This is my first time reading a book written by this author and i was not disappointed. The world was beautifully described and wasn't hard to follow/imagine. I was really interested in reading about the poisons and antidotes.

Wren was someone who i enjoyed reading about from the beginning. She took matters into her own hands and i liked that about her. Torj reminds me of Thor 😂 but i loved his dedication to Wren. Kipp was very funny and i'm glad the author added a character who was the jokester of the group. Always makes books more funnier.

The only thing for me was that i felt like i was missing pieces of information and the connection with the characters but that's only because i haven't read the other books (which you don't necessarily have to but it would probably make a difference to read them). The ending was filled with action and left on a cliffhanger 😭. I will definitely be reading book two when it comes out as i need to know what happens next.

Thank you Pan Macmillan & Netgalley for allowing me to read an early copy for an honest review.

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

wren was a character i alas wanted to read about
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.

THAT ENDING
CRUEL

Helen has done it again! Another masterpiece!

Set 5 years after the Legends of Thezmarr series, a new danger once again threatens the realm once more by targeting the royals.
It felt great to return to Thezmarr, reuniting with my favorite characters—especially the hilarious duo, Kipp and Cal, who never fail to liven up the story with their antics!

I’ve always admired Wren (FMC) from the previous series for her creativity and intelligence as an alchemist, a role that proved crucial in the last war.
In this book, I get an up-close look at just how dangerous and cunning Wren can be when she wants to.
This story is an emotional journey for Wren as she battles her grief, guilt and her need of revenge. But, she’s trying to find her true purpose again with the help of new friends and a certain lovely yet annoying Warsword!

Now, let’s talk about the romance!
I adore the love-hate relationship between Wren and Torj—the bantering, flirting, and longing gazes create delicious tension.
Their chemistry is off the charts! I love seeing them slowly open up to each other and explore their newfound feelings whenever they’re together.

The last few chapters are action-packed, keeping my eyes glued to my Kindle.
I didn’t want to miss a single badass moment from the alchemist and the Warswords fighting side by side.
However, I wasn’t expecting that CLIFF-HANGER to drop out of nowhere, and now I’m in misery, waiting for book two to find out what happens next!

Overall, this is a promising start for this new series!
The sizzling slow-burn romance, rich world-building, and thrilling action are perfectly balanced, making this book so addictive that putting it down is the last thing I want to do.
I’m really looking forward to the sequel, Thorns and Fire, coming out in July 2025! (I hope July comes sooner...!!)

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Death, torture, murder, kidnapping, grief, brief mention of medical trauma and medical content

Tropes:
* Forced proximity
* Third person
* Multi POV
* Bodyguard
* He falls first
* Dark academy
* Grief & PTSD

The legends of Thezmarr was one of my highlight reads of 2024 and when I saw the first book of the Ashes of Thezmarr on NetGalley, I screamed! This book is out on the 6th Feb and is a MUST READ!!! You don’t have to have read the legends of Thezmarr first, however there will be spoilers to that series in this book & it will add to your enjoyment of the story if you have!

This was an incredible start to a new series, following on 5 years after the end of Shadows & Storms and focusing on Wren & Torj.

Wren has been wrecked by what happened during the war, stewing in guilt & grief, she’s pushed everyone away. Being brought back into the fold, to help against a new threat brings her face to face with Torj.

I absolutely loved Torj who I see as a protective, giant teddy bear. He is straight with Wren from the start about what he wants from her and his dedication is admirable. I absolutely love the flash black glimpses we have of where the 2 have crossed paths in the last 5 years.

Wren is an underrated bada$$. She’s dangerous in her own way, not a fighter but she’s smart & alchemy has a kick all on its own. I love seeing her come back to life again, dealing through the grief & PTSD of war.

There’s trials, yearning and chemistry (both with poisons & our main characters). I can not WAIT to see what happens next!! I just want Torj to be happy 💔

5⭐️ 2🌶️

Quotes:
* ‘Gold will turn to silver in a blaze of iron and embers, giving rise to ancient power long forgotten’
* only once she’d fought them amid the flames could she rise from the ashes.
* ‘The human mind holds more poison than any plant’
* ‘I didn’t fight in the fucking shadow war so a man could tell me where my place is.’
* ‘Who did this to you?’

my new favourite romantasy book this was INCREDIBLE and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time !!!

Absolutely loved this one. I was hooked from page one.
I was unaware this was a start of a second series in this world. But I didn't feel lost at all and now I'm so excited to be able to read the other series!
Really loved this one!

Having not read the original series that Iron and Embers is a spin off from, Helen did an amazing job of welcoming you into an already very established world without a sense of overwhelm or confusion. If anything it had me excited to go and read the other series! The magic system was detailed, the world felt very grounded, easy to visualise and rich in atmosphere.

The emotional journey these characters go on was truly such a heartwarming experience. I felt for both characters immensely, as well as wanted to shake them both at times too. They’re flawed but incredibly easy to love and relate to. Our side characters brought so much charm and comedic relief, and I look forward to seeing them develop more.

Wren and Torj!! Where to even begin. These two were addictive to read about, truly. I did feel a sense of insta lust (yes they have history but their attraction was being well documented from very early on) which for me I would have enjoyed it if that was held off a little longer, but the rest of their connection was paced so so well. I won’t lie - the end twist was SO frustrating and not my favourite plot device what so ever. I’ll definitely have to see where it goes in book 2.

Overall an extremely bingeable read that completely took me by surprise, with characters I can’t wait to read more of! 4.25 stars

This was phenomenal!
I couldn’t put it down. The dual POV made the story so engaging,

The story follows Wren Embervale, an alchemist-turned-assassin who lives for vengeance after the death of her friends. Though the wars are over, her thirst for revenge burns on. For years, she’s found comfort in her poisons and potions, living in the shadows. But when an unknown form of alchemy is used to attack a king of the midrealms, Wren is pulled into the spotlight. She’s offered a chance to study at Drevenor, the ancient alchemy academy, to find a cure for the dark magic threatening the kingdoms. First, though, she must survive the Gauntlet—a deadly series of trials that could cost her sanity, her life, or both.

The stakes don’t end there. As magic wielders are targeted and conspiracies spread, Wren is caught in a dangerous web of deception and bloodshed that threatens the entire realm. But perhaps the biggest danger lies in Torj Elderbrock—the silver-haired war hero assigned to protect her. He despises her for assassinating his previous charge, and the tension between them is delicious.

I haven’t read the previous series, but you don’t need to! Everything is easy to follow, and any references to past events didn’t feel overwhelming or necessary to enjoy the story. The chemistry between the characters is incredible, packed with tension, banter, and yearning.
“‘Are our kingdoms too small for you now?’ she sneered.
‘Fifty kingdoms would still be too small with you sucking up all the air,’ he snapped.”
Chef’s kiss.

Thank you to the Pan Macmillan team for the ARC—I can’t wait for more people to experience this brilliant story!

What a great way to start your 2025 reading challenge

5 years after The Shadow War, we follow Wren, Thea’s sister, in her poisoner era. Which comes with some challenges, she is heir to a fallen kingdom, she is getting way too powerful for some people’s liking, so she is sent to a very powerful and very dangerous Academy For Alchemists. But she is not going alone, she going with a personal bodyguard and some old friends. After her arrival at the Academy, everything goes downhill from there. Someone wants to hurst her, she can’t stand her bodyguard ( or can she?), and she is looking for her place in this life.

I want to begin by saying i love Wren she is such a fierce and a breath of fresh air when it comes to female characters. Her development, her inner monologue, they are so powerful and i saw myself in her for quite a bit. I love that her strength comes from alchemy and herbs and everything that has to do with it. When it comes to her power, this a different subject and i was very intrigued reading about it.
Now, Torj is delicious, he is such a brooding warrior and i love seeing how Wren is wrecking his nerves
I enjoy reading about their powers and the aftermath of said powers.
It is such a great way to start this series

Are you going to read this??

This series can be read as a standalone but if you want you can read Thea’s story in The legends of Thezmarr series.

Only a good way into the book did I realize that there was another series by the author that could now be seen as a prequel to Iron and Embers. However, I did not have the feeling of missing out. So I'd say totally readable without prior knowledge.

It's a Romantasy book where the romance and spice does not take away from the plot - and if you've followed my previous reviews, that's high praise from me.
On top of that, Wren is a really strong character, and not just the 'oh I'm so chosen' type. The MMC, Torj, is also a very good protagonist - and behold the wonder: these two actually have chemistry. And somehow the author has managed to make it slow burn despite early spice scenes.

The best of it all though is the worldbuilding. It's intriguing, it's rich, and definitely full-fledged (now knowing that there's more books in the world, I'm not surprised anymore, yet no less in awe).

The plot twists and the ending are not too surprising, if you are familiar with these kind of fantasy books, but for me it didn't take away from the love I developed for this book.

Thank you @netgalley and @panmacmillan for the eARC!

#IronAndEmbers #Netgalley #Bookstagram

High praise and 4,5/5 stars

Any book that can practically break my heart gets infinity stars from me. That ending was cruel. Honestly, just stab me next time - it might hurt less.
This book was amazing. It got under my skin and toyed with my emotions. Well done, well written. I need to go hug a pillow or cry in a corner or something after that.
Wren and Torj's story was everything. The developments between them were so well done.
I also really enjoyed the development of the friendships between Wren, Dessa, and Zavier, and I look forward to seeing more of this.
I need the next book now and am so glad that I don't have to wait a year or more.
100% recommend this book if you're a romantasy reader.

This fantasy is well written with gripping characters. I was a bit annoyed to discover there was a whole series set in this world beforehand, but this book actually worked ok as an introduction to everything. I would have liked a bit more world building, but that might be found in the other books!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Rated 4.5 Stars

Where do I even begin? I loved Iron & Embers. It was an interesting, intriguing and engaging story. I devoured it. It kept me on the edge of my seat and fully invested from beginning to end. I'm still mentally and emotionally in the thick of it.

There was so much to love about this book. I loved the world, the characters and the magic system. I loved the science of it. It was a spin off of another series but I didn't at all feel lost, if anything I felt like I needed to go and read this author's entire backlist.

I loved that it was packed with action, pining, angst, steam, emotion and a suspense/mystery element to it.

I loved the tension, it was as much a character as Wren and Torj, the main characters.I loved how feisty Wren was and how growly and protective Torj was. I loved watching their relationship develop and so can't wait for the next book in the series.

I simply adored this and very highly recommend it. It was my first Helen Scheuerer book but it most certainly won't be my last.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️ - 4,5 stars

'You look like you’re going to kiss me,’ she said, her body calling out for his touch. ‘You look like you’d enjoy it,’ he replied, his fingers entwining with hers.'

‘I just want you to know that I’m yours. That even when I’m nothing but ash, I’ll still be yours.’

Review:
This was my first book by Helen Scheuerer and it did not dissapoint. I love her writing style and should have picked up her earlier work sooner.
While this series can be read without reading The Legends of Thezmarr series first, I would advise to consider reading it before picking this book up.
I think it gives more depth in the world and in the characters if you know their pasts.

This book follows Wren Embervale who is offered a place at the ancient alchemy academy of Drevenor to find a cure to the dark magic threatening the kingdoms.
Wren is also a princess and heir to a fallen kingdom.
And for that reason is Torj Elderbrock, the silver-haired war hero who has hated her since she assassinated his last charge, assigned to protect her.

Tjor gave me Geralt x Thor vibes and Wren reminded me of Jane (from My Lady Jane). The banter and tension between them were so good. And that combined with all the mutual pining and slow burn was perfection.
This book also has amazing side characters, and I just stories set in academies. The fact that this one is set in an alchemy academy makes it even better.

That ending tho was criminal 💔, can't wait for the second book to come out!

- Romantasy
- Alchemy academy
- Magic wielders
- Forbidden love
- Second chance
- 'Who did this to you?'
- Touch her and die
- Dual POV
- Haters to lovers
- Past vs now
- One horse
- Forced proximity
- Brooding hero
- Found family
- Deadly trials
- Hairpin to throat
- Spice

A very character driven story with lots of romance. I loved the alchemy part of it a lot and really enjoyed how Wren discovered her new path with poisons and potions during her time at the school! I loved how we got to see how the heroes of the war struggle with it afterwards and how it’s not always over after the war is won.
The tension between her and Torj was undeniable and I’m glad they got closer to each other emotionally and physically throughout the book. The forbidden love trope also always gets me and I love me a good “Fuck it” and “Who did this to you” moment and Helen Scheuerer delivered!
The school is definitely ruthless and I’m excited to see where it continues to go and how her friendship with Dessa and Zavier develops, bc I really think she will find some good new friends in them. The ending tho left me in absolute shambles bc wtf?? I need the next book asap
Hoping we get some more world building and excited to see how the love story will play out.

This book was interesting from the start I really like the author's style of writing, I am sad I didn't read the first series as I think it would give me more knowledge of the world but that doesn't take away the quality of this book

This was definition of a slow burn romantasy. Iron & Embers follows Wren, the reluctant heir to Delmira as she enters the famed Alchemy academy Drevenor. Set after the war of Thezmarr, the characters are still healing from the events of the war, Wren having embarked on a journey of vengeance by becoming an assassin. Wren is a very normally grey FMC which I absolutely loved.

I love the backdrop of alchemy, I’m obsessed with any alchemy and poisons so it was definitely something I enjoyed about the story. The tension and chemistry between Wren and Torj is fantastic and the friendships between the warswords and alchemists really sweet. The emotional journey Wren goes on is really well done.

However, the story was slightly too slow paced at points. I wish I’d have read the original series as I felt like I missed a lot, that being said the flash backs at the begging were done really well to try and catch up the reader but it wasn’t quite enough. I did feel like though it is an adult book, the characters could be slightly immature at times and it read somewhat like a YA fantasy at points. The ending was disappointing. I thought more could have been done to focus on the rebels.

Overall, I did enjoy this book and I’m looking forward to reading the next ones in the series.

I found this novel to be a significant step up from the author’s previous series, delivering a captivating and thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. The characters are well-crafted and easy to connect with, which makes their journeys all the more compelling. The storyline is expertly woven, maintaining a gripping momentum that keeps the reader invested throughout.

While the ending didn’t fully resonate with me in the way I had hoped, it doesn’t diminish the overall quality of the book. It remains an engaging and memorable read, showcasing the author’s growth in both storytelling and character development.

I got 30% through it and couldn't get into it. I lost all interest once I found out there were other books set in this world. You don't actually have to read the others, but if you are thinking about reading them after this, there will probably be spoilers.I can see myself trying to read this again in the future as there were parts I enjoyed, however right now it just didn't hold my interest.

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 <i>precious</i>! 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—<b>Iron & Embers</b> 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!

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

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Pre-read:

My expectations are high for this one!