Wow. Just wow. I loved this book so much. It had a lot to live up to after Iron & Embers, which I adored, and it absolutely delivered.

This is the second instalment in the Ashes of Thezmarr series. While you can definitely read it without having read Legends of Thezmarr, I would highly recommend starting there if you can. I read Iron & Embers first without reading Legends, then went back to read the original series, and it massively enhanced my experience of Thorns & Fire. There is just so much extra depth and context you pick up when you know the wider world and its history.

Since this is a sequel, I will not go into heavy plot details, especially in case you have not read Iron & Embers or Legends. It picks up right where the first book leaves off and plunges you back into the lush, dangerous world of the Midrealms. The People's Vanguard is still out there stirring up trouble for our band of heroes.

I love Drevenor as a setting, and the use of alchemy in this series really sets it apart from Legends of Thezmarr. Wren might not be the strongest in a physical fight (though I still would not want to go toe to toe with her), but she is incredibly sharp and uses her mind as a weapon. And let’s be honest, Torj has the brute strength covered when it is needed.

The character development in this book is stellar. Both Wren and Torj go on compelling journeys, and the dynamic between them is full of tension, emotion, and yes, yearning.

As always with Scheuerer's work, the side characters are fully fleshed out and never feel like background noise. I loved seeing more of Thea and Wilder here, and Kipp and Dessa were definite standouts. I am still loudly hoping for a Kipp spin-off one day.

The worldbuilding is phenomenal. You would think that after so many books set in this universe, it would start to feel familiar, but somehow Scheuerer keeps adding new, rich layers to the Midrealms.

I also really loved how much politics played into the storyline. It adds another level of intricacy and makes the stakes feel even more real. The People's Vanguard plotline is so well done. The way Scheuerer drip-feeds us information about the true villain keeps the tension high and makes you not want to put the book down.

And the ending? Absolutely brutal in the best way. I need the next book immediately.

Thank you to Pan Macmillan and Helen Scheuerer for the eARC.

Tropes
* Third person
* Dual POV
* Academy setting
* Bodyguard
* One tent
* Yearning
* Political schemes

Review:
4 ⭐️ 2 🌶️

This is book 2 in a planned trilogy and though i didn’t love it quite as much as book 1, it was still an amazing read and I am now dyinggggg for book 3!!

I still love Torj 😍 he is an incredibly adorable book boyfriend. He protects and understands Wren so beautifully, being what she needs before she know she needs it.
I love seeing Wren grow, she’s starting to understand her strength and place in the world. I can’t wait to see what comes from the kingdom of Delmeria.
The yearning between our two MCs, their emotions and spice are *chefs kiss*👌🏻
And as always the side characters, Kipp especially, are an absolute delight 😅 I really hope Kipp gets his own story one day 🙊

Bring me Silver & Smoke nowwwwww!

Thank you to NetGalley, Pac Maxmillan & Helen for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Quotes:

* To every woman who was told to make herself smaller and chose to burn brighter instead. Your fire can light up the world. This one’s for you.
* They had rid the midrealms of monsters years ago, only to find there was so little humanity left . . .
* ‘Wild and extraordinary.’
* ‘I’m Kristopher f*cking Snowden.’
* Torj had become what he was always meant to be: the shield between Wren and the world that had already taken too much.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for the ARC of Thorns & Fire.

The second instalment of the Ashes of Thezmarr series is almost upon us and it does not disappoint. This book was the perfect second book of a trilogy imo, leaving us with plot development, tension, yearning, political intrigue and setting up for the final instalment perfectly while leaving us desperate for more.

After the heartbreaking end to Iron & Embers, this book focuses quite heavily on the relationship between Torj and Wren and the slow and steady path to bring them back together. The tension and longing was delicious, and we are certainly rewarded for the wait.

While the romance is a huge part of the story, one of my favourite parts of this series and the series before is the world building around the central plot. I loved being back in the Mid-Realms and revisiting Delmira, and I absolutely love the bigger political message behind the plot. The uprising of the People’s Vanguard and those against the royals and Warswords I think is a really interesting storyline full of political intrigue.

As always, the side characters and found family element really make these books stand out within the romantasy genre. Helen is the absolute queen of writing found family perfectly. I love Wren’s relationships with Kipp and Cal who we’ve seen throughout the two series and who keep getting better and better, but I also love her relationships with her fellow alchemists Dessa and Zavier, and seeing the love and loyalty they have for her develop. I really like the focus on strong female relationships in Helen’s books too.

Wren is sassy, smart and brave, and I enjoyed seeing her accomplish the seemingly impossible. While she struggled to rely on others in the first book, she is slowly letting her walls down and leaning on those around her. Torj toys between being the biggest sweetheart who is just helplessly in love and will do anything for his woman, to a possessive, jealous warrior with the filthiest mouth and I am here for it. Helen really knows how to write an obsessive MMC!

One other thing, Darian Devereux? Yeah I’m not mad about it, kind of excited to see more of him 😏🤭

Once again we get an absolute gut-punch of an ending, and I CANNOT wait for the third and final instalment. I know we are going to be in for a wild ride.

I just finished Thorns and Fire and I’m honestly a mess, in the best way. After loving Iron and Embers, I had high hopes for this sequel, and it completely delivered. The stakes are higher, the emotions are deeper, and I’m somehow even more obsessed with this world and these characters.

Wren’s journey in this book is so satisfying. She’s still guarded and fiery, but we start to see those cracks in her armor. And not because she’s weaker, but because she’s growing. Watching her confront the cost of leadership, of connection, and of the power inside her was beautiful and painful all at once. Her development feels earned, and I’m rooting for her harder than ever.

And the soul bond between Wren and Torj? It’s killing me slowly. Their connection is so intense and layered. There’s history, pain, longing, and that ever-present pull between them. Helen Scheuerer writes it in a way that makes you feel everything. It’s not just a magical bond. It’s emotional, fragile, and full of tension. I was holding my breath during some of their scenes. They clearly care for each other, but they’re both so hurt and scared it just makes everything ache. And yes, I yelled at the book more than once.

Also, KIPP. What a gem. He brings much-needed humor to some pretty intense moments, but he’s not just comic relief. He’s clever, loyal, and way more emotionally aware than he lets on. He absolutely shines in this book and balances out the group dynamic perfectly. Honestly, I’d follow him into his own side quest in a heartbeat.

The pacing is tight, the world-building continues to expand in really cool ways, and the action scenes are intense. But it’s the emotional stakes, the bonds between the characters, especially Wren and Torj, that really made this book stand out for me.

If Iron and Embers lit the match, Thorns and Fire is the full-on blaze. It’s everything a sequel should be. Bolder, deeper, and devastating in the best way. I already need book three. Right now.

THORNS AND FIRE turns up the heat on Wren and Torj as they must fight for the future while handling their pain.

Wren and Torj are full of chemistry. It was a lot of frustration and hate, deliberately goading each other in order to get a rise. It's a great dynamic as it riles them too and if they weren't so proud and stubborn they'd be able to maybe get a bit of it out their systems. Instead, they push and push and push, getting closer to boiling point.

This book digs into the future of Delmira. We've heard so much about it from BLOOD AND STEEL as the home they don't remember and then Wren spent the start of IRON AND EMBERS there. Now it's the centre of debate with plenty of people having their own opinions over it. The discussion over how it should be used felt very raw given current events, everyone want to exploit it but few willing to openly say so.

New character Damian is a slippery fellow who turns up with plenty of insinuations. He's such an oily character, one you know you're going to hate (and are right to do so) and are continually worried any time he turns up. I like characters like that, where you know they're schemers who will put big stumbling blocks in the way, because they can't be dealt with the way characters would usually do it, forcing them to adapt.

One book to go in this series, and it looks like it's going to be an almighty battle for the future, with some very uncertain allies they'll need to suss out (and defeat).

Firstly thank you Pan MacMillan for a copy of this book. I loved getting to read about Wren and Torj again. After the cliffhanger of the last book and torj breaking my heart I was really hoping it would all be ok again.

Thank god wren learnt about the bond and torj and her finally communicated. The yearning….oh my god I love these two together. So many good scenes like the one tent. Also the horse scene ahhh. I love seeing all the side characters too I was really worried at first about Odessa but thank god that was all sorted.

The twists wow I did not see one of them coming at all. Also the ending. Poor Torj, honestly I hope it all works out in the next book but I feel like he’s really going to go through it.

Tropes:
One tent (even better than one bed, something I did not expect)
Touch her and die
A my wife moment
Found family
One horse scene 🥵😮‍💨

ARC review. Thank you @helenscheuerer and @netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review.

Thorns & Fire - second in the Ashes of Thezmar series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Oh my. Helen has knocked it out of the park again. From the dedication to the words of wisdom throughout this book - this book spoke to me.

We pick off in this book where Iron & Embers left off and continued the journey of Tori & Wren’s broken soul bond and fighting the People’s Vanguard.

The journey the two characters take in this book had my heart melting and racing as the spice is spicing! I thought I was a a Wilder Hawthorne lady but I may have to swap allegiances for Torj.

The writing is so easy to read and emerge yourself in the world, and clever too with elements from the first book coming through to this one. There is so much foreshadowing but I know I didn’t pick up on half of it.

Kipp, our ever faithful drinking strategist continues his part and we get more of Thea too which was lovely to have her back.

I was thoroughly enjoying this book, the tension, the comedy moments, the lore, when Helen shattered my head and heart. I did not see that ending coming and now I’m at a loss for words.

I’m excited to see where the next book takes us and how Helen plans on giving us the HEA we need and Torj & Wren deserve.

Tropes I LOVED:

🌿One tent - I didn’t know I needed it until I read it
🌿She is my wife
🌿Touch her and 💀
🌿One horse - oh wow! This scene! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🌿she rescues him

** ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75**

Thank you to Netgalley & Pan Macmillan for the ARC.

I was interested to see how this story carried on, I thought the magic system and concept were quite interesting.
When it comes to this book I think I enjoyed it more than the first. The characters are forever pining for each other and they clearly want to protect each other from everything.
Honestly, the back and forth of them being and not being together was a bit frustrating. I feel like this ended in some way kind of the same they can't be together yet vibe.
It's heavier on tension and romance than the fantasy in my opionion. But a great romantasy with a lot of fun spice.
Recommend for the fantasy girlies ✨️

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. A balm to this summer heat.. (or a wind to burn more?) When the first book in the series (Iron and Embers) was finished, I was furious that despite all the love, time and hardships they had, Torj had done a 180 and left. But this book made up for it..
Timing was perfect (if the publication time between the sequels get longer, I might have lost the spark but Helen Scheuerer plans everything perfectly). Nothing was repetetive. The plot twist was sweet. I saw it coming at the last minute, so it was well placed. Writing flowed, romance sizzled, inner thoughts and feelings drizzled. Creme de la creme. That was it.. thanks.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️ - 4.5 stars

"You're forgetting how much I like to go up in flames."

"Then I'll take whatever you can offer and thank the Furies every day."

Review:
This was the second book in the series and I was lucky enough to receive an e-ARC. I still haven't finished the prequel The Legends of Thezmarr series. I have only two books left, but I'm enjoying this series so much more!

I really love the characters, the found family, the romance plotline and the academy setting.
The book hasn’t officially come out yet, but I’m already looking forward to book 3.

By the way, there was a point in this book where I wanted to throw my e-reader. Like, really hard. I’m not going to spoil anything, but if you’ve read it, you know exactly what moment I mean.
I just love it when books makes me feel things, in good ways and bad and this one delivered!

I was gifted this e-arc by Pan Macmillan & NetGalley for free and leave this honest review voluntarily.

- Romantasy
- Alchemy academy
- Magic wielders
- Second chance
- Touch her and die
- Dual POV
- Forced proximity
- Brooding hero
- Found family
- Banter
- Yearning
- Spice
- Rebellion

Helen has absolutely done it again with a phenomenal book two in her Ashes of Thezmarr series.

Thorns & Fire by Helen Scheuerer is a phenomenal book two to a new series that solidifies her as a powerhouse in fantasy storytelling. From the very first page, we are where we left off in Iron & Embers. The absolute YEARNING in this book was a chef’s kiss.

I loved the character growth of both characters throughout the book and the way that Helen weaves her characters stories is just so unique and top tier…yes I’m talking about you Kipp. The political intrigue in this book was so unique and interesting and I loved the alchemy associated with the magical system. Just when you think Helen will go one way with her writing she takes a complete hard turn off into the biggest cliffhanger.

I will never stop recommending these books to readers. Helen is a top tier writer and someone worth reading for any fantasy reader.

Thank you so much to PanMacmillan and Netgalley for the widget of this book…I needed book 3 yesterday.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - Freya, arc & monthly book box pick reviewer (athenafreyag on Instagram)

Initial thoughts: I am a Thezmarrian through and through so I will always read and love any Thezmarr book unconditionally.

What I liked 🤩: I love the worldbuilding ofc and Wren's character development. I love how we have alchemy woven with magic and Furies-given strength with our Warswords. This world will always be my favourite world since it combines everything that I love. The author did an excellent job with the elements of alchemy and offering Wren's way of thinking and working. I hope we see more fantasy books with STEM and a blend of science, myth, and magic like here.

Wren has evolved so much in this book. No immature actions, more thinking, no blaming others for what's happening. She has gone through so much, and I feel like we finally see the real her. She is still hurting but she is also healing, and it allows us to see Wren without that mist of revenge.

Torj is my favourite in The Ashes of Thezmarr, I must admit. He always puts everyone else before himself. He always protects everyone and doesn't yield. Like Wren, we want to give him the world, and I feel like in the last 20% of this book, he's found some inner peace and safety within Wren's assured love.

We got some LGBTQIA+ rep and I just have to say, Helen, please give the man that man. Please, I wanted them together since Iron & Embers, and my god please make it happen!!

Thea is still the rockstar. She is the ultimate force, my best friend, my role model, and my crush. Wilder is the cheeky, hot, and good friend. Kipp and Cal are seen, and they are a delight, as always!

What I didn’t like 🙃: It feels like sacrilege to say something remotely negative about a Helen Scheurer book, but this was the most predictable book of all Thezmarr books. I couldn't guess much in the other books, but in this one, I knew some twists way before they happened.

Overall: If you love fantasy and romance, and if you haven't read any Thezmarr book, drop every single book in your tbr and read them.

SE info: Fairyloot will surely do a SE to match Iron & Embers.

Had me kicking my feet and giggling into my pillow this was SO good. I dint know how Im going to be able to wait for the last book.

really enjoyed this one even more than the first ! such a fun enjoyable romantasy series. i love the writing and the world building

“That man burns for you, Wren. The sooner you both catch alight the better, lest you set the whole world ablaze.”
Thorns & Fire is a stunning continuation of The Ashes of Thezmarr trilogy — a series that keeps building momentum with each installment. Helen Scheuerer has once again proven her strength as a fantasy storyteller, balancing heart-stopping emotional tension with a world that feels vast, dangerous, and full of secrets still waiting to be uncovered.

What really stood out to me in this second book was the way the emotional complexity between Wren and Torj took center stage without ever overshadowing the high-stakes plot. Their connection is intense, messy, and magnetic — and it’s written with a level of nuance that makes you feel every glance, every hesitation, and every unspoken word. The tension between them doesn’t just fuel the romance; it pushes the entire story forward. Scheuerer has a gift for writing relationships that feel both epic and deeply personal.

Plot-wise, Thorns & Fire raises the stakes in all the right ways. The pacing is tighter, the worldbuilding even richer, and the political threads are starting to weave together in some really clever ways. There’s a real sense that something massive is coming, and this book serves as both a deepening of the character arcs and a ramping up of the larger conflicts.

The ending absolutely gutted me. Without giving anything away, let’s just say I wasn’t ready — emotionally or otherwise. It’s the kind of final act that leaves you staring at the last page, completely stunned, immediately checking how long until the next book releases. I felt shaken and desperate for more (and slightly betrayed in the best possible way).

One of my favorite things about this series is the ensemble cast. The side characters are vibrant and layered — not just filler, but people with their own arcs, agendas, and emotional stakes. I’d happily read spinoffs or companion novels set in Thezmarr just to follow a few of them further.

Helen Scheuerer has firmly earned her place on my auto-buy list. Her ability to craft fantasy with emotional depth and lyrical prose continues to impress, and Thorns & Fire only solidified that. Book three is already preordered, and I’m both excited and terrified to see how Wren and Torj’s journey concludes. If the finale is anything like this installment, we’re in for an unforgettable end.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and PanMacMillan for this e-arc!

Well, hello again Wren & Torj 🙌🏼

We are back in the Midrealms where Wren needs to find a cure for the dark alchemy being used by the rebels against the royals, but setbacks and surprises are raining and not everything goes as planned!

Let’s see what worked first:
Wren and Torj, their dynamic, the tension. Yearning doesn’t begin to describe what they feel for each other, and I was rooting for them through all the mess they are surrounded by.
I also loved the storyline behind the romance, all the questions about alchemy and royals’ powers, the cure etc.
Last but not least, all my love to Kipp, this character is so fun and is a light in all this chaos!

But a few things frustrated me:
The romance takes so much space (so much more than in book 1) that we sometimes lose the focus on the political and alchemist plots that are so interesting behind.
I’m all in for smut scenes in romantasy but I felt like there was too many smut scenes that were not benefiting the story going on, and happening in unsuitable times!
The main character’s back and forth (mostly Torj) and the miscommunication trope were a bit frustrating. I had a hard time getting the reasons why he did what he did at the end of book 1 and frankly, I was as lost as Wren and their friends in front of his refusal to speak about his acts.

Even if I saw most of the twists coming from a mile away, the author succeeded to surprise me anyway with a few details, and for that I am glad! I enjoyed the last chapters as we get away from the romantic side of the story and completely dive in political plotting and the ending promised a epic third (last) book!

I need book 3 asap!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Send help, I’m emotionally compromised.

Thorns & Fire had me screaming, swooning, and stress-eating snacks by chapter three. Wren and Torj are back with all the tension, drama, and "just kiss already" energy you could ask for. The plot? Fast. The angst? Delicious. The cliffhanger? RUDE.

I’m obsessed with the alchemy, the world-building, and the slow-burn romance that’s burning slower than my will to function after finishing this book. Helen Scheuerer, you wizard of words, you’ve done it again. Now, where’s book three before I spiral?

Seems like a Marmite book... You either love it or feel Meh. Unfortunately I am the latter.

This is book 2 in a 3 book series. There's some really good plot here but we don't get much of it in this book. It feels a bit like a filler book.

We're back with Wren and Torj as Wren tries to find a cure for the dark alchemy being used by the rebels against the royals. When she returns back to her home land for some ingredients she find a surprise there which turns the tide of the impending war. It forces her and her sister to conciser taking up their duties as royals. Which then leads to them needing allies for support.

The absolute best thing about this book is Kipp. He is hilarious and such a fun character to read.

The plot is definitely there it just gets overshadowed by the Romance element. Which I guess is ok if that's what you want from your books. I personally felt like they didn't need as much smut. A lot of the scenes could have been closed doors/fade to black.

The main character's back and forth, on again off again is really frustrating. The ending of book 1 leaves them as off, when Torj decides he needs to stay away for Wren's own safety. Which felt a bit like a weak reason to end them there, but I get what was trying to be done. Get to book 2 and they spend 2 weeks apart and we're straight back to the same angst as book 1? it just felt forced and unrealistic to me.

I did enjoy the plot that we did get away from the relationship side of the story. And the ending is promising for the next book.

This was a great follow up to the story, I really enjoyed reading this and learning more about Torj and Wren. Seeing them come back together and fight through their trust issues and personal barriers was so lovely, while also dealing with the struggle of the fate of the world resting on their shoulders. Once again we are left reeling at the ending and desperate to find out what happens next!

I love this book and series so much. It’s really got my heart strings!

The longing these two have for each other is delightful and agony at the same time. They try to stay apart but it’s like the are opposite magnetic fields attracted to each other and it’s fantastic to read. The silent devotion is what we lap up in romantasy and Helen did not disappoint.

There is so much revealed in this book! A lot of gasp moments and shocked revelations. The ending had me staring at the wall dying for the next book!

A lot of hard decisions have to be made by Embervale.