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Brimstone Chorus #0.5
The Foundling
All Edmund wants is a family. But the darkness inside him wants his life.
Being a cursed and sickly boy in eighteenth century England isn’t easy. So when Edmund Brownlow’s father abandons him outside a hospital for orphaned and unwanted children, the boy doesn’t think things can get worse.
As the newest foundling at the hospital however, Edmund is fresh meat, and nothing attracts predators faster than easy prey. When a scrap with an older boy leaves Edmund fighting for his life, his days look numbered. But when he makes a full recovery, it comes as a shock to everyone, including the mysterious doctor, ‘Black Barrow’.
Tormented by the bullies who use his only friend against him, Edmund is pushed to the edge. It’s then a dark power rises inside him—something that’s of interest to Barrow and that could cost Edmund dearly.
Now Edmund has a choice to make. Will he embrace his full potential and turn his back on real friendship, or will he deny what he truly is for the chance at a normal life?
Being a cursed and sickly boy in eighteenth century England isn’t easy. So when Edmund Brownlow’s father abandons him outside a hospital for orphaned and unwanted children, the boy doesn’t think things can get worse.
As the newest foundling at the hospital however, Edmund is fresh meat, and nothing attracts predators faster than easy prey. When a scrap with an older boy leaves Edmund fighting for his life, his days look numbered. But when he makes a full recovery, it comes as a shock to everyone, including the mysterious doctor, ‘Black Barrow’.
Tormented by the bullies who use his only friend against him, Edmund is pushed to the edge. It’s then a dark power rises inside him—something that’s of interest to Barrow and that could cost Edmund dearly.
Now Edmund has a choice to make. Will he embrace his full potential and turn his back on real friendship, or will he deny what he truly is for the chance at a normal life?
124 pages, ebook
First published November 18, 2021
2 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth J. Brown
12 books101 followersElizabeth J. Brown was born in Kent, England. This probably explains her obsession with tea and cake. She currently writes the Brimstone Chorus series - dark fantasy horror featuring demons, witches and a whole host of things that go bump in the night.
Her debut novel, The Laughing Policeman, takes place in 1980s England and features detectives, dark supernatural forces and dry humour.
When she isn’t in front of her laptop or spending time with her family, Elizabeth is usually absorbed in a book, film or anything that involves the strange, fantastical or supernatural.
Get your FREE Brimstone Chorus starter story at elizabethjbrown.com, set two hundred and twenty-six years before the events in The Laughing Policeman.
Her debut novel, The Laughing Policeman, takes place in 1980s England and features detectives, dark supernatural forces and dry humour.
When she isn’t in front of her laptop or spending time with her family, Elizabeth is usually absorbed in a book, film or anything that involves the strange, fantastical or supernatural.
Get your FREE Brimstone Chorus starter story at elizabethjbrown.com, set two hundred and twenty-six years before the events in The Laughing Policeman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 20, 2023
A great little novella from the author of The Laughing Policeman. Not as brutal or gory as TLP but I still really enjoyed this tale about young Edmund and his journey to realising his natural power after he is abandoned by his father.
December 14, 2022
This is only the beginning!
A great little book, well written and full of intrigue that has got me wanting more. Looking forward to see where this series will go.
A great little book, well written and full of intrigue that has got me wanting more. Looking forward to see where this series will go.
November 13, 2022
This was my first read by this author absolutely loved it!! It grips your from the start and leaves you not wanting to put the book down. Would highly recommend will
definitely be picking up another one of her books!
definitely be picking up another one of her books!
December 19, 2022
A fun novella! Scary at parts. Very well written. I haven't read The Laughing Policeman yet, but now I have to.
Perfect for older fans of Harry Potter.
Perfect for older fans of Harry Potter.
Read
March 6, 2023Loved the atmosphere that was created! I was really invested in the story! Can’t wait to read more by this author!
January 18, 2025
This story has a great classic gothic feel to it, similar to The Turn of the Screw by Henry James, and The Woman in Black by Susan Hill, It’s a slow burn, with a spooky atmosphere, and well-developed characters that you feel for.
If you are considering reading ‘The Laughing Policeman’ but not sure if you want to read a series (They are all part of the Brimstone Chorus series), then this is a great way to get a feel for it without having to commit yourself, as it works as a stand-alone story.
If you are considering reading ‘The Laughing Policeman’ but not sure if you want to read a series (They are all part of the Brimstone Chorus series), then this is a great way to get a feel for it without having to commit yourself, as it works as a stand-alone story.
January 23, 2022
Great read from a new British author.
So full of imagination which brings the characters to life.
Can’t wait for the next book.
So full of imagination which brings the characters to life.
Can’t wait for the next book.
January 19, 2022
A brilliant debut read from an exciting new author. This books vivid imagery immediately draws you into the story and you quickly become invested in the individual characters. A gripping page turner which takes you through every emotion. Very much looking forward to the next instalment. After reading this, have already preordered Elizabeth J Browns novel, The Laughing Policeman, can’t wait to read it!
Would highly recommend.
Would highly recommend.
June 13, 2023
An emotional and gripping prequel to the 'Brimstone Chorus' series.
Following the death of his mother, Edmund's father no longer wishes to care for him and Edmund finds himself abandoned at a Foundling orphanage.
Since he was very young, Edmund has experienced phenomena he does not understand - strange occurrences surrounding him when his emotions run wild.
Finding himself targeted and ostracised, Edmund begins to realise a power may reside within him and, in time, something terrible may reveal his true nature.
'The Foundling' is a prequel novella to the 'Brimstone Chorus' series by Elizabeth J. Brown. Set in 1758, over two centuries before the events of 'The Laughing Policeman', this is a superb introduction to the series, a short prologue introducing us to the series’ magical and otherworldly elements through Edmund's experiences and how he must come to learn to control this volatile power, seeding what is to come in the succeeding centuries.
Well-written and deftly paced, the plot is woven perfectly in development of Edmund's character and allowing us to meet the other characters through his eyes. Throughout you deeply empathise with Edmund - the tragedy of his family life leaves him stranded alone, his situation and his powers making him an outsider amongst his peers. Even as he develops friendships, there remains something other about him, never quite fitting in. Of course, that means he becomes the object of persecution, while some come to fear him.
Neatly concluding this chapter of Edmund's life, the novella leaves us poised and eager for more. I would love to revisit this period in future novels in the series. Reminiscent of a concoction of elements often familiar to dark fantasy and horror for younger readers given an adult edge and blended with a pre-gothic vibe for the Georgian period, this novella - along with the first novel 'The Laughing Policeman' - felt very much in the same vein as the anticipated and abandoned 'Dark Universe' movies - bringing together a breadth of supernatural phenomena and entities into a single world, deliciously dark yet still full of adventure.
The second novel in the series (and third story chronologically), 'The Fractured Few', will be released soon. I'm excited to see where the series will take us as we delve deeper into the magic and the horror!
Following the death of his mother, Edmund's father no longer wishes to care for him and Edmund finds himself abandoned at a Foundling orphanage.
Since he was very young, Edmund has experienced phenomena he does not understand - strange occurrences surrounding him when his emotions run wild.
Finding himself targeted and ostracised, Edmund begins to realise a power may reside within him and, in time, something terrible may reveal his true nature.
'The Foundling' is a prequel novella to the 'Brimstone Chorus' series by Elizabeth J. Brown. Set in 1758, over two centuries before the events of 'The Laughing Policeman', this is a superb introduction to the series, a short prologue introducing us to the series’ magical and otherworldly elements through Edmund's experiences and how he must come to learn to control this volatile power, seeding what is to come in the succeeding centuries.
Well-written and deftly paced, the plot is woven perfectly in development of Edmund's character and allowing us to meet the other characters through his eyes. Throughout you deeply empathise with Edmund - the tragedy of his family life leaves him stranded alone, his situation and his powers making him an outsider amongst his peers. Even as he develops friendships, there remains something other about him, never quite fitting in. Of course, that means he becomes the object of persecution, while some come to fear him.
Neatly concluding this chapter of Edmund's life, the novella leaves us poised and eager for more. I would love to revisit this period in future novels in the series. Reminiscent of a concoction of elements often familiar to dark fantasy and horror for younger readers given an adult edge and blended with a pre-gothic vibe for the Georgian period, this novella - along with the first novel 'The Laughing Policeman' - felt very much in the same vein as the anticipated and abandoned 'Dark Universe' movies - bringing together a breadth of supernatural phenomena and entities into a single world, deliciously dark yet still full of adventure.
The second novel in the series (and third story chronologically), 'The Fractured Few', will be released soon. I'm excited to see where the series will take us as we delve deeper into the magic and the horror!
December 30, 2022
Nice easy read, great character development and story line. Can't wait for the next one, to be honest, I need to go on Dr. Barrow's and Archibald's journey to France with them. This book will have you hooked.
November 28, 2021
Excellent book by an amazing up and coming author.
Leaves you on the edge waiting for the next instalment.
Definitely recommend
Leaves you on the edge waiting for the next instalment.
Definitely recommend
November 1, 2022
This Novella by Elizabeth J Brown has everything I'm looking for in a fast and easy read. Set in a boys orphanage in the 18th century, it tells the story of a young lad named Edmund, unceremoniously dumped there by his father following the death of his mother.
"He has the devil in him" the father swears.
What follows is Edmunds adjustment to life in the orphanage, the bullying, the making friends, the heartache that goes with it.
It turns out taking the new name of Archibald is the easy bit.
Slowly, we come to realise Edmund is far more different from the other children than he realised, and when he is taken on as the resident doctor's apprentice, things escalate considerably.
Brown writes so well, using language befitting the era. It draws you into that world. I could imagine myself sitting in the shadowed corner of the dormitory as the candlelight flickered around me, such were the vivid descriptions.
With such a good story, how could I not check out Brown's other work?
"He has the devil in him" the father swears.
What follows is Edmunds adjustment to life in the orphanage, the bullying, the making friends, the heartache that goes with it.
It turns out taking the new name of Archibald is the easy bit.
Slowly, we come to realise Edmund is far more different from the other children than he realised, and when he is taken on as the resident doctor's apprentice, things escalate considerably.
Brown writes so well, using language befitting the era. It draws you into that world. I could imagine myself sitting in the shadowed corner of the dormitory as the candlelight flickered around me, such were the vivid descriptions.
With such a good story, how could I not check out Brown's other work?
April 21, 2022
This book was set in times when children were easily thrown away. That is the case with Edmund. The home for foundlings even goes so far as to give the children a new name so they may start over. Edmund seems to be a sweet boy and he defends the rights of others. When a bully gets out of control, we see how Edmund deals with people that hurt those he loves. When the doctor takes an interest in Edmund, his friend warns him away from him. Things with the bully begin to get worse and Edmund finds himself in a position where he must decide to stay as a foundling or move on to new adventures. I really enjoyed this book. This author’s style of writing kept me intrigued so that I wanted to finish the book. I am hoping there will be more of Edmunds adventures.
December 7, 2022
I just finished this book and am still sitting here in awe. What a great book! The story is gripping and intriguing. Not your typical boys' school book. Archibald Morgan may be my new hero! I want to read more about him. Very well written. I was given the book online from the author herself once I signed up on her page. I had so many plans for today and couldn't get to any of them because I couldn't (wouldn't) stop reading. I'm so excited to see what else this author has to offer. It's definitely a must read!
April 7, 2023
Excellent book! True to form, Elizabeth’s writing is so effortless to follow and sucks you in from the start.
Edmund is a fragile child and after the death of his mum his father, who doesn’t want him, dumps him at a children’s home. There as he settles in he finds a friend, is singled out by the bully and tries to find his way in this bewildering environment. But he’s no ordinary boy and his abilities soon manifest themselves.
This was a terrific novella and I can’t wait for the next
Edmund is a fragile child and after the death of his mum his father, who doesn’t want him, dumps him at a children’s home. There as he settles in he finds a friend, is singled out by the bully and tries to find his way in this bewildering environment. But he’s no ordinary boy and his abilities soon manifest themselves.
This was a terrific novella and I can’t wait for the next
August 23, 2024
Not a bad little read this. It is clearly the start of something bigger and a good introduction to the characters.
So in short, a boy is abandoned at an orphanage. The Doctor of the orphanage takes a strange interest in the boy. He sees something in the boy that even the boy, Edmund, can’t see. The Doctor takes the boy under his wing, but for what reason given that he has never done so before?
All in all an easy quick read and another great tale from the author!
So in short, a boy is abandoned at an orphanage. The Doctor of the orphanage takes a strange interest in the boy. He sees something in the boy that even the boy, Edmund, can’t see. The Doctor takes the boy under his wing, but for what reason given that he has never done so before?
All in all an easy quick read and another great tale from the author!
October 13, 2024
This was a very enjoyable short read. I empathised with Edmund when his father abandoned him outside the hospital. The clues to Edmund's "talent" are fed to us from the beginning, although it's in retrospect that we realise what we've already learned. There is, clearly, something different about him. By accepting the apprenticeship from Dr Barrow, Edmund will learn to embrace his powers. I shall look forward to where Elizabeth J. Brown takes us with this story.
December 19, 2022
Wonderful novella that kept me entertained from start to finish. Well described moments I found myself engrossed into quickly and wholeheartedly. The characters roles are well known and it is easy to feel each one’s purpose from the moment of being introduced. There are moments reading where you are cheering them on to times where my mouth was agape with surprise. Can’t wait to read more!
March 8, 2023
This story gave me such a mixture of emotions, the cover first made me think it would be a ghost tale, the blurb dismissed that. This is dark, painful, mysterious and freaking amazing, your heart will ache for Edmund/Archibald and his tragic life, you will hate and love Dr. Barrow, you will hope to see the retribution of nasty little Samuel. You will love this tale.
April 18, 2023
This was an absolute pleasure to read and I had it read in a matter of hours. I loved the characters, the descriptions, the atmosphere. I loved how, at least for myself, could feel as if you were transported there. Absolutely superb. I now can't wait to read, The Laughing Policeman but I have a few books in line first. Thank you for the fabulous entertainment!
May 28, 2023
This is my first book by the author and I really enjoyed it!!!! This book had me pulled in from the beginning. This book is about Edmond, who, after his mom passed away, his father didn’t want him anymore, was basically brought to a children’s home. He ends up learning that he has some sort of powers. I can’t wait to read the rest of the Brimstone Chorus series!
November 9, 2023
A brilliant little novella from the Brimstone Chorus. Elizabeth J Brown is here in a big way. Well written characters and a very good story. Certainly sets me up for the next installment. Definitely an author to keep an eye on. If you haven't already, give her books a go, you will not be disappointed.
April 25, 2025
This is a good read if you enjoy those coming of age stories. it has a creepy setting but isn't overly violent. it's got bullies and magic. friendship's found and lost. I could go on and on. This is a nice quick read if you want something that is light but atmospheric. will be reading more from this author.
March 24, 2022
What a terrific story. I was immersed from the first paragraph until the last. Edmund is such an engaging character and the narrative flows along so easily that you find yourself unwilling to put it down. An absolutely fabulous debut novel. Looking for great things for this author.
June 5, 2022
I really felt for Edmund, who was abandoned by his dad, but was really intrigued to see how things would turn out for him. Give me a kid with a dark power and I say embrace it and now I want to see what he can do! Great page-turner and I look forward to more from this author.
September 3, 2022
Elizabeth is a grear writer and it's awesome to be able to interact with her via social media. I've read The Foundling and The Laughing Policemen and enjoyed both books. The ending of The Foundling was abrupt and i thought there was gonna be more but it was still a great story. Both 5 star books!
December 10, 2022
A foundation of excellence made this book great. "Edmund" is a character that I can't get out of my mind. He is very relatable. Thanks to the incredible writing talent og Elizebeth J Brown he has come to life for all to see and know. I loved it!!!!!!!!!
December 26, 2022
I received this book from the author and I'm glad I found time to read it.
This story keeps you hooked from the first chapter. The Foundling is the first book Ive read from Elizabeth J Brown but I have the Laughing Policeman and it just moved up on my TBR.
This story keeps you hooked from the first chapter. The Foundling is the first book Ive read from Elizabeth J Brown but I have the Laughing Policeman and it just moved up on my TBR.
July 12, 2023
A really enjoyable novella I look forward to seeing where this story goes next...highly recommend this, and the authors other book I've read the laughing policeman was also a fantastic book I can't wait to read more!
August 6, 2023
This a terrific Novella. The characters are well thought out and the story moves along at a good pace.
This is the first book I have read from this author. In fact I had not heard of her prior to this.
Now that I have discovered her, I will be reading more of her books.
This is the first book I have read from this author. In fact I had not heard of her prior to this.
Now that I have discovered her, I will be reading more of her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews