

I really enjoyed the start of Devereau Webb's series. I really like him as a character. He's likeable, brave and manipulative. He is REALLY good at reading people and how he navigates people throughout the book. Not only this, but he's also a peacemaker and violence is a last resort for him. I love characters who effortlessly make friends and allies with hostile strangers. I can't wait to see what the rest of the series has install for us.

The plot is entertaining, fast paced and addictive. It has unexpected twists and turns, a satisfying investigations plot, and some great character arcs. It's almost coming-of-age material. Highly recommend.

How much did I like this? 5 stars
Ideas - World building: 5 Stars
Ideas - Plots: 5 Stars
Character Depth: 5 Stars
Emotional Highs and Lows: Expert
Character Interaction: Extensive
Animal Characterisation: N/A
Warning/s: none
Execution (proofreading): 5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews

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