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Silver & Smoke

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Book 3 of The Ashes of Thezmarr

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Pub Date 6 Nov 2025 | Archive Date 6 Nov 2025

Pan Macmillan | Tor Bramble


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Description

Alchemist. Poisoner. Reluctant queen.

Wren Embervale knows her duty demands a crown, even if it means a strategic betrothal to the influential Lord Darian Devereux. Their arranged marriage promises the formidable army she needs to wrestle her kingdom from the clutches of the tyrannical usurper, Silas. Yet Wren’s heart still belongs to Torj Elderbrock, her soul-bonded Warsword.

Torn between her pragmatic alliance and the visceral pull of her bond with Torj, Wren must navigate a treacherous landscape of courtly intrigue and looming war. As Silas’s shadow alchemy tightens its grip on the midrealms and a creeping poison steals Torj’s strength, Wren’s carefully constructed facade begins to crack . . .

Can Wren play the dutiful fiancée to secure her throne while her body and soul yearns for the warrior who would lay down his life for her? Or will the tangled threads of political necessity leave her kingdom – and her heart – in ashes?

From Helen Scheuerer, the Sunday Times bestselling author of Iron & Embers, discover Silver & Smoke, the blistering finale to the Ashes of Thezmarr series. Perfect for fans of romantasy.

Tropes Include . . .

  • Bodyguard romance
  • Soul Bond/Mate
  • Forbidden Love
  • Forced Proximity
  • Touch her and die
  • Found Family
Readers love Silver & Smoke . . .

Silver & Smoke was by far one of the most beautiful endings to a series that I’ve ever read’

‘The kind of series finale that makes you both incredibly satisfied and a little heartbroken that it’s over, and I loved every second of it’

Powerful, sexy, and intriguing all at once. You won’t want to put this book (or series) down!’

Alchemist. Poisoner. Reluctant queen.

Wren Embervale knows her duty demands a crown, even if it means a strategic betrothal to the influential Lord Darian Devereux. Their arranged marriage promises...


Available Editions

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ISBN 9781035067459
PRICE £22.00 (GBP)
PAGES 448

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Featured Reviews

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5 ⭐️

If there's one thing helen scheuerer knows how to do, it's write a conclusion to a series. I absolutely loved this book.

Wren and Torj were just absolute perfection. The drama and the secrecy of them having to hide thanks to the events at the end of book 2 made a combination for both excellent displays of jealousy and possessiveness from torj and some sweet hidden moments. Plus secret spice, which is always some of the best kind.

We get some great moments for the rest of our cas, too. Thea and wilder are cute as ever. Kipp is on top comedic form (very much still rooting for him to get his own book). Thea and Wren get some really nice moments of emotional connection. I really enjoyed them being so close in this series.

Plotwise, I feel like the pace is kept steady throughout under the big bang at the en, which paid off well. For me, this was the perfect combination of politics, romance, alchemy and fighting. I have absolutely loved getting to see alchemy used at the forefront of the fighting and being so vital to the storyline.

But one of the best parts of the plot for me was seeing certain things come full circle. Callbacks as far as the original series that got me all misty eyed. The way they're used to show character growth and how certain connections have changed was brilliant.

Overall, it was an excellent end to the series, but I am sad to be leaving the world behind as I've really grown attached to certain characters.

I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

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Thank you to the author and publisher for the early copy!

When I got the email for the e-galley of this book I SCREAMED. Books 1 & 2 of this series were 5 stars for me and I can happily say book 3 is another 5 stars.

Helen brings us straight into the action at the beginning of this book. Book 2 left us on a big cliffhanger so I am incredibly thankful that book 3 is out so quickly! Straight away we’re met with Wren’s despair and anxiety about Torj. These two are the *epitome* of soul bonded, and without giving any spoilers, this book reallllly summarises just how deep that bond runs. The power of love truly prevails!! This book addresses heavy topics such as power, fighting oppression, courage, sacrifice, and loyalty in such a ‘feel good’ way. Wren remains independent, and it shows that people can be more than one thing, and that titles do not define us. I really appreciate that Helen has written strong female characters that we can all relate to. It’s very empowering to read about women who don’t need saving, and not only can they save themselves, but they can save others thank u very much!! I’m so happy knowing young girls may read this and it may help in their journey to self-acceptance. Wren is independent, intelligent, and lowkey terrifying in the best way. And this goes without saying but I love men written by women. Helen has a great way of making the men protective and strong, but also sensitive and loving and kind.

One of my favourite thing about this book was the amount of unique characters from the previous books. I adore the representation of having a non-verbal character, and having someone close to me who has experienced that makes me appreciate the inclusion so much more. We see various different monarchs and other powerful characters, and I really like how Helen writes the characters. Sometimes I can feel overwhelmed if there are too many as they can all blur into one but each different character in these books has their own personality and traits. And let me say it here, I would die for Kipp.

Nobody will be surprised that this is another 5 star book for me. Helen’s writing is incredible, and this is a great novel about love winning. It’s powerful, sexy, and intriguing all at once. You won’t want to put this book (or series) down!

Rating: 5/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

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What an amazing conclusion to the Ashes of Thezmarr trilogy. I read this in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down.

We pick up directly from the ending of Thorns & Fire and Wrens forced betrothal to Darian in order to save Torj from dying due to the poison in his body. From there we follow the gang as they navigate war, politics and fighting off the evil that’s set to destroy them. There were high stakes in this book and I was on edge the whole time. There were twists and turns i didn’t see coming and so many moments that had me squealing! (Thea and Wilders moment.. if you’ve read the book already you know!)

The ending was just what the gang deserved, and as much as I was so happy with the ending, I want more! I’m not ready to leave the gang behind, and you know it’s been a good book when you feel like this about the characters. A bittersweet ending.

I would highly recommend The Ashes of Thezmarr series (and the Legends of Thezmarr series) to any fantasy readers, it’s definitely cemented itself as one of my favourite series I’ve read to date.

Thank you to the publisher, Pan Macmillan, for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

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Wow what can I say. Epic. Emotional. Intense. What an ending to The Ashes of Thezmarr series!

I was so nervous going into this book and let me tell you when I got the email from Pan Macmillan offering me the chance to read Silver & Smoke early, I almost fell off my chair.

We start Silver & Smoke where we left off in Thorns & Fire. We see Wren having to make decisions about her life, her loved ones, her land and her people based on the fact that the man she loves is being destroyed by the weapon she herself has wielded in the past. Only this time she doesn't have the cure and war is looming incredibly close.

My heart was in tatters at the end of Thorns & Fire. I was an emotional mess. I did not fare much better in this book. I cried three times. I now feel a gaping hole that it's over...for now. 👀

One of my favourite elements in this book was the glimpses we see from Torj and Wren's perspective looking back at all the small moments from even back in The Legends of Thezmarr series where we see how they both fell in love with each other. This isn't an insta love story this is a love story that (in the books) has been building up for 13 years. You feel every bit of those 13 years of longing and yearning in this book to the point it outright explodes in this conclusion. It's visceral, and that is what good writing does. You can feel that culmination of love jumping off the page and gripping your heart in a vice.

"Bear Slayer.....I'm lighting up the darkness just for you"

Helen knows how to write an MMC. She's the master. Not only has she given us the amazing Wilder Hawthorne but she has given us Torj Elderbrock, the Bear Slayer. There were moments in this book that had me hot under the collar.

"the soul bond reflecting each touch, each ripple of need, until he could scarcely tell where his body ended and hers began - Bend over the dresser for me, Embers." 🥵

His love and devotion to Wren is unmatched. He just makes you swoon each time he opens his mouth.

Wren really comes into her own in this story. Being bribed into submission in order to save Torj. She has to make some tough decisions but her love for him makes her stronger and we see her take that step to become who she was really meant to be. You feel the weight of the responsibilities on her shoulders as she struggles to decide who she really is - alchemist, poisoner, healer, queen?

The spice in this book (and the series as a whole) is utterly delicious. The spark between Torj and Wren is electric and it just radiates from every page. It leaves you wanting more, needing more and I just couldn't get enough!

I loved seeing all our favourites back again. Thea and Wilder have a big role to play and Legend's fans will love their parts in this book. I'm not spoiling anything for anyone but we see some old faces in this book which completely made my day! You'll squeal with excitement! The bond between the original Warswords is ever strong and I also love how integral the found family aspect is within this book. We see and learn so much about each of the original characters whilst also learning more about the new ones - Dessa, Zander and Darian.

The humour and banter in this book really balance out the intense moments. Of course the man at the forefront of almost all my laugh out loud moments was the son of the fox - Kipp.

"What?" Kipp grinned, pulling out the jar. "Do you think she wants her fingers back?" I was absolutely howling at this moment! 🤣

We learn more about Silas. It's great how Helen built a villain as dark and mysterious as the dark alchemy he uses. We also see more of the awful Lord Lucien who just gives me the ick every time he is in any chapter. There is a brilliant moment where Torj absolutely loses his marbles with him. (You'll know it when you read it, it's in chapter 50!). There are moments in this book which will make you angry especially around how certain men treat women in the midrealms plus moments of betrayal that will have you seething!

There are amazing battle and action scenes in this book. You feel the tension and nerves, you feel wrapped up in the throws of battle and are right there in amongst it.

I loved the world building in this book. Seeing the midrealms and going back to Thezmarr again. Helen delicately weaves a story that blends a heart stopping romance and beautiful world building with a well paced plot. You can't help but be fully immersed and engaged throughout the whole book. There are plot twists and moments that had me punching the air yelling "yes!".

I'm bringing three fingers to my shoulder in salute to Helen Scheuerer. What an amazing writer. I didn't think I could love a series as much as The Legends of Thezmarr but here she is proving me wrong. I am proud (and immensely grateful) to have read all three books in this series as arcs and I am so glad that Helen's work is getting the recognition it deserves. I think she is the best out there when it comes to romantasy and I read A LOT.

I know Helen had plans for another Thezmarr spin off and I am praying to the furies that this is still the plan. Who will it focus on? There are a couple of Warswords left plus a new addition which was a shock. I am hoping it's Cal but in all honesty that's because I want more Kipp. Those two are the best duo and I'd love for them to have their own series! The banter would be hilarious.

But let's be honest, I've said this before and I'll say it again for those at the back - if Helen writes it, I'm reading it. I can't wait to see what's next whether it is Thezmarr related or not.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and Helen Scheuerer for the arc. This is my own honest review of the book.

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I was thrilled to be able to dive into the third book so closely after reading the first two. This was the perfect conclusion to the trilogy for me. I loved the world this was set it and the romance made me swoon.

I really enjoyed how the relationships were built between Wren, Lord Darian and Torj. It was so well crafted to read about what she was willing to sacrifice for her people and kingdom

This was beautifully written and a real page turner and i would definitely recommend this story.

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A phenomenal conclusion to one of my favourite series. Silver & Smoke picks up right where Thorns & Fire left off, still reeling from that shocking cliffhanger. Torj is grappling with Wren’s devastating revelation about what she must do to save not only him, but the entire world from Silas and the darkness he’s unleashed.

Together with the remaining Warswords and alchemists, Wren races across the continent in a desperate search for a cure and the key to defeating the dark magic. The action is relentless, the stakes impossibly high, and yet at the heart of it all, the fiery bond between Wren and Torj burns brighter than ever and their heated exchanges practically leap off the page.

Scheuerer delivers a finale that is thrilling, emotional, and utterly satisfying. A breathtaking end to an epic saga.

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This was the PERFECT ending to this wonderful series, Helen Scheuerer has done it once again. I've only just finished this and am still processing everything but it gave me everything that I wanted, I felt completely satisfied with the conclusion of Wren and Torj's story, it was absolutely beautiful and I really didn't feel like I needed anything else from this although of course I'd be happy to read about them just relaxing in the garden and talking about life so if Helen feels like writing that, please go right ahead.

The pacing throughout the story was great, I didn't feel like there were any lull's and I was engaged from the beginning. What I really appreciate about Helen's writing is that she makes things like huge battles completely easy to understand. I sometimes struggle with keeping up when there is a huge climatic battle but did not find that to be the case in any of these books and again the magic system is easy to follow without being too simplistic.

All our favourite characters are here again and not only do we get some beautiful moments between Wren and Torj, we also get some gorgeous Thea and Wilder time and it's so nice to have that because we all love this world and this group of people. The story is so, so, so great and I just am devastated to be leaving Thezmarr once again. It was emotional to the point of me sharing a LOT of tears, exciting and just gorgeous. Please, please can we have a Cal & Kipp series now?

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Silver & Smoke is a powerful, emotionally charged continuation of The Ashes of Thezmarr series. Helen Scheuerer masterfully raises the stakes with intense character growth, heart-wrenching choices, and tightly woven plot twists. The world-building deepens, the relationships hit harder, and every chapter pulls you closer to the edge.

Fast-paced, fierce, and unforgettable — this is fantasy at its most gripping.

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You know that dreaded, hollow feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you remember, just as you’re falling asleep, that you forgot to do something important, or when someone reminds you of a memory you’d repressed for your own mental stability? That’s the feeling I got when I finished Silver & Smoke.

I loved the first two instalments in the Ashes of Thezmarr series and had no momentary doubt that I would love this one too, but I didn’t factor in that this was the end. I’m so sad it’s over yet this was just the most beautiful final bow for Wren, Torj and all our other favourites. The chemistry, as per usual, was nothing short of electric, bursting with sizzling tension, with those moments of comedic relief and longing and yearning that give this book oh so much heart.

Those moments are a nice respite from the high-stakes action and war scenes that also take place in this story, and ultimately bring the series to a close.

I’m absolutely over the moon that I was pre-approved for this. Thank you endlessly to Pan Macmillan for sending me the eARC, as well as to Helen Scheuerer for bringing us this incredible world. I will think about this series for a long, long time, and it won’t be my last time reading it.

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What a wonderful end to the series - which in my opinion is even better than the Legends series.

I adore the whole crew (shout out to Kipp!). The relationship between Wren and Torj only grows in strength, and it was fab to see more of Thea and Wilder too. Sheuerer did such an incredible job of making Lucian detestable. An excellent villain, who was arguably just as bad as Silas.

There were a couple of laugh out loud moments and others that had me giggling like a school girl (and those days are long behind me!). The light hearted moments really helped to balance out the tension, creating a finale that was a delight to read.

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Silver & Smoke is an incredible conclusion to The Ashes of Thezmarr trilogy! I couldn't resist reading it as soon as I received the ARC. I just didn't have the self control and needed to know how the Ashes of Thezmarr trilogy ended! For me, it was a perfect ending. It was an epic finale to the series but also had those laugh out loud moments (was Kipp involved in a lot of those? Perhaps) and those sweet (and spicy) moments between Wren and Torj that I love!

It picks up directly after the events of Thorns & Fire and the stakes were high in this one. Wren and Torj were a real team here and there wasn't any miscommunication or unnecessary drama to do with their relationship. Honestly, they had enough on their plates as it was! There wasn't a dull moment and I raced through it. I think it had a great balance of action and emotional moments.

If there are no more books to come in the Thezmarr world, then it was a really beautiful send off for all the characters and a really satisfying ending. And now that it's all over, my phone can finally stop autocorrecting Torj to York every single time I mention him and how amazing he is, so that's a small win for me personally.

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from Pan Macmillan and NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

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I love this series and this instalment was just brilliant. All your favourite characters, twists and turns wrapped up in a beautiful ending. Would love to see more of Cal and Kip…a spin off????

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A storming adventure, full of characters you can root for and twists and turns a plenty! The best kind of fantasy inspired fast ride.

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