Iron & Embers

The Ashes of Thezmarr #1

by Helen Scheuerer

Alchemist. Poisoner. Storm wielder.

Wren Embervale, alchemist-turned assassin, finds solace in only one seeking vengeance for the death of her friends. The wars of the past may be over, but her thirst for revenge is far from quenched.

For years, she has been content with her poisons and potions for company, but when an unknown form of alchemy is used to attack a king of the midrealms, Wren's time in the shadows comes to an end. She's offered a place at the ancient alchemy academy of Drevenor to find a cure to the dark magic threatening the kingdoms. To win her spot, she must conquer the Gauntlet - a gruelling series of deadly trials that could cost her sanity, or her life.

More is at play than sabotage from fellow competitors. Magic wielders are being targeted and Wren becomes tangled in a dangerous web of deception and bloodshed that puts the entire realm at risk.

But the biggest threat of all might come from the man assigned to protect her - Torj Elderbrock, the silver-haired war hero who has hated her since she assassinated his last charge. Their shared history ignites a simmering tension that threatens to consume them both.

Peace is fragile, trust is scarce and enemies lurk around every corner . . . Will love heal all wounds - or will it be the most lethal poison of all?

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Audiobook, Magic, Enemies To Lovers

584 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2025

About the author

Helen Scheuerer is the fantasy author of the bestselling series, The Oremere Chronicles, the Curse of the Cyren Queen quartet and The Legends of Thezmarr. Her work has been highly praised for its strong, flawed female characters and its action-packed plots.

Helen’s love of writing and books led her to pursue a creative writing degree and a Masters of Publishing. She has been a full-time author since 2018 and now lives amidst the mountains in New Zealand where she is constantly dreaming up new stories.

Reviews

[Emmy Rosam · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there’s one thing Helen Scheuerer knows how to do it’s writing a great ending for the first book in a new series. That was fun! Looking forward to book 2

[Marianna Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m genuinely so disappointed by how much I simply didn’t like this….. I absolutely adored Helen Scheurer’s Legends of Thezmarr series, her writing and story telling was amazing!! So I was so so excited for this spin of series as Wren and Torj already stole my heart from the beginning! But at the end of the day, I just found this book to be so painfully slow and boring and drawn out! I’m sorry!!! I couldn’t connect with the characters, their romance felt lack luster and I really struggled to stay interested in much at all. I did love seeing the characters I grew to absolutely adore from Legends of Thezmarr, and the last 10% was good, but I was just too checked out at that point. I unfortunately won’t continue this series.

[Surajat Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

That fine bear slayer Torj and our no nonsense alchemist Wren are getting a book? Oh IM SEATED.

[Krysta ꕤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ☆

”All-consuming. Soul-destroying. Mind-altering. His kiss had set Wren on fire. At last. At fucking last.”

i was right to have faith in Wren & Torj😏

i wouldn’t recommend reading this book if you haven’t read the Legends of Thezmarr series first because the characters play a big role in both. Wren is a poisoner and princess of Delmira, who’s studying to become a master Alchemist. Torj is a legendary warsword that’s tasked with guarding Wren, much to both their dismay after having some bad blood between them. these two have some of the most explosive chemistry and the amount of quotes i highlighted in the ebook is insane. they were able to so easily see behind each others defenses and everytime Torj told her “I’ve got you” were some of my fav scenes between them. the action sequences in here were so damn good too.. i haven’t stopped thinking about this book since i read it for real.

”Still on his knees, he looked up at her, at the fire he saw in her stormy gaze, at the gasp still on her lips. A queen he’d gladly bow to. A queen he’d serve.”

i have always loved Wren and Torj and the glimpses we got of their dynamic but this made them one of my new fav couples overall. Wren is so feisty and hell bent on getting the revenge she’s owed. Torj will fight and crawl through hell and back to keep her safe and when we got more of his backstory into why he goes to such high lengths to do so was heartbreaking. the romance was such an incredible slow burn, i will never stop loving the bodyguard trope. i was pleasantly surprised to see that Cal and Kipp would be accompanying Wren so much here since they were my fav characters up until this point, i also like the new characters Dessa and Zavier. this has more of a dark academia setting which was fun, there were also some mystery elements as well. another thing i appreciated about Wren was that she didn’t let her feelings for Torj deter her from her goals, if he didn’t support her no matter how dangerous the situation was, then she wouldn’t allow him to be with her.. queen. i feel like everything i didn’t like about Thea & Wilder’s story was fixed with Wren & Torj’s. the end had me so distraught it’s not even funny, what a brutal decision. i will be impatiently waiting for book 2 bc what the fuck.

“Do you mean to kill me, Embers?” His powerful frame was rigid with tension—with restraint, she realized. “Because if you’re to be the end of me, it’s an end I’ll greet with open arms.”

[Rochelle ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

gold will turn to silver in a blaze of iron and embers, giving rise to ancient power long forgotten.

welcome to the midrealms, a world filled with renowned, god-gifted warriors known as warswords and the associated warrior guild of thezmarr; strong magic-users and brilliant alchemists; adventurous quests and riveting conspiracies, and the most delicious enemies to lovers and delectable bodyguard romance, all wrapped up within a tension-filled fantasy setting of dark academia and high stakes trials. this book is a solid five stars, one of my favourite romances of 2025, and is one of the few books to have held my undivided attention and at the same time, made me want to not finish reading it, in a very long time. helen scheuerer has found herself at the top of my auto-buy and favourite authors lists!

iron & embers is an amazing introduction to helen scheuerer’s newest series, ashes of thezmarr and the engaging world-building and captivating story-telling she delivers. her other series, the legends of thezmarr has been well-received and recommended a lot on social media, so naturally the high sung praises left me feeling excited for this series. before delving further into this review, i want to note a disclaimer: it’s encouraged however not essential that you read the legends of thezmarr series first, but your reading experience will be enriched if you do as ashes of thezmarr is set half a decade after the shadow war. full disclosure, i haven’t read the legends of thezmarr (it is on my ever growing list of romances to devour) but this didn’t affect my reading experience or overall enjoyment of this book. setting aside recurring characters and references to the events of the other series, the information imparted to us isn’t so niche or specific that you’re left feeling lost and confused. at the start, we have a brief history of the shadow war and throughout the course of reading, we have various flashbacks which provide context.

helen scheuerer’s writing is simplistic and not excessively complex—it doesn’t have that convoluted haunting air, or poetic tone that some romantasy stories have—but the way she writes remains wholly engaging and, without doubt, wonderfully captivating. between the detailed world-building and unfolding war in the background; the incredible, strong emotionally fuelled scenes; the sexual tension within the budding romance between our leading characters; and the absorbing dialogues and entertaining exchanges, it’s hard to not fall in love with iron & embers. i love the ease of reading this book, that i devoured all that i read, and appreciate that despite the overall writing simplicity it remains a coherent, interesting narrative that is showcased in descriptive detail. the drevenor academy and the fortress of thezmarr both reminded me of kaer morhen (the witcher) and other well loved settings from fantasy stories, as we visited sections of the academy and its grounds. it was hard to not love the setting of this book—it was magically enchanting, all rolled into one area with finesse. all of the details and elements were captured with clarity; it was seamless imaging yourself walking alongside the characters with vividness.

iron & embers follows elwren embervale, the poisoner, and torj elderbrock, the bear slayer who have known each other for a long time. threats against royals are surfacing and escalating in violence and as the heir to the throne of delmira, wren’s life is threatened. the warswords have been allocated positions to protect the midrealms’’ royal figures, with torj tasked with a difficult challenge of protecting wren as she journeys to the drevenor academy, where alchemist novices undertake learning and training to overcome the trials of the gauntlet. the lessons are rigorous, secrets are long-buried and hidden, and the challenge of mastering the craft of alchemy is formidable, but the gruelling trials set before her don’t deter wren.

if poison was a woman’s weapon, then wren embervale was a woman through and through.

♡ elwren embervale
wren is such a complex, multi-faceted character with numerous intricacies and she’s one of my favourite characters because of it. her focus on vengeance for the atrocities she encountered in the shadow war has moulded wren into a formidable weapon of destruction; her grief for her lost family members and closest friends has turned her cold and aloof. despite everything she’s lost however, wren is warm and loving towards those she still has in her inner circle. she’s such a brilliant character with a bright, intelligent mind whose experiences and knowledge around plants and poisons was refreshing! it was new and different following a prolific alchemist turned assassin who specialises in poisons, rather than having a trained warrior or magic-wielder lead character who possesses too much power. while smart, the moment wren enters drevenor academy she’s no longer the most intelligent in the room and her knowledge and experiences are challenged, but this only makes her stronger and her determination is showcased so beautifully and wonderfully as she embraces the challenges of her trials and lessons.

“through whatever curse links us, i can feel what you are. and you are no monster, torj elderbrock.”

♡ torj elderbrock
in short, torj elderbrock is the epitome of overprotectiveness with a hint of cinnamon roll—what a classic combination. the renowned silver-haired bear slayer is one of the broodiest and grumpiest, but appealing male lead characters that i have encountered in such a long time. it didn’t matter how frustrated he became with wren, the care and love he had for her remained and was demonstrated in ways that made my heart flutter and legs kick in absolute giddiness. he was hard, but sweet; stubborn, but loving and however much this exasperating man challenged wren, it was to assist in her growth and learning. alongside wren, we discovered some information that moulded torj into the kind of man that he is and his painfully sad backstory made me love and appreciate him moreso.

“do you mean to kill me, embers?” his powerful frame was rigid with tension—with restraint, she realized. “because if you’re to be the end of me, it’s an end i’ll greet with open arms.”

♡ torj elderbrock + wren embervale
the romance unravelled slow, but burned in irresistible fashion and the sexual tension between torj and wren was FLAWLESS. what made this romance a sheer delight is: the forced proximity because torj had been assigned bodyguard to wren; the cutting banter and witticisms exchanged were absolute perfection; and the utter hatred these two had towards each other really embodied and delivered a genuine slow burn romance. the connection between them is solidified by mutual disdain but undeniable attraction. despite all of the frustration and mutual pining from a distance, even when wren made it clear she wasn’t interested and detested him, torj still desired wren. without spoiling anything—it should be read first hand—there’s an interesting approach to one of the most used albeit well loved tropes in fantasy, it made the ending of this book all the more devastating.

“it’s about the person who’s holding your hand at the end. the person you can’t let go of, no matter how hard you might have tried.”

♡ the side characters
the cohort of side characters we have been blessed with enhanced the overall narrative, but also enriched the main characters and created an additional element to their personalities. i’m going to repeat myself here with this, i adore found families in my fantasy stories and helen scheurer delivered the newest additions to my favourite list. cal and kipp offered much needed comedic relief to make this book feel less ‘doom and gloom’ at times. the banter and humour they shared amongst themselves, but with torj and wren, filled me with happiness as you could sense the friendship and camaraderie between them—i trust we will continue to see more of them in thorns & fire. thea and wilder made smaller appearances, however what moments we received leaves me excited to know more about them eventually in the legends of thezmarr series. the characters who made me the most interested are dessa and zavier, who are the newest additions to the found families of thezmarr, and supported wren’s character wonderfully. they offered a different form of comfort and encouragement, became reliable teammates and genuine friends to wren; i will manifest that this continues because nothing saddens me more than a close found family being ruined!

both wolfsbane and nightshade are known for their interference with the heart.

i could continue to gush and rave about iron & embers. it is truly one of the best, well-written and executed romantasies that i’ve read in some time. the slow burn and tension between our leading characters; the extensive world-building and riveting adventures within it; and the nail biting trials and rigorous lessons are worth first-hand experience. i have zero idea where the next book, thorns & fire will take us on journeys to however, i am interested to witness further discoveries of the people’s vanguard, who pose threats to the royals and the midrealms. so interested, i’d have no shame in begging to have an opportunity to read the second book.

ashes of thezmarr
iron & embers — 5 stars
thorns & fire — 4 stars
silver & smoke

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˖⁺‧₊♡ pre-read review ⋙
i came to accept that i wasn't going to be approved for an arc and when the email landed in my inbox, i screamed!!!

a massive thank you to helen scheuerer and pan macmillan for the gifted e-arc.

follow me on: instagram

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

“There is no rhyme or reason to why people are taken from us. No greater meaning, no justice. I have long ago stopped trying to find those things in death…”

3 Stars - ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Iron & Embers picks up 5 years after the Legends of Thezmarr series, which, if you would like to read this book, I recommend reading that series first to provide context for this book. Despite a time jump, I'm very happy Helen didn't disregard the events in Shadows & Storms, as we get to see the fallout from such a pivotal event. Not only do we explore how it affected Wren and Torj but also how it affected kingdoms and how the people are still healing from what had occurred.

I think the best thing was the exploration of Grief, which I would say is a main theme within this book, Wren, especially as she had gone through such a trauma that really defines her character. I do think there was not enough depth to it, I would have liked to see some sort of healing on her own without Torj's influence. With a character like Wren, that would've been so fulfilling to see and to go on that journey with her. I was left feeling unsatisfied with how Helen went about it. I was waiting for her to go through a really defining moment in the book, where it made an impact on the reader.

“It’s about the person who’s holding your hand at the end. The person you can’t let go of, no matter how hard you might have tried.”

The romance of Wren and Torj is where I kind of hit a stump. With Wilder and Thea, I felt so connected to them that I didn't get with Wren and Torj. The book felt fast-paced in a way that the development between felt lacking. Often, I had the feeling that the events were very abrupt and the action sequences kind of happened out of nowhere. That was repeated throughout the book. I think partly a reason as to why I felt that way was because the POV's were very consistent Wren and Then Torj. Whereas in Legends of Thezmarr, Thea is quite clearly the main character, and it's her story. Even when we had (which was not very often) Wilder's POV.

I thought after Shadows and Storms that it hinted at their relationship, we would watch it grow. For me, I did not feel much of an emotional connection. It felt more like lust if I'm honest. I didn't feel that their moments they had together built a foundation to their relationship.

I'm a sucker for angst and pining, and I think it was surface level. There was no depth to it.

“Because if you’re to be the end of me, it’s an end I’ll greet with open arms.”

The constant back and forth was especially frustrating, I would probably say that miscommunication is a small minor trope within this story. Surprisingly, I thought that Torj and Wren actually did not have many scenes together

And finally, the ending.

I was surprised, to be honest. I was not expecting the ending, I had a small idea but nothing compared to what actually happened.

Helen explored something very common within fantasy books. However, she went a bit of an unconventional way about it. I can not determine how I feel about it without reading the next book.

It felt a little bizarre. If my memory serves me correctly, there were no hints to it in the Legends of Thezmarr, and honestly, I was very confused. I would've like a better conclusion than what we were given.

Overall, I did actually enjoy it, I did eat up their interactions, and Torj definitely allows the space for Wren to flourish. I didn't want to stop reading at all despite my criticisms. When starting a new series, I try my best not to be so harsh as oftentimes it does get better on with later books. So, I'm not giving up completely and will be reading book 2.

I do think that Helen is a very talented author, and I encourage everyone to read her books. As an indie author, she deserves a lot more recognition for her work. So please do take the time to read her books despite my review.

Thank you to Helen Scheuerer and @TheRealmstudios for the early Arc in exchange for an honest review. I am immensely honoured to have been chosen.

Edited: 30/01/25

[༚˳⁺✧˚Jennifer ˚✧⁺˳༚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer is everything I want in a fantasy romance, her books just keep getting better and better.

Tropes:
🔥 Enemies to lovers
🔥 Found family
🔥 Slow burn
🔥 Bodyguard / Forced proximity

Scheuerer’s storytelling is masterful, she makes the setting feels alive, filled with history and lore. Every detail—from the political machinations to the atmospheric landscapes—made me feel like I was walking alongside the characters.

The romance is a beautiful slow burn. The enemies-to-lovers tension is everything—sharp banter, reluctant trust, and moments so charged they had me holding my breath. And the found family aspect? Perfection. I got so attached to our new characters and loved to learn more about the old friends too.

The plot in this book is wonderfully complex, just when I thought I had things figured out, she threw more at us. The ending also absolutely ripped my heart out in the best way, and now I’m desperate for the next book.

If you like audiobooks, I highly recommend listening to this one! The narrators did an incredible job bringing these characters to life. Their performances added layers of emotion and tension that made the experience even more immersive.

I'm sure it's no surprise but I highly recommend this book and the entire Thezmarr series by Helen, I will be reading everything she writes.

[Kaila.Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Helen excels at writing tension-filled, spicy fantasy romance brimming with yearning.

This is my favorite book in the Thezmarr world, largely because I love Wren as a strong-willed, intelligent main character. Her healing journey had me completely hooked.

If you haven’t read Legends of Thezmarr, I highly recommend starting there at least with the first book, to see if it’s for you. This story takes place five years later and contains major spoilers for the series.

The ending left me verklempt, and I need book two immediately

[Erin]

Okay Helen I see what you're doing here. If my interpretation is correct (from which I am only 60% through storm and shadows) I believe this book is going to be about our alchemist and the bear slayer. Please, please let me be correct. I think there are some little Easter eggs throughout the last book that give this indication and omg I need this to be true. I want their book so bad!!

[Maeghan 🦋 · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the author’s note ; « This book is a tribute to every reader who has ever felt underestimated. It’s a reminder that your voice matters, your anger is valid and your story deserves to be told.
Here’s to making your mark, rewriting the narrative and becoming the hero of your own tale. » ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🔥

Dedication ; « To the women who rewrite the rules, one page at a time.
Your potential is the plot twist the world never saw coming. » ❤️‍🔥

!!!!!!!!!!! Ugh my heart !!!!!!!!!!!

⚔️ He loves her so much it hurts
« He wanted her, desperately, like a dying man longing for a cure. » ❤️‍🩹
⚔️ So much yearning, banter & tension
⚔️ Finding your spark after losing it for so long
⚔️ Alchemy
⚔️ Found family/friendships
⚔️ Underestimated FMC

I need to thank Krysta ꕤ for the amazing resumes of the other series (I had failed tremendously at trying to read the first book. I don’t think I vibed with Tessa) - because she made this read possible and I just LOVED IT SO MUCH 😭💔

The characters are just… perfection. I loved Wren and immediately connected to her. The underestimated woman, the invisible one… I just loved her instantly.
« She was a storm of contradictions. There was a wildness to her that he knew would never be tamed, and it was dangerous. »

And Torj😭 that man was written for me.
« Only a fool would look at you and see anything less than perfection. »
There’s nothing I love more than a man who is CRAZY for his woman.

« And only once she’d fought them amid the flames could she rise from the ashes. »

The side characters were amazing😭. I loved Dessa, Cal & Kipp so much! I spent the whole book unsure about Zavier but now I can’t wait to read about him in book 2!

The quote that really; really got to me was this one : « Regardless of her heritage, he had always known she was bound for greatness. » and anyone who knows me through my reviews can definitely get why this got to me. ❤️‍🩹🪷

[shaelinslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS FANTASTIC. Thank you The NerdFam for the ARC!

I loved this so much. Wren is a character I have been interested in since the beginning of the first Thezmarr book, and I was THRILLED hearing she would be our leading lady. I was not let down. She’s surly, she’s hardheaded, and she’s so lovable. I loved her growth arc over this book.

And Torj?! Obsessed was an understatement, in book 4 of Thezmarr, I knew the MMC of this series would be him, and I was kicking my feet. Again, he did not disappoint. I was loving his inner thoughts, and getting so much of his perspective is paramount in this book. Loved him.

Now, that ending was just CRUEL. I am dying, need book 2 like water! 5 stars of sheer, addicting perfection. If you like the Legends of Thezmarr, you’re gonna LOVE Ashes of Thezmarr!

[Danielle Pulliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

**𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘** 𝑰𝒓𝒐𝒏 & 𝑬𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒏 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒖𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒓 (𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒛𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒓 #1 )

Release Date: January 28, 2025

4⭐️4🌶

This book sucked me in from the moment the lost princess turned assassin via going to school to become a full Alchemist who can poison or heal someone in a moment. Wren has only ever wanted to go to Drevenor school to hone her skills with herbs, poisons, and potions. Prior to the war, she had been an apprentice in Thezmarr to become a healer, but after the war her focus became revenge. In the five years since the war ended, she has spent her time tracking down and poisoning all those who took her friends and family.

Torj is a Warsword who has been enamored with her since before the war when they were living in Thezmarr together, but her path for vengeance did not allow for love and romance. So, he watched over her from afar.

Torj and Wren are forced to work together when Torj is posted as her personal bodyguard after an attempt on another royals life has put all royals in jeopardy. Torj is not thrilled with this post, because he has been avoiding Wren since she ruined his mission two years ago with her plans for vengeance.

Themes/Tropes:
🍁Warrior-Warrior relationship
🍁Bodyguard Romance
🍁Lost Princess Trope
🍁Throne of Glass vibes
🍁Snape vibes
🍁Dark Acadamia Potion/Poison school
🍁Harry Potter/Hunger Games Vibes

TW:
✨Loss of family members
✨Murder by violence
✨Murder by poisoning
✨Battle Sequences
✨Physical Trials

[BookishByTammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very high 4 stars, possibly a 4.5⭐️
This was great and written so much better than the first series in my opinion, the characters and storyline were more gripping to me and I loved the school setting.
Very dark academia esque.

Wren is an alchemist who has a lot of grief and trauma from the previous war/series and watching her character growth was amazing, slowly healing through friendships and love.

I loved all the characters and got attached to them easily through the fun banter dialogue.
Theres a few action scenes balanced out nicely with deadly alchemy lessons, the pacing worked for me.

The romance was super slow burn but I prefer it that way because it feels earned when it does finally happen and the more yearning the better really.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of the ending which is why it didn’t get 5 stars but its pretty typical in romantasy series so can’t hold it against the book

Can’t wait for book 2!

[Ashleigh (a frolic through fiction) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the definition of reluctant mutual pining and I am HERE FOR IT 💯

I can’t say I’m surprised that Iron & Embers had me hooked. Helen has such a brilliant way of combining an epic fantasy feel with romance, and with various addictive tropes at play in this (such as deadly trials) it’s easy to sink into the pages. Torj and Wren will be living in my brain rent free, and I can’t even say I’m mad about it. The tension, the yearning, the push-and-pull of two stubborn souls adamant on doing things their way? Gah, I love it 🤭


[P.S a note on reading order, this book references the ending of the Legends of Thezmarr as its past, but this is 100% readable without reading those first! Though I recommend purely because they’re great too 😂]

Thank you to the publisher for sending me an early copy of this book!

[Linda ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We survived it,” he told her. “You and me. Together.”

What. The. Fuck.
Impeccable. Immaculate. Incredible. 🖤

This book was literally everything I wanted in a romantasy book and more. I AM SAT. This book had me laughing, crying, giggling and kicking my feet, and then screaming into the abyss.

I’m not going to lie, the Legends of Thezmarr series, which occurs just before this series, wasn’t 100% my cup of tea - it was good but not great. So I was quite worried I wouldn’t like this book. Well, I was so SO wrong. I would say you definitely need to read Legends of Thezmarr to read this series, otherwise there are spoilers for it.

Wren is our fierce FMC, who gives off major Nesta vibes in ACOSF. Angsty, full of trauma, and she just wants to be alone after all she went through in the Legends of Thezmarr series.

Torj, our moody, broody MMC gives major Cassian vibes. He’s the classic over protective and grumpy bodyguard who’s a cinnamon roll just for her. He’s also basically Thor.
“I don’t want to be your distraction, a balm to an open wound”

A woman on the verge - Wren is battling through trauma from the war, after losing her sister and two of her close friends, and gains power she doesn’t understand and can’t accept. All she feels in her heart is a deep desire for justice and vengeance. She’ll do anything to get it, even if that means betraying Torj to do so.

✨Our side characters✨
Kipp and Cal
They provide amazing comic relief to the story, and I love their interactions as a group! They’re the brothers and friends you would want by your side, whilst being complete troublemakers.

“If you’re done gawking at him,” Cal hissed, irritated.
“I’m not—“
Cal scoffed. “Please. Mind you don’t slip in your drool on the way out.”

Zavier and Odessa
They compliment Wren so well; Zavier challenges her, Odessa brings out a softer side in her she never thought she’d see again. The ultimate teammates.

Iron & Embers is a fast paced, gripping, heart pounding romantasy novel. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this!

It definitely helped that the world building was already done during Legends of Thezmarr series.

There was so much yearning and angst! Every chapter felt like it had a purpose. There were no filler chapters, or times where I wanted to skim or just skip ahead. I was thorough invested the whole time, and I haven’t felt that way about a book in so long. There was so many twists and turns I could’ve gotten whiplash 🤭🤍

The only thing that bothered me was what happened at the end 👀
It felt like it was just a plot device to set the scene for the next book, and didn’t make total sense with the lore. I didn’t feel like that was a necessary action, apart from the fact that it would create tension for book 2. But, I’ll ignore that bc I loved this book so much.

I’m soooo excited to see what happens in the next one! 🖤

✨Tropes⚔️
- Strong, badass, witty FMC
- Fierce, loyal, overly protective MMC but a cinnamon bun just for her
- Trauma (PTSD, anxiety, domestic abuse)
- Dual POV
- One horse
- Specialist/gifted academy
- Who did this to you?
- Deadly trials
- Alchemists and Warriors

“You couldn’t save your mother, so now you try to save everyone else,” she whispered. “But who’s saving you, Torj?”
You did, he wanted to say. You saved me.

Thank you for NetGalley, the publisher Pan Macmillan and the author, Helen Scheuerer, for providing a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Thenerdypsych · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️.🫑

I am absolutely distraught and feral for the next book. Helen has outdone herself 🙌 I loved Legends of Thezmarr but this has raised the bar! Full review to come, I need time to emotionally recover from that ending 🫠🤯😭

Ok so full review time. From the moment I met Wren and Torj in Thezmarr, I adored them. They are such great characters and to go through the devastation of Thezmarr with them to Iron and Embers is such a unique experience as a reader. We often get our characters already damaged and learn retrospectively what has hurt them but with this, Wren in particular, you knew the girl before the trauma and the impact it has had on her in the present. Through Iron and Embers, Torj and Wren's found family help her to heal and to come into her own with absolute ferocity. There is so much growth for both her and Torj that is just so beautiful to see. I don't want to give too much away but Helen's angsty af slow burn was 🤌 Torj is definitely being added to the book boyfriend list, despite some of his questionable decisions towards the end. Below are what you can expect, and a tiny piece of advice, make sure you're in a safe place with a furry friend and a stiff drink to finish the final 50 pages 😭🤯

🗣️Dual POV
🌶️🌶️🌶️.🫑 Spicy with LOTS of angst
👯‍♀️ Found family
😂 Banter
📚 Academia
⚠️ Forbidden romance (bodyguard + ward)
😭 So. Much. Emotional. Damage.
🌳 Growth + character development
🫣 Hidden identity
🧪✨ Alchemy + magic


✨Thank you Helen & Netgalley for this early review copy. My views are my own and I feel so lucky to have gotten to read this ahead of it's release ✨

[Cassidy Chivers · Rating 3 out of 5]

My personal opinion is to read Legends Of Thezmarr before diving into this. So much is referred back and a lot of character moments of our two protagonists and side characters happen in that series. I think I would have felt lost and not as connected without that series. Like who are these ppl why are we friends. You will also be spoiled for the ending of that series if you read this first. But if you have no want to read that series I would say you *can* dive into this one it might just take a little longer to find your footing.


Personally this wasn’t as good as blood and steel for me. Partially because these two are clearly in love with eachother from the very first page (something we know in the past series as well). But we never got to see why and I still wish I got to see more flashbacks of this. And partially cause I just never felt like their were stakes. And it felt to similiar to blood and steel in terms of relationship set up, the forced proximity, the banter, the training. But also those were all my favourite parts of this too. So you can’t please me.

Helen can write banter and pining I will give her that. Those were my fav moments. But once they got together I found I didn’t care. The plot wasn’t engaging enough. The trials didn’t feel like they had true stakes to them even though they should have. I never believe ppl I love are in danger (and maybe this is baggage from me reading the final thezmarr book and my thoughts on that). So all I had was the banter and when that stopped my interest also did. It just felt one note and surface level to me.

But all that said I still never wanted to turn it off. I still had fun with it. And I will continue.

And I do love torj!

But Ngl there’s a new character in this book that I was like I know it won’t happen but like what if her and him got together instead😂 excited to see my new man shine.

[1000_books_1000_lives · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars is not enough! This book deserves a galaxy! Helen Scheuerer is the undisputed Queen of Romantasy! The Legends of Thezmarr is my Roman Empire, and this next chapter was EPIC! From start to finish this story had me in a chokehold. Helen writes so incredibly the story plays like a film in my head, world building so rich and refined but it does not drag. Wren is fierce and determined and it was incredible to learn more about her! This first chapter in The Ashes of Thezmarr has me wanting more! I cannot wait for the rest to come. ❤️

[AshReadThis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In true Helen fashion, this was a masterpiece.

The continued world building from the Legends of Thezmarr series was still so immersive, it was fun to be back in this world.

The character development, again as usual, was top notch. I just loved Wren and Torj and they both have so much chemistry. This was another slow burn full of angst and tension, even a bit of an enemies to lovers dynamic for a while at first. Wren was so mean to him…I loved it. 🤣

The side characters - also, again, as usual - were also lovable. Love me some Kipp, he’s such a hoot, but Zavier’s character has me sooo intrigued. I can’t wait to see what Helen does with him in the next book. I loved the Thea and Wilder cameo, too, great touch.

The story was original and kept my interest, but also made me cry so… I’m ready for the next book and some resolutions because my heart is broken.

What to expect:
🧪 Warrior Bodyguard x Storm Wielder
🍻 Slow Burn
🧪 Alchemy and Potions
🍻 Found Family
🧪 One Horse
🍻 Forced Proximity
🧪“F*** It” moment
🍻 “Who did this to you?”
🧪 Third Person POV
🍻 Soul Bonds

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and I will definitely go back and read the first series.

However, there was certainly enough here to grip me and hold on tight. I know I was a little lost when there were references to the previous war, but the fallout is what we are dealing with here. We are five years out from the previous series and Wren heads off to an ancient alchemy academy of Drevenor to find a cure to the dark magic threatening the kingdoms. Alchemy is her passion and the way she can best serve her kingdom.

Because she is also an heir, she is sent with a bodyguard- Torj Elderbrok. Boy do they have some complicated history. The kind with sexual tension galore. There is also the little fact that she assassinated the last guy he was charged with protecting, which prevented him from getting a position he'd been up for. So yeah, he's carrying a bit of a grudge.

Now he is shadowing her every step and even sharing her bathroom, as he is put in an adjoining suite to keep an eye on her. Which of course leads to some hot run ins at inopportune times.

As they spend more time together and their walls start to lower, there is more attention paid to the wild connection between them. The kind that is more than just attraction but a strange alchemy of its own. The more Torj discovers about this connection, the deeper he falls for Wren.

Wren has her hands full with learning and honing her craft and that is not made easier by having a hunk like Torj stalking her steps. But she does manage to learn some new tricks and make some new friends while fighting for top marks at the academy. I really liked the new characters she met and the connections she was making.

I truly ached for Torj and Wren. I wanted them to work out so badly! I will be pining away for them until we get our next installment in July. In the meantime, I will busy myself with catching up on the rest of the stories in Thezmarr.

I also listened to this on audio and it was performed to perfection by Emilia Bauer & Matt Haynes.

4 Stars
3 on the spice scale

*I received a Free ARC from the Nerd Fam. But I also bought the audio book on my own.*

[Sara Machado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t been this hooked on a romantasy since I first discovered Carissa Broadbent. Iron & Embers was absolutely AMAZING! I fell in love with the world, the setting, and—of course—the deliciously slow-burn romance between Tjorn and Wren.

Speaking of those two… they are precious! I adored them as individuals, and I was completely rooting for their relationship. The tension and longing between them were executed flawlessly, keeping me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

While the romance is incredible, it doesn’t overshadow the main story. I found myself equally invested in the central plot, which is enriched by a fantastic cast of supporting characters. I can’t wait to dive deeper into their stories in future books!

When I first picked up this book, I didn’t realize it was set in the same world as Helen Scheuerer’s previous series. Don’t let that stop you from reading it—Iron & Embers does a phenomenal job catching you up on the world and its past while keeping you curious to explore more. Yes, there are some spoilers for the previous series, but that only made me more excited to read it as soon as possible!

Huge thanks to Pan Macmillan | Tor Bramble and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Now, can you please send me the next one? I need it desperately!

- - - - - - - - - -

Pre-read:

My expectations are high for this one!

[sonia]

EEEE excited to read this!! Just got an arc through work

[Emily-Rose At The Rose House · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Go up in flames with me Embers” 🔥

This book is for you if you love:

Alchemy academy training
Body guard with forced proximity
He trains her
Nicknames
Tension & yearning
Magical bonds
Spice

“I was in trouble the moment I met you Embers”

This book felt so much longer than needed, the twist at the end has me excited for book 2! Sometimes a slow book 1 is needed to set up for an amazing book 2 🤞

[Liz (lizzreadz) · Rating 5 out of 5]

YUP. 5 STARS.

Yet another AMAZING book from one of my auto-buy authors, that had me laughing, crying, and feeling ALL the emotions🥲 Once again, I’m so bewildered at how bingeable & addicting Helen’s books are, because I devoured this in 3 sittings. But being back in this world, with these characters that I know & love so fiercely - it truly felt like coming home🖤

While Iron & Embers takes place 5 years after the events of the Legends of Thezmarr series, this book can technically be read as standalone - just be aware, there will be spoilers in Iron & Embers! But I will say, this book will make a lot more sense and you will have a much deeper appreciation for these characters and what they’re experiencing if you read the Legends of Thezmarr first!

Our FMC Wren, alchemist turned assassin, has drastically changed in the aftermath of the war. Now hardened and closed off, Wren has isolated herself, still reeling from the grief & trauma the war left her with. But with a new alchemical threat facing the realm, Wren’s unparalleled skill is once again needed as she takes her place at Drevenor Academy, the prestigious academy for master alchemists.

Right off the bat, I immediately loved how sharp Wren’s mind was and how determined she was to excel. That, coupled with her storm wielding magic & her unparalleled skill with alchemy made her such a formidable force to be reckoned with. I absolutely LOVE all of the powerhouse women in Helen’s books, they are all top tier FMCs for me!

Now, the plot! The ROMANCE! This delivered on both fronts, and there was simply no putting this book down. Having read the Legends of Thezmarr, the world building & magic system were a breeze since I was already familiar, but even if you haven’t read it, the world & magic of this series are still easy to follow!

The highlight of this book for me? Torj and Wren HANDS DOWN. These two have so much history, and I’ve been dying to see their story unfold. I loved it all - the banter, the tension, the YEARNING. All in dual POV too🙂‍↕️ I already loved Torj from the previous series, but he’s at a whole new level now y’all🧎🏻‍♀️ I could give a whole speech on the unyielding devotion of this man! But seeing them help each other heal while slowly becoming vulnerable with each other again, and seeing how undeniably perfect they are for each other - I love them just as much as Wilder & Thea😭

Now that ending? HURT ME. SHOULD BE ILLEGAL. STRAIGHT TO JAIL. I knew a bomb was coming and when it dropped, it damn well HURT. I’m still screaming “WHY” in my head, and the only thing keeping me together is the fact that 2 more books are coming this year🥲 But I’m reassuring myself it’s gonna be ok because Helen has done this to me before with the Legends of Thezmarr and she’s never let me down before!

In conclusion, I will forever scream from the mountaintops about this book & the Legends of Thezmarr series, so PLEASE - go read this January 28th so you can scream with me!!

Thank you to the author and @thenerdfam for the ARC!

[Booksblabbering || Cait❣️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

To the women who rewrite the rules, one page at a time. Your potential is the plot twist the world never saw coming.

This was so addicting!
Short chapters, self-defence lessons, forced proximity, slow-burn HIGH tension, academy setting, dangerous trials!!

Wren is the lost Delmirian heir who’d refused her throne and killed the traitorous former Guild Master of Thezmarr.
Five years after the Shadow War, Wren is known as the Poisoner, administering vengeance for the corruption in the noble houses and politicians.
Following an assassination attempt against a member of royalty, Wren is assigned a bodyguard - Torj, the silver-haired Bear Slayer, a saviour of the midrealms; and someone she has a testy history with.

Bodyguards should not fraternise with their charges, but Tori and Wren are connected by more than their duty…

HE CALLS HER EMBERS!!! The sweetest nickname.
They are fire and ice. They know exactly how to get under the other’s skin. They also care deeply for the other but don’t dare admit it.

Elwren Embervale might have been his, but she also belonged wholly to herself.

Like I said, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. There is dual-pov, great banter, found family, dealing with grief and guilt.

Wren is also such an introvert and clutter bug, yet the academy setting makes her go outside her comfort zone and start to rely on others, make friends, not poison visitors to her rooms.

‘All that anger has to go somewhere, Elwren. To turn it inwards is to poison oneself as effectively as taking a dose of your beloved nightshade. To turn it outwards is to eventually poison the ones you care for. Either way, a path of destruction is created, and you will be at the helm.’

I admit, I saw the plot twist I saw coming miles away and actually included it in my review notes before I reached the end and realised it was a huge spoiler.

The ending…. UGH!
I hate it when romantasy books do this! I think this almost made it lose a whole star, but in the end I rounded up…

This is a follow on from her previous series from what I understand. I have not read that. Whilst I did feel like I missed out on Easter Eggs and previous connections, you can jump into the series without reading the prior. Just be aware it will spoil everything about the previous series considering it occurs five years after!

I interviewed the author, and Helen says this is set to be a trilogy!

Arc gifted by BookBreak Panmacmillan.

Bookstagram

[Lia Carstairs · Rating 2 out of 5]

that was so boring but somehow i managed to finish this, which is all that matters😭

I was considering marking this as a DNF but I was already halfway and thought I might as well push through. the last 25% was definitely more interesting but I genuinely do not care about a single one of these characters, so I felt nothing at all with that happened. wren was alright but torj was so bland, I don't see the appeal at all in him.

which, as you can guess, i disliked the romance in that it was so boring for me, I just !! don't care!! it all felt like insta-lust to me, even though they did arguably have their emotional moments... again, maybe i just didn't feel it though because I didn't really care about wren and torj individually. the side characters were certainly more interesting than them (though it felt like the author was trying too hard to make kipp funny💀 zavier, dessa, and cal were definitely interesting)

overall, I'm disappointed in this as I was pretty excited to fall in love with the series and even later on read the prequel series... but oh well! Will most definitely not be continuing the series (which btw that ending was so dumb and annoying of a decision made)


Thank you Tor Bramble for sending me an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

[Erin (erinsreadingroom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆ 5 stars

"In the aftermath of the war, where the world was muted in ash, Wren was a burst of colour."

📖 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 614 pages
👤 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Helen Scheuerer
⏳ 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡: Trilogy
🏢 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Bramble, Tor UK
📅 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 6 February 2025

What you can expect:
— Adult Epic Fantasy Romance
— Third Person X Dual POV
— Royal Alchemist X Warsword
— Hate-To-Love
— Reluctant Bodyguard
— Grumpy X Grumpy
— Forced Proximity
— Academic Setting
— Found Family
— "Who Did This To You?"
— Only One Horse
— Forbidden Romance
— Fated Love
— Deadly Trials & Prophecies
— 'Touch Her And Die'

𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: sexually explicit content, death, violence & gore, PTSD rep, threats of sexual violence, domestic abuse (discussed/side character), suicide (mentioned), dementia (referenced) and adult language.

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Iron & Embers is the first instalment in The Ashes of Thezmarr trilogy by author Helen Scheuerer. Whilst this series is advertised for its ability to be read separately from The Legends of Thezmarr series, I personally recommend reading that series prior to this one for better emotional impact and understanding. This book recounts the need-to-know events from that series for better understanding, however I personally think you'll achieve a much fuller reading experience with a better understanding for all of the characters by having direct knowledge on their origins which leads to the events throughout this book. I don't know what kind of sorcery Scheuerer puts into her writing because I need somebody to explain to me how I have devoured the entirety of the Legends series and its companion standalone alongside this book in less than a week. I'm a woman addicted and I'm already clawing at the walls for the release of the sequel which is mere months away and yet feels infinitely longer after that jaw-dropping ending. New favourite auto-buy author? Absolutely yes. I was immediately immersed into the expansive setting and ongoing world-building that takes place within this universe as we explore corners of the world we've not yet seen. I've always been a huge fan of an academic setting and I had a lot of fun exploring the cut-throat environment that is established within the walls of Drevenor Academy. The story felt well-paced as it seamlessly balanced the explosive forbidden chemistry between our two main characters and the ongoing threat that develops throughout the duration of the plot. The addictive character interactions and emotional vulnerabilities that are explored offer an intimate insight into our cast of characters that left me unable to put the book down and vying for more. I adored seeing the return of fan favourite characters within a found family unit whilst leaving ample space for the introduction for new characters to be welcomed and explored. I truly could not recommend this author any further as her seemingly effortless writing will leave you enthralled and desperate for more and I'm so unbelievably excited for the release of the sequel, Thorns & Fire, which is due sometime July 2025.

𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭:
The plot in Iron & Embers takes place five years after the events of The Legends of Thezmarr series as we follow Wren on her academic journey towards securing her dream as a Master Alchemist whilst battling with the rage and grief she has experienced post-war. When a King of the Midrealms is attacked by an unknown group who have used a never before-seen form of alchemy in their attack, Wren is tasked with uncovering a cure for the dark magic that once again plagues the kingdom by attending the ancient alchemy academy of Drevenor. Per the laws of the Midrealms; an attack on a Royal is an attack on them all and therefore, Wren is assigned a bodyguard to protect her during her stay at Drevenor. It's unfortunate that her assigned bodyguard is none other than Torj Elderbrook, a legendary Warsword and the very man she has spent the past five years trying to forget. I absolutely loved how the plot in this book developed over time whilst acting as a support for the character dynamics and development. Wren's task for developing a cure whilst putting everything she has towards passing the Gauntlet helped to showcase her ambition and drive which was vital for the ongoing plot. As somebody who has loved the previous connecting series it was a lot of fun to see how the past and the present connect whilst also standing apart on its own. Getting to see the focus on Alchemy was an interesting exploration as it shows that there is as much value in the power of the mind and intelligence, arguably if not more, as there is to physical strength and prowess. Wren's strength has always been her mind and keenness towards her pursuit for knowledge and I loved getting to see her grow in support of the ongoing plot. The suspense and intrigue was addictive as we investigate the building dissent across the kingdoms which is lead by a secret nefarious group who's ambitions very much still lay in the unknowns. I'm very excited to explore this group further and the alluded personal connection that definitely has me trusting a certain character significantly less than what I initially felt.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
Elwren 'The Poisoner' Embervale is a morally complex woman who we see undergo a great deal of change and development throughout her journey in Iron & Embers. The shadow war has left its scars externally and internally upon Wren and it truly broke my heart to see the largely self-imposed suffering that she has endured since. The survivor's guilt is strong within Wren's character and her self-loathing that she carries as a result was heart-wrenching. We follow Wren on her path for vengeance with a determination to rid the world of those who contributed to the wrong side of the war regardless to the personal cost that she pays with every life that she takes. Revenge becomes her sole-focus after continually being rejected from the academy that holds her dreams within its grasp, and it was interesting to follow a woman largely trained in healing and using alchemy for good suddenly use her talent for morally complex desires. The significant loss that she faced during the war results in Wren emotionally closing herself off and refusing to let people in out of fear of having to face that loss again. Her journey is not linear and I really connected with Wren throughout her struggles and determination to finally achieve her goals after being granted the opportunity to study at Drevenor and once again help rid the world of dark magic that haunts her waking thoughts and dreams. I loved following a main character whose main strengths lay within her mind as opposed to physical strength and there's no denying that Wren is not a character you want to find yourself on opposite sides of. She's a fierce and headstrong woman who is willing to do whatever it takes for the side of good no matter the personal cost. Wren's journey towards healing was a desperately needed slow-burn progression and it was a beautiful transition to see her finally come to terms with all that she has lost and endured. Seeing her slowly begin to emotionally lower her walls and once again let people in was such a rewarding sight to see and I cannot wait to see Wren continue to grow and learn in the next book alongside her peers. Her refusal to accept less than she deserves was everything I had hoped to see from a consistently strong character, and I have nothing but respect and belief in Wren in her pursuit for the truth. Elwren is a far from perfect character who makes a lot of mistakes and choices which we see her ultimately become forced to face the consequences of those actions. I could not love her more for it as her complexities only seek to add to her humanity and I just know that she is on the path towards growing into a woman that she can feel proud of becoming.

Torj 'The Bear Slayer' Elderbrock is the standard for all love interests and I will die on this hill defending my stance. You're telling me that this man has been pining for this woman for over five YEARS amidst all of the pain, trauma and circumstances that kept them apart? You're telling me that when given the opportunity to spend one night with her... he refuses knowing that one night will never be enough and he painfully walks away with the silent hope that she'll someday be ready to offer him everything? I didn't think it was possible to swoon whilst simultaneously wanting to cry and yet... here I am. Torj was one of my favourite side characters throughout the Legends series and I was thrilled to see him become a central focus in his own journey. His familial backstory took me by complete surprise and whilst my heart broke for his experiences, I was really grateful to be offered a deeper emotional insight into his character. Learning his backstory helped me better connect with Torj's character whilst having a better understanding for his actions and motivations. Torj is a protector at heart and it was hilarious to see his struggles trying to protect a headstrong woman who was adamant that she didn't need his help. His loyalty to the people he cares about was admirable and I adore how Torj is a man that can be depended and relied upon. What surprised me the most was the inner tenderness and softness that a man like Torj possessed despite being known for his fierce and aggressive nature on the battlefield, and yet at the same time I really shouldn't feel surprised. The way Torj is able to build up the people around them and encourage the best from them was everything I hoped he would be. His steadfast willingness to stand up for what is right and determination to protect innocent lives made him an easy character to fall in-love with and I'm very keen to see where his journey will lead in the next book. Torj's selflessness emotionally gutted me because all I wanted was for this beautiful soul finally achieve his every want and hope that he's carried throughout his life... but in Helen Scheuerer we trust because I refuse to accept any other alternative for his character. Honestly, I just wanted to give this man the biggest hug and reassure him that everything will (hopefully) work out for him in the end. I don't think I've ever emotionally rooted for a character as fiercely as I have Torj Elderbrook, and I cannot wait to see what more pain and torment this man endures as he fights for the life that he wants and deserves.

𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:
Iron & Embers is the epitome of an angsty forbidden romance filled with delicious longing and yearning which will leave you on the edge of your seat and vying for more. I swear I was tempted to bite my knuckles from the second-hand anxiety that I was feeling on behalf of these two characters. There's no doubting that Wren and Torj are bound by unknown forces despite their determination to hate one another as a result of past circumstances. I probably shouldn't have found it as funny as I did... but it was genuinely hilarious how at odds both characters were and the banter that manifested as a result. Their continuous attraction and sizzling chemistry left me swooning and desperate to see where their tumultuous dynamic was building towards despite how desperately both characters fought against their natural chemistry. There's a lot of pre-existing hurt and history between Wren and Torj and I was thrilled to see the deeper insight that was offered during past recounts and discussions. At their core, Torj and Wren are two deeply hurt individuals who were forever altered by the shadow war and ultimately don't know how to cope with and address those changes. Seeing their relationship develop and evolve through patience, understanding and vulnerable communication was a beautiful progression to follow and I loved every moment of it. Seeing them begin to lean upon one another during moments of strife was everything I had hoped to see and I loved how their peers were able to predict their growth before they ever could. There's still so much hurt that exists between both characters with a lot left unsaid so I'm very excited to see what comes next for Torj and Wren after that explosive ending. The insight into what their relationship can become over time was addictive and I'm truly rooting for them to heal independently and as a couple. There's no denying the strength that Wren and Torj possess as a couple and I cannot wait to see them grow into potentially the most powerful couple within the Thezmarr universe.

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
Iron & Embers has left me shell-shocked with an eagerness for the next book after this book offered the perfect balance between providing answers whilst leaving enough things left unsaid. There's so much unknown about the fate of the characters and the world that they reside in and I cannot wait to see the truth begin to be discovered. There's one character in particular that I'm feeling untrustworthy towards so I'm keen to see if my feelings are right or if I'll be pleasantly surprised by the outcome. The world of Thezmarr has continued to grow in strength and I cannot wait to delve further into the author's mind with the release of the sequel, Thorns & Fire, which is due sometime July 2025.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲.

The 'Ashes of Thezmarr' series:
1. Iron & Embers - 5 stars
2. Thorns & Fire - 5 stars

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinity stars. I felt every single human emotion within these pages. It’s incredible- fully review to come closer to release date. I remember the minute this showed up in my letterbox - it was a Friday night, I had just walked home in the rain. I was grumpy and hungry and then I tore off the cardboard and it was like a LIGHT in the dark of my very first, very cold Northern Winter.

If you’ve been with me for a bit, you know how much I love the Legends of Thezmarr series by Helen Scheuerer and I was giddy when she announced the next chapter in her universe, The Ashes of Thezmarr, would follow my favourite alchemist turned assassin, Elwren, and the Warsword charged with protecting her, Torj.

When Wren is finally offered a place at the ancient alchemy academy of Drevenor to find a cure to the dark magic threatening the kingdoms, she also finds herself in danger as a heir to a kingdom herself. She needs protection to focus on her studies; - enter my favourite gold-turned silver-hammer-wielding Warsword.

Easiest five stars I have ever handed out, Iron & Embers is scorching, the tension and shared history between Wren and Torj is so palpable you can feel it everywhere. As we spend most of the book in Drevenor, which gives the whole story a dark-academia undertone that I am obsessed with.

And of course, the son of the fox, Kip, (raw, next question) my KING is not to be forgotten. He is even more ridiculous, mischievous and downright scandalous in this book and I love him so much more for it.

Out February 6th! Thank you to @bookbreakuk for he gorgeous review copy.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A million stars.

If you haven't heard me scream from the rooftops about this baby, you must be new here. Not only was this my most anticipated book of the year, it's my favorite book of the year. It's just ✨️PERFECTION✨️

I didn't think Helen could make me like someone more then Thea and Wilder, yet here we are. I want to be Wren when I grow up. She undergoes so much in this book and really finds herself and finds her own little squad. It was giving Nesta in ACOSF vibes and I'm here for it 🖤 Torj, is everything I want in a mmc and husband, he's the perfect amount of confident and cocky. KIPP AND CAL, as always are absolute perfection, and I love hearing about their wild adventures.

You can read this before The Legends of Thezmarr (which tells Thea's story, Wren's sister) but I recommend reading Legends first to get the whole PERFECT experience.

Thank you to Helen and BOMM for the ARC 🖤✨️

[Jena · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book infinite stars, I would. It's gorgeous through and through, and I urge everyone to pick it up ... That being said, I don't think it's really the first book of a new trilogy, as the marketing suggests. Let's discuss...

Before going into Iron and Embers, I had read the author's other connected series, The Legends of Thezmarr. The Legends of Thezmarr is set in the same universe and takes place 5 years before the start of this novel. I devoured that series, and throughout reading it, kept feeling like it was reminiscent of Throne of Glass. I couldn't pinpoint what gave me that feeling. Was it the tropes used, or perhaps common story beats? But as I read Iron and Ember, I realized why it reminded me of so many icons of the fantasy genre. It's not necessarily because of the elements that Helen Scheuerer puts into her books, but rather how she combines them.

I've found that many books published in the last year or two have lacked the depth that I've wanted. Even some with great premises rely too heavily on one trope to carry the novel. Iron and Embers, however, does not fall victim to this issue. This novel is a tapestry of smaller stories that all work together to create a romantic, fantasy epic. Iron and Embers is full of numerous intertwined fantasy plot lines, mystery elements, romantic plots, character development and real world discussions. In fact, when I first started writing this review, I wanted to list all the engaging aspects of this book. But I've realized that no matter how comprehensive the list I compile is, it will not do justice to this book. Yes, there is a bodyguard romance, the second-chance trope, fated mates, deadly trials, royals with elemental powers, and so much more, but just listing these tropes doesn't convey the emotional journey this book will take you on.

I actually found that this story reminded me in many ways of A Court of Silver Flames. It is a love story between a man and woman with a romantic past full of yearning and almost confessions, that was then cut short at the end of a war. Flash forward to now, the woman is dealing with trauma, and as such, shutting everyone out. However, as the man protects and trains her, she slowly opens herself back up and allows herself to be loved. Sound like something you'd like? I thought so!

Funnily enough, I think this novel is much like A Court of Silver Flames in terms of its place in its series as well. Although Iron and Embers gives you lots of flashbacks and context as to the events of The Legends of Thezmarr, I don't think you get the full impact of this story without reading that series first. These characters have been growing with and against each other for multiple novels now. Although you can start here, you don't get the full impact if you do. I know that this book has been marketed as the first book in a new series and world, but really, I think it is more of a continuation of The Legends of Thezmarr series, simply from a new point of view, in the same way that A Court of Silver Flames is still an ACOTAR novel, just following a new character.

That being said, I do urge people to read this story. From the humour, to the fun tropes, to the earnest character growth, it has everything I could have asked for. If you don't want to commit to reading a whole series before this book, I totally get it and think you'll still enjoy this book. But, if you do have time on your hands, or have been looking for a new fantasy series to read, I really do suggest starting this universe with Blood and Steel.

I, on the other hand, will be counting the days until the next book in the series comes out.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!