Iron & Embers

This book was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025, and to have the opportunity to read it early in 2024 is beyond special.
The previous series, The Legends of Thezmarr, was highly enjoyable and through them I fell in love with both Wren and Torj. I've been so excited to see how their story would play out.
Let me tell you - Helen Scheuerer has the formula for an incredible romantasy perfected! The longing, the tension, the high stakes drama. It's all here and done so well. There is so much brewing under the surface of these characters, especially in the aftermath of the war which takes place five years prior to this book. I really felt the personal stories of the characters was interspersed well with the action throughout the book, and we also get a healthy dose of some fantastic side characters. Wren has already secured herself the spot as my favourite character from both series. So many elements of her journey and her reactions to things are incredibly relatable and I felt them to my core.
I loved the strong ending and I am genuinely so excited to see where the story goes!

Thank you so much to Pan Macmillan for the arc via NetGalley and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest thoughts on this book.

Thank you Pan Macmillan for sending me this ARC!

Iron and Embers is the first book in a new Romantic Fantasy series from Helen Scheuerer, a spin off series of her Legends of Thezmarr (but it can be read separately) and OMG Helen really outdid herself with this book, I loved Wren and Torj’s story and already can’t wait for book 2.

5 years after the war Wren is a Poisoner, secretly killing people who never answered for their war crimes and still struggling with grief about her dead friends and family and pushing everyone away. When she is sent on a mission to the Drevenor Academy to become an alchemist and find out more about a new dangerous substance threatening the royals, Torj is assigned as her bodyguard and their forced proximity makes their scorching attraction to each other come back to live, even when they hate each other after everything that happened in the past.

I loved the Legends of Thezmarr series and it was amazing to come back to this fascinating world and I really liked the academy setting. I was hooked from the first page, the plot is interesting and perfectly paced and all the slowly uncovered secrets and plot twists had me on the edge on my seat. I must admit I wasn’t the biggest fan of Wren in the previous series, but I absolutely loved her here. She was so strong, but in a completely different way than her sister, she was always so stubborn and determined to archive her goals. Torj was an amazing MMC, he was a grumpy warrior, but the way he always supported and put Wren first was beautiful, despite their complicated history they were truly perfect for each other and I was rooting for them to find a way to be together and give in to their feelings and I loved their slow burn and spicy romance, they both have gone through a lot and I just want for them to be happy and together. I also loved seeing all the familiar faces, I missed them and hope to see them again in book 2.

Iron and Embers is an amazing romantasy book and I recommend it to everyone who enjoys this genre. And after that cliffhanger, the next book can’t come soon enough!

Iron & Embers is a spellbinding start to The Ashes of Thezmarr series, blending dark magic, sizzling enemies-to-lovers tension, and high-stakes action. The chemistry between Wren and Torj is electric, driven by mutual disdain and undeniable attraction. Scheuerer crafts a world filled with intrigue, danger, and passion, with a heroine who is as fierce as she is vulnerable. If you’re into enemies-to-lovers, dark magic, and a world on the edge of war, Iron & Embers is your next must-read.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Unputdownable!Iron & Embers is a stunning read that had me hooked from the very first page. The world-building is rich and immersive, pulling me into a world of magic, danger, and unforgettable characters. The plot is full of twists, and I loved how the tension built with every chapter. The characters are complex and their journeys are both emotional and empowering. If you enjoy a story with action, heart, and a bit of magic, Iron & Embers is definitely a must-read. I loved every moment of it!

Oh wow! I wasn’t ready…..

I don’t even know where to begin, but I guess I could start but saying Helen is quickly becoming one of my absolute favourite authors. The epic love stories, the action, the world building, it’s all just perfect and the reason I love fantasy romance so much. Her writing has this amazing ability to suck you in and make you forget you are even reading.

It was so great to go back into this world and I’m so glad some of the beloved characters from the legends of thezmar played so much of an active role in this story. I can’t wait to see where else this story goes and I just know it’s going to blow the damn roof off- as always!

I will forever be obsessed. Will I still go right on ahead and buy a physical copy when it comes out? of course. One must always have the trophy for something this good.

FIVE STARS.
This is my favourite book in the Thezmarr world. I absolutely devoured it in 2 days and I loved every second.
Having alchemy as the weapon of choice in this story made me feel represented as someone who is more academic than physical (in real world scenarios, never been in a battle).
The tension was absolutely insane and I would liken this book to ACOSF in the sense that Wren battles inner demons whilst denying herself the relationship she’s yearned for.
I loved seeing the Thezmarr characters grown up, especially Cal and Kipp.
You don’t need to have read her first series to appreciate the plot, as all relevant information is presented steadily in a way that enriches the story (no info dumping).
I DID NOT predict the ending and I have actually cried and been left reeling.
I loved it all.