5⭐️ 3🌶️

- Mate/ Soul bonds
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Bodyguard / charge
- Touch-her-and-💀
- Dark academia
- Forced proximity
- Heir to the throne
- Found Family

“I’m his to protect…and he’s mine.”

Following Torj’s ultimate sacrifice, breaking their soul bond to save Wren’s life, it appears that the two are destined to remain apart. However, as dark storm clouds gather and Thezmarr stands on the brink of war once more, their fates are once again intertwined. Delmira has awoken, and an Embervale Queen must rise to take her rightful place on the throne to protect the midrealms. Meanwhile, Wren and Torj find themselves at the centre of a prophecy that foretells the fate of their world and will test their power, love, and loyalty to the limit. They must swiftly decide whether the ancient magic that binds them will ultimately be their salvation or their downfall…

This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, thank you so much Pan MacMillan for the ARC! The second book in the Ashes of Thezmarr series was everything I hoped for. Thorns and Fire is a captivating romantasy with a slow-burn which will keep you hooked until the end!

Like Iron and Embers, book two alternates between Torj and Wren’s POV with short chapters and fast pacing. The plot picks up a few weeks after Iron and Embers, as Torj / Wilder and Wren/ Thea are quickly thrown into new respective quests. There’s lots of tension and angst in the first half as the main characters try to figure out their love lives whilst seeking a way to turn the tide of the impending war! It’s a brilliant adventure with lots of twists and turns in the plot. By the end we are left with as many questions as answers on a nail-biting cliffhanger!

I absolutely love Scheuerer’s world-building; the scale and immersive experience of her books are I think among the best in Romantasy! The Ashes of Thezmarr series offers so much - there are epic adventures, thrilling quests, formidable villains, and hilarious banter. The cast of characters is brilliant, with well-developed arcs that keep you engaged. You’ll find familiar faces from the Legends of Thezmarr series (I’m still in love with Kipp after six books - I’m here until the very end holding out for his HEA!), and there are also new faces and political power plays too.

While I still recommend reading The Legends of Thezmarr first to fully appreciate the characters and their world, Thorns and Fires definitely has enough memories and reflections to make it make sense as a great standalone series too.

I was so excited to read this. I loved it and can’t wait for the final instalment to this epic trilogy. But at the same time I also never want it to end!

Helen remains the undisputed queen of Romantasy! This next chapter was everything I could have hoped for and so much more! The Legends of Thezmarr remains the best Romantasy series I’ve ever read and this continuation of it in the Ashes of Thezmarr is phenomenal. Thorns and Fire is filled with all the angst, banter, unexpected twists Helen is known for. It is so perfectly written balancing, plot, action, spice and a magic beyond compare. A galaxy of stars! ✨