I can't possibly give this book less than 5 stars. The longing! Wren and Torj! They captured my heart and set it ablaze.

I also will refuse to experience the next book any other way than this one - as an immersive reading experience.
I need the book to catch all the details - but I'm also completely blown away by the narrators of the audiobook. They give all their passion into voicing these characters, and I found myself just stopping and staring while listening.
So if you get a chance - get both the book and audiobook. I promise you won't be disappointed!

I won't get into too much detail, as this is the sequel to Iron and Embers - but we're dealing with the aftermath of book 1, while also trying to find a new path, discover new strengths and uncover world-shattering secrets.

While we have a dark academia setting in book 1, now our protagonists are on a journey. And I will admit that much of this book feels like getting everything ready for the big finale. But I honestly don't mind! As long as Wren and Torj are at the heart of everything, I will even read them doing basic chores for 600 pages.
There's also side characters I can't wait to read more of in the next installment.
And the ending of the book has me buzzing for Silver and Smoke (which will be here in December - so the wait is not too long, thankfully).

5/5 stars

Thank you @netgalley and @Dreamscape_Mediaand @panmacmillan for the eARC!

#ThornsAndFire #AshesOfThezmarr #Bookstagram #Netgalley

I. Love. This.

I have, and will continue to read, everything Helen Scheuerer has published. Thorns and Fire continues Wren & Torj’s story from Iron and Embers, and sets up the most explosive finale for Iron and Embers #3, Silver and Smoke.

What I love most about Helen’s books is how interconnected they all are. This one especially so as a spin off series of Blood & Steel. You get to see all the characters you know and love in the background of Wren’s character development and healing from the events of Blood and Steel.

Wren & Torj as a couple are moulded by their respective tragic pasts, and brought together via a series of events that interconnect their lives, and souls further. And in this book, their connection deepens immensely, growing stronger only after a few setbacks and resolutions have been reached.

Thorns and Fire primarily focuses on moving the narrative forward in a way that sets it up nicely for a finale. The stakes are higher than ever, and those indestructible Warswords are feeling more vulnerable than ever. This book was a particular favourite of mine in the way it developed past and new relationships and created a realm of possibility. No one is safe, and throughout this book Helen has made this so very clear.

While I cannot wait to see how this spin off series wraps up, I will be sad to see them go. Silver and Smoke is going to be explosive!

Thorns & Fire is another five star read from Helen Scheuerer. I put this one off as I won’t lie, I was mad at the end of the last book. How this continued on though was perfect and all is now forgiven. I absolutely love Wren as an FMC, she is determined and intelligent - I love that she is getting her own series. I would recommend reading the other linked series first, because they are great reads but also you get so many links, in jokes, Easter eggs and just know the characters more.
With this instalment the reluctant bodyguard trope just doesn’t get old. I ate this book up in two sittings. I really like where the plot is going, there are some high stakes action scenes and a build up towards more epic battles. As ever the side characters are so well done, the found family vibes continue throughout. I adore the romance just as much as the friendships! The romance is brimming with more angst and yearning, some only one horse action and such lovely development. This series is just gold standard romantasy and I will not hear any negativity.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

This middle book in The Ashes of Thezmarr series picks up where the previous book left off. Wren and Torj are trying to figure out where they stand, as alchemy becomes ever more essential in determining the date of the middlerealms.

This is very much connected to the first book in the series and cannot be read as a standalone. I would also recommend reading the Legends of Thezmarr series first, as many of the characters from that series make an appearance and its events are constantly referenced.

This is a great middle book that progresses the character development and plot enough for them to be able to reach their conclusion in book 3, which is scheduled to come out later this year. It is filled with action and contains several plot twists (although I did unfortunately see a couple of them coming). I'm really looking forward to reading book 3!

Thank you to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

*ARC and ALC review*
release date: 31 July

4,5 ⭐️

"Thorns & Fire" by Helen Scheuerer is the second book in the fantasy romance trilogy “The Ashes of Thezmarr”

Thank you Pan Macmillan for the e-ARC and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

You should read this series if you like:

- fantasy books with romance (and spice)
- academy setting
- magic, potions and alchemy
- prophecies
- hate-to-love
- bodyguard x princess
- forced proximity
- forbidden romance
- slow burn with a lot of angst

The book continues the story immediately after the end of "Iron & Embers".
I did not know how things will develop after Torj's actions, but I am glad that he did not stay away from Wren for long.
Wren is my favorite character in this series and she has such a great development.
She is physically stronger, but also became a leader with more confidence.
Torj is so protective, but also possessive and jealous. He tries to fight his feelings, but their connection is just too strong.

The book has a slower pace but we get new information, there is still action with a few twists and the tension between Wren and Torj is amazing.
I love Helen's world and that characters from the initial series are still an important part of the story (especially Kipp).
With short chapters, alternating Wren and Torj's POV, the story kept me engaged and interested.

The audiobook is narrated in dual style by Matt Haynes and Emilia Bauer and it was a good experience listening to it while reading the e-book.
Emilia Bauer is great as Wren and she also acts well in a male voice.
During the previous book I was not convinced by Matt Haynes as Torj, but now I liked it more.
He manages to switch from narrator voice to Torj's dialog so easy and it feels like a different person. Same when he narrates other characters.

The ending was full of revelations and made the connection with events from the beginning of the book.
I am so glad that the next book comes out this year because I need to know what happens next.

Everything I expected from the second instalment.

Watching Wren and Torj was super cute (amongst being extremely annoying) - I love seeing his softer side with her.

We had appearances from all the characters we loved from the first series (I wish I knew how Kipp managed to get anything done)

And the way the plot turned at the end..... let's just say, I'm excited to see what happens in book 3.

“Between the storm and silence lies the breath that changes the world.“

Absolutely stunning!
This is book 2 in The Ashes of Thezmarr trilogy..
Action packed, literally straight from the beginning it picks up straight from book 1 Iron & Embers.
I love Torq and Wren…
The chemistry between these two is powerful this book had me laughing out loud and kicking my feet.
The angst is perfection.

Rated 4.5 Stars

Thorns & Fire took my emotions on a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions. I didn't know it was possible to get whiplash from a book but here I am standing as living proof that it is in fact possible. I'm going to be in serious recovery mode until the finale. I will be counting down the months, days, hours, minutes and seconds to its release. This book was packed with twists and turns, action, adventure, steam and much more. It had me on the edge of my seat eager to know what would happen next. I loved it, throughly enjoyed and most certainly recommend it.

I have loved every one of Helen Scheuerer’s books so far but this one didn’t quite live up to the same hype for me.

I think there was a lot to achieve in this book - it was clearly written to set up for the rest of the series and as a result there was a lot of information and it contributed to a slower pace for the book.

All of that being said, I still enjoyed it. Wren and Tori are some of my favourite characters and I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a convincing example of two people who really love each other but are determined to deny that to the other person. It’s frustrating at times but so worth it when they finally crack and give in to their feelings.

I really can’t wait to read the rest of this series now

Al igual que el primer libro ha sido ALUCINANTE, me encanta este mundo y siento que Helen no deja de mejorarse como autora, nunca quiero dejar este universo

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with an eARC of Thorns and Fire by Helen Scheuerer.
As the second installment in this captivating spin-off series, it was an absolute pleasure to dive back into the rich and intricate world Scheuerer has crafted.

For those unfamiliar, this series follows Wren Embervale, an alchemist-turned-assassin whose life is driven by a quest for vengeance. In the first book, Wren secured a place at the prestigious Drevenor alchemy academy by enduring the perilous trials of the Gauntlet. Adding to her challenges was Torj Elderbrock, a silver-haired war hero and Wren's reluctant protector, whose past animosity created a simmering tension that threatened to unravel them both amidst a fragile peace between kingdoms.

Returning to this world with Thorns and Fire felt like coming home, yet with a fresh perspective. Having thoroughly enjoyed "The Legends of Thezmarr" series (which I highly recommend reading before embarking on this spin-off!), the familiarity of Scheuerer's masterful world-building was a delight. Her ability to create such a vivid and immersive setting truly shines through. While the broader universe remains consistent, this new series brings a fascinating alchemy-themed focus, adding a unique flavour that sets it apart.

One of the highlights for me was the seamless integration of beloved characters from "The Legends of Thezmarr" alongside compelling new faces. This blend creates a sense of continuity and expands the narrative possibilities, allowing fans to deepen their connection with established heroes while simultaneously becoming invested in the journeys of the new cast.

After the amazing start in Iron and Embers I had high expectations for this book - and Helen did not disappoint. She cemented herself as one of my favourite authors with the way she can tell a story that oozes emotion from the page. Whether it’s a raw emotional outburst of pain and grief, a joyful night out with friends in a tavern expressing merriment and playing games or a steaming sizzling night of passion where forced proximity has been pushed that little bit too far and any and all restraint has snapped.

Wren’s story continues with her feeling like she has the weight of the world upon her trying to replicate the alchemy that saved her friend along with growing unrest towards the royals and a certain Warsword who swore he would never hurt her doing just exactly that.

This book is that glue between the beginning and the end of the story where all the chess pieces are being moved into place and is setting the final book up for an epic endgame and conclusion to the trilogy. I can’t wait to see how the war on Alchemy ends and I am still completely and utterly obsessed with Wren and Torj’s story. Fated mates is one of my favourite tropes and watching the two get drawn to one another time and time again is pure perfection.

Torj Elderbrock is back—brooding, emotionally reticent, and still very much the Bear Slayer I can’t help rooting for. After severing the soul bond and abandoning Wren Embervale at the end of book one (still not over it), he now has to live with the consequences of his noble idiocy. Unfortunately, the enemy isn’t taking a break for his identity crisis, and the Midrealms are falling apart, so of course he’s pulled right back into Wren’s orbit.

Wren, meanwhile, is stuck at Drevenor Academy—an institution that is somehow both functional and completely dysfunctional. Nice surroundings and a library to die for, but the educational system? Adepts are overworked, underappreciated, and apparently the only ones doing anything useful in the face of alchemic war crimes. The master alchemists treat the looming apocalypse like it’s an optional group project, which leaves Wren and her friends to carry the entire effort on their already-overloaded shoulders.

Torj and Wren—along with a cast of familiar faces—must find a cure for the enemy’s weaponized alchemy and stop Silas Kingsbane from breaking the midrealms. The stakes are higher, the choices harder, and yes, there’s still just enough slow-burn angst and moderate open-door spice to keep things deliciously tense.

I devoured this in under 24 hours. Torj continues to be a walking contradiction—brave and brilliant, yet completely baffling in matters of the heart. Wren’s constant hesitation drove me up the wall at times, but her growth is real, and her journey compelling.

Helen Scheuerer’s writing is, as always, a masterclass in immersive world-building and emotionally layered storytelling. Returning to this universe felt like catching up with old friends—albeit ones caught in magical warfare and soul-crushing moral dilemmas.

Spoiler-ish thought: So SHE leaves him in the woods this time… poetic symmetry, maybe? Slight déjà vu, but at least she explains her actions.

Now please—someone hand me Volume 3. I need answers, closure, and a happy ending for those two…

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest opinion!

Thorns & Fire picks up where Iron & Embers left off and throws us straight back into Wren and Torj’s story. I found this instalment to be slightly slower paced than the first book but still a gorgeous read.

I loved watching the character and relationship development in this book.

Kipp’s escapades were still going strong (he could have a saga all to himself with no story, just bants).

The ending really sets up book 3 nicely and I can’t wait to see where this story goes next! I’m so so glad we don’t have too long to wait!

4.5 stars, thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC

This book is a gripping mix of magic, love, and heartbreak. Wren and Torj share a deep, powerful bond rooted in a dark past, and now that bond is being tested like never before. As war looms and secrets unfold, their love faces impossible choices—truth or sacrifice, loyalty or freedom.

Wren’s journey as an alchemist and heir to a lost kingdom is filled with twists, powerful magic, and high-stakes decisions. Torj’s protective instincts only make things more intense, especially when the truth threatens to tear them apart.

If you love emotionally rich fantasy with romance, danger, and a touch of ancient magic—this one’s for you!

Thorns and Fire is the second book in a Romantic Fantasy trilogy and I was so excited to read it after everything that happened in the first book and OMG it was even better than I expected, I feel like I love each Helen’s book more than the previous one and she’s an extraordinary writer, I love Wren and Torj’s story so much and literally can’t wait for the next book, I already know it’s going to be epic!

After all that heartbreak at the end of book 1 I knew there was going to be even more of it and angst in this one and I wasn’t disappointed. Wren and Torj’s relationship is definitely complicated but that’s why I love it so much, they are both such strong characters and they both went through so much, not only in this series but in Legends of Thezmarr, and I loved seeing their characters development which is still present here, I don’t want to spoil anything but I loved seeing their journey through the books, both individually and as a couple and I just love these two so much. Their romance is filled with a lot of angst, heartache and mutual pining and I was shouting at them so many times in my head to just talk to each other honestly already, but it’s all about the journey and I loved seeing them slowly come together, they were literally perfect for each other despite being polar opposites and I loved how they always supported and tried to understand each other. There is also an amazing found family and I loved seeing them all again, I missed these characters and truly hope the next book will not be the last one in this world because I’m not ready to say goodbye. Aside from the amazing characters and beautiful romance, this book was filled with so much action, the characters did not unfortunately have a moment of peace and there was not a single boring moment, I read the whole book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. And those last few chapters... I had my heart broken for these characters yet again and I need the next book ASAP, Helen knows how to write the most heartbreaking cliffhangers and I both love and hate her for it.

Thorns and Fire is an incredible second instalment in this amazing series, I loved it and definitely recommend it and the whole series to everyone. The next book can’t come soon enough!

Okay, someone please check on Helen Scheuerer because there is no way she should be allowed to leave me this emotionally unwell and then walk away like everything's fine. I need the next book IMMEDIATELY.

Thorns & Fire is everything I want in a fantasy romance: magic, danger, yearning so intense it practically sets the page on fire, and characters who feel so real they might actually step out of the book and ruin your life (in the best way).

The chemistry? Off the charts. The slow burn? Torturous. The payoff? Worth every second of emotional agony. I spent the whole time either clutching the book like a lifeline or muttering “just KISS already!” at inopportune moments.

Also, the writing is just so good. Lyrical without being overdone, immersive without dragging - Scheuerer knows exactly what she’s doing. She builds a world that feels epic and lived-in, while keeping the focus tight on the emotional journeys of the characters. And did I mention the yearning?

This was one of those books I didn’t want to finish because I didn’t want to leave it. But also I raced through it because I needed to know what happened next. Absolute chaos. Loved every second.

Highly recommend for fans of tortured pining, badass heroines, and romantic tension you could bottle and sell as a hazardous substance.

God, this woman can do no wrong. Another five star read from Miss S.
As with all of her books this one is written well, paced even better and the love story twines in and out of the plot beautifully.
Torj and Wilder are on a mission to bring back the stolen Queen after the supreme ending of book one.
Wren has always been my favourite and in this book we see her character develop even more and she grows and becomes a leader in a world that constantly pushes her.
I can’t believe this book has come out so quickly after the first and I am just beyond grateful to see this series continue.
Although I think you could read this without reading Blood and Steel I do think you’d benefit from reading that first.

4.5✨ wow what a book!! 😍 I loved the first book but I loved this book even more!! Would highly recommend this book!! this is book 2 in Helen Scheuerer new book series.
In this book we are still following Wren and Torj, along with our favourite side characters 🥰
If you love theses trope this is the book for you!!
Bodyguard romance
Enemies-to-lovers
Academia
Forced Proximity
Touch her and die
Found Family

With Thezmarr on the brink of another war, and overwhelmed by the force of their feelings for one another, Torj discovers there is far more to their bond than mere passion. Torj thought he was doing the best for Wren by lying and breaking her heart to protect her.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this in advance.
I love Wren and Torj and was excited to see how the story went, specially after how the 1st book ended.
This was a really good one. It was great on adventure and action packed. I love Wren and Torj. The only thing that usually don't bother me in books but started to bother me in this one was the sex. Because they fixed every little problem with mind blown sex. Every little fight, if they missed each other, if they had a problem they couldn't fix, everything was an excuse to sex. I don't mind sex in books but, there was a point in this book, that every other interaction between them ended up in sex. It's like they couldn't control themselves.
Apart from that, the story was good. I like that we learned more about the soul bond and I can't wait for the 3rd book. I don't like the alliance she made at the end. I understand her explanation but don't like it. So I wanna see what comes next and the upcoming war for the throne.
It was going to be a solid 4 stars but all that sex thing left me a little desinterested a few times, so I drop it for a 3.5 stars.