4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thorns and fire had me completely pulled in from the first chapter and I never wanted it to end.

I felt the plot line constantly flowed towards a bigger purpose even in the calmer moments and felt that the pacing was a perfect mix of action and calmer moments.
Helen’s writing is incredibly addictive and has you on the edge of your seat on multiple occasions!

One of my favourite moments from this book is the character growth we see from both the main characters. Especially Wren, she evolves so beautifully and in a believable and satisfying manner which is helped by the stories plot line and didn’t feel like something that was forced upon her.

I highly recommend this book!!

This is the second instalment in The Ashes of Thezmarr series. I was so excited to pick up this book. This world is so magical and exciting to read about. This book starts immediately after Iron and Embers as the characters are dealing with the aftermath of the battle and the tensions rise as a war is brewing.

The character development in this book is incredible. Wren is such an amazing character and it is so nice to see her development throughout the previous series and this series. There was so much emotions connected to the characters which made the readers connection more powerful. What can I say about Torj, he is the best book boyfriend. In this book, we see a different side to him, especially seeing his vulnerabilities.

Helen Scheuerer writes these books wonderfully and they are so gripping. I find for a fantasy series they aren’t complex to understand which means we can fall into the worlds straight away and get involved in the action. I absolutely adore this series and I am so excited for the final instalment of this incredible series.

I was looking foward to this installment after that ending. However, the story barely scratched the surface until toward the tail end of the book. I wasn’t gripped until the second half and I was hoping for more development with with romance along side the steamy scenes but by the end I was drawn back and can’t wait for the next book

The romance here is subtle, quiet, and beautifully done.
It simmers in the background, never overshadowing the plot but still hitting all the emotional beats. If you love a slow burn (like... painfully slow) where a lingering touch or using someone's given name feels more intimate than a kiss, you'll adore it! I hope the second book explores this aspect a little more (yes, l'm a sucker for romance, though this book doesn't necessarily need it).

One of my favourite authors does it once again!! A phenomenal book and continuation in a wonderful series and world!

Wren and Torj are one of my favourite literary couples- the tension and the chemistry is just off the charts. Between the yearning and the angst, I couldn't put the book down.

The plot is incredible- the academic x alchemy x political intrigue is a top tier combination. It's so difficult not to talk about the plot without being spoilery, but this is a must-read romantasy series/world.

I can't rave about Helen's writing enough- she is an incredible storyteller, and the story and the words just flow so perfectly.

I am impatiently waiting for the next instalment!

i really tried after reading the first book, but sadly this couple isnt for me. They seem doomed to repeat the same song and dance again and again.

A thrilling and worthy follow up to Iron & Embers, we pick up right after in the aftermath of graduation and everything that happened. The school is certainly less of a focus this time round and it almost felt like a distraction from everything else which was a shame. I wanted more lessons, I wanted more trio of found family. It was great to see Dessa get more page time this book, but I miss my snarkly Zave, there needs to be more of him.

I was so angry at Torj, I wanted to shake him at times for his dumb, dumb behaviour. His reasons for doing what he did were totally valid and there was a full circle moment, which was just perfect. His reasons for not telling her what he had done and why however... yeah, I wasn't on board with that, but I was glad he got some sense smacked into him at last. And the fact I care so much just shows the writer did a brilliant job in crafting their relationship that I was raging on Wren's behalf.

Wren is really growing, I am loving her character arc, how she's moving from the angry shell of a person she was to this powerful women.

I would have loved to have given it five stars and if they had just *talked* to each other I would...

And that ending. I was screaming at that ending, how could you leave us there and I don't know how I'm going to last until November! I need to know how this ends.

Another amazing piece by Helen.
Really enjoyed relationship development between main characters, was really kicking my feet!
And what a cliffhanger, cannot wait for the next one!!

4.75 stars

oh this was so good, even better than the first book. the tension between these two could cut as sharply as a knife. i love when the second book in a series focuses on the relationship, and takes time for character building that will make the final just sweeter.
i haven't read the original saga but this one made me want to pick it up because Helen Scheuerer knows how to write good characters and plot.

thank you Macmillan for sending me the arc in exchange for an honest review

Thorns and Fire, book 2 in the Ashes of Thezmarr trilogy by Helen Scheuerer, was everything I wanted in a sequel and more. From page one, it felt like I never left the Midrealms and diving back into Wren and Torj’s journey was like coming home.

The tension, the angst, the banter, and our comedic relief Kipp are all really well done and I loved getting to know these characters more. Wren is an alchemist and she takes her job very seriously, constantly performing trial after trial until she has success.

I felt that this book really did well to emphasize the role of a scientist in battle, and not give the expectation that everyone is a fierce warrior with steel. If you have read book one, I think you will love where this one heads, but of course there are more twists and turns for our beloved characters.

Overall, this book was the perfect blend of romance, plot and worldbuilding and a great segway into the third and final book, Silver and Smoke!

Thorns and Fire picks up a few weeks after the ending of book one, and I was instantly pulled back into Wren and Torj’s story. I still love them both. Wren is fierce, and it was so satisfying to see her strength grow, while Torj remains our YEARNING, hot bodyguard bearslayer.

Helen’s found family trope is perfection once again, and I adored every scene with the side characters we’ve come to love. This book delivers plenty of answers, yet still leaves you with questions… and that cliffhanger ending has me desperate for book three.

4⭐️
2🌶️
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to ARC read this book.

Thorns and fire is the sequel in the Ashes of Thezmarr series and it pick up right where it left off, with lots of work to be done and Wren and Torj back at odds with one another.

I enjoyed this book more than book 1 and I felt more of a rapport between the characters. The pining and yearning between our main characters is palpable throughout this book and even though Torj has broken their bond, they just can't stay away from each other.

The world building in this was great, everything is starting to make a lot more sense and things are falling into place.

The rebel group who wants rid of the royals are more prominent throughout the midrealms than they realised, they are recruiting quickly and punishing those who don't join. The fear-mongering has turned too many people to their cause and the royals in danger.

Wren while battling her heartbreak and struggles with Torj is working herself to the bone to counterbalance the chemical weapons being used against them in the hopes to turn the tide of this war in their favour or accept the fate that the royal bloodline magic will be wiped out - Wren and her sister with it.

I'm looking forward to continuing this series and can't wait for book 3.

I thoroughly enjoyed the second instalment in this series.

Some of the behaviour of the main characters did grate on me slightly, but I loved the side characters and the ending was superbly executed and has left me desperate for the next book!

I didn't realise this as the second book in the series when I requested it as an ARC.
I did however enjoy it and intend to read the first and rest of the series.
I really liked Wren as a character. I picked up that Torj had severed his link with Wren and he is torn between keeping her safe and having to hide his concern.
Wren meanwhile is forging her own path.
I found this to be an interesting read and will as I said be seeking out the rest of the series when available.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher.

Thorns & Fire by Helen Scheuerer had all the ingredients for a gripping fantasy — magic, danger, and a promising world — but unfortunately, it didn’t quite land for me. While the premise was intriguing, I found the plot meandered too much, slowing down the momentum when it could have been fast-paced and punchy. Instead of pulling me deeper into the story, the wandering narrative left me disengaged, and I struggled to stay invested in the characters and their journey. Coming off the back of the author’s Thezmarr novels, which felt sharp and compelling, this one read more like a slump — a story that could have soared but ultimately didn’t quite find its footing.

Thorns & Fire
Helen Scheuerer

We are back with The Ashes of Thezmarr #2.

A golden thread joined them, a bond that went deeper than love - and it nearly destroyed them.

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.

“Now is not the time or place to play assassin.”

The action is always first and foremost between Wren and Torj. The external conflict remains secondary and also crucial to the storyline. If you go crazy for their romance, then you will devour this book. We pick up in the wake of Torj’s heart wrenching decision to sever the Soul Bond with Wren.

I can’t believe how this ended but also really can. This is book two, so firmly establishes the trenches for us - things must get worse before they can get better. The ending creates a fantastic cliffhanger, leaving you craving answers and resolutions.

“We were always stronger together.”

I like the supporting characters especially Kipp, but also Thea and Wilder. They all add their magic to the story and create that found family magic.

Thorns and fire was a really great read. Thank you so much for the advanced copy. I haven’t heard much about this book so was interested to see what it was about. Really enjoyed it!

The second book in the in the Ashes of Thezmarr sees Torj and Wren battling, not just with he threat of destruction but also their link to each other. Will it tear them apart or ultimately bind them.
This book continues to keep me riveted. It picks up from where book one left off. The reader is swept along answering some of the many questions whilst posing so many more. Bring on the next book.

I was late reading this as me being silly hadn’t noted it was the second book in the Ashes of Thezmarr series so had to read Iron & Embers first. At this point I should say I haven’t yet read The Legends of Thezmarr so I really need to read this and I will then re-read this series.

Iron & Embers was a 5 ⭐️ read for me, but unfortunately this fell a little short.

This one didn’t have the same magic that kept me gripped, that I found in book 1, but it was still such an entertaining read and I will be continuing the series when Sikver & Smoke releases later this year.

Thorns & Fire starts right off after the cliffhanger ending of Iron & Embers. Torj left Wren for her own good even if she doesn't know it yet. While I didn't like that he took a decision on her behalf, I enjoyed seeing them coming back together, piece by piece as they are fated to be together, and not just because of a prophecy. Torj's role as a Warsword is challenged by the new mysterious enemy—he's supposed to be almost invincible, but his strength is put to test. On the other end, Wren has always been considered the weaker twin, but her role as an alchemist shows her true skills. Now it's up to Torj and Wren so save the Midrealms and I cannot wait to read how their story will continue.