4.5 stars

IRON AND EMBERS is a tension-filled first book in a romantasy series with enemies to lovers in the aftermath of a war.

I really enjoyed the trope combination in this book. Wren and Torj have a past and very much fall into the enemies-to-lovers camp. There's forced proximity from Torj's (highly reluctant) position as her bodyguard - which also provides a very reasonable reason for him to resist his feelings for her.

This set up allows for a lot of tension between the two of them. The book plays with the idea that hate and love are separated only by a thin line. Wren is prickly and has a sharp retort ready much of the time. Torj is not about to stand for her nonsense - or let her role of Poisoner intimidate him. It's great chemistry, full of push and pull.

Wren and Torj are older protagonists than often typical for romantasy - mid to late thirties, I believe. I liked reading about people who have seen a fair bit of life and have had relationships (of lesser degrees) so know what they don't want in a partner. They also have to reckon with the aftermath of the war and the paths that's taken them on since. I particularly liked how dark a turn Wren's life had taken.

The book is set around Wren training to be an alchemist, which my STEM side loved. It's a deadly school - probably shouldn't pass any inspections, like most magical schools! It was a nice change of stakes from the previous series. While there are rumblings of something big going on in the world at large, this book is not focused around wraiths and a world-ending danger, but rather passing a year of school. It helped it feel very intimate.

There are several returning characters from The Legends of Thezmarr, with Kip and Cal having the biggest role. I really like their dynamic, which is playful/exasperated, and acting as very irresponsible siblings. I hope we eventually get a book focused on them. Wilder and Thea are also featured, but in a minor role - and as the wiser couple who have been through drama. It was nicely done to have the realistic continuity of being in the same world (so these two would be around) but without letting them overpower the narrative.

The book, naturally, ends on a big relationship shift that will be a lot of fun to see play out in the next book.

What a book. I loved Wren and Torj journey. Wren is travelling through grief and anger, and I loved seeing herself heal with a supportive man by her side. Torj is definitely HUSBAND material and I loved him from the very first page.
It’s a beautiful story about lost, grief, trauma healing and obviously: love.

What to expect:
⚔️Enemies to lovers (kinda 👀)
⚔️ Bodyguard x Ward
⚔️ Alchemist x Warsword
⚔️ Healing journey (grief, trauma…)
⚔️ Deadly trials
⚔️ He fell first (AND HARD)
⚔️Alchemist academy

‘It’s about the person who’s holding your hand at the end. The person you can’t let go of, no matter how hard you might have tried.’
Such an emotional rollercoaster 😭
HELEN I NEED BOOK TWO NOW !!! 😡

Thanks NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and Helen Scheuerer for this early copy 🥹❤️

Iron & Embers - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow! What a journey!

I was sooo excited when I realised this book is all about Wren as she has been my favourite character right from the start in the Legends of Thezmarr series!

Whilst you can read this without having read The Legends of Thezmarr series, I highly recommend that you do as it gives you a deeper connection to a lot of the characters in this book.

Iron & Embers takes place 5 years after the end of the shadow war and focuses on Wren and Torj. Wren is still struggling to deal with the events of the Shadow War and is on a dangerous path of vengeance using her alchemy skills and becoming known as ‘The Poisoner’. A new threat brings Torj the bear slayer back into her life as her personal bodyguard (which neither of them are happy about). This is a real a slow burn romance with a lot of tension!

I loved this book! I felt so immersed in their world that I found myself struggling to put it down. I ended up finishing this one at 3am because I was so hooked! I really enjoyed the flashback moments with Wren and Torj. Also loved that we see more of Cal and Kipp again, they really brought the entertainment 😂 Kipp is hilarious and the best side character I’ve come across so far!

The ending absolutely hurt my heart and left me staring into space for a little while after. Now I’m wondering how I am going to cope waiting until July for book 2 😭😂

Iron & Embers releases 28th Jan in the US, Canada & AU/NZ. The UK release is 6th Feb.

Thank you to @helenscheuerer, @panmacmillan & @netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Oh boy do I wish I had read the prequel series before this! It’s on my TBR now!

I felt lost in the series, I’ve seen you can read this as a standalone but I felt like I was missing something. Although I was enjoying the writing.

Iron & Embers
By Helen Scheuerer
Release date out now for US, Canada, Australia, NZ
6th February 2025 UK
Rating 5 stars 9.33 CAWPILE

This book holy hell this book. As someone who has previously read the legends of Thezmarr comes a brand new series the ashes of thezmarr set five years after the events from the previous series.

This book was everything the relationship between Torj and Wren was everything and I mean everything I needed and more, I won’t go into the ending I am just going to pretend it didn’t happen. These two have chemistry and banter that is the lightening magic across the page which you feel burn and root. Spice is spicing love is loving and the emotions I felt at the end of the book made me want to throw my kindle. I didn’t but I may if July does not come soon.

This book builds on the foundations of the previous story with cameos and the feeling of welcoming you back into the world with open arms ready for you to go to war with the characters because it clearly asks the question what happens when the war ends? And does it ever truly end?

Thank you so much for allowing me to read this book and I cannot wait to be shouting this from the rooftops when my physical copy makes it way home to me. The lightening kissed bearslayer and embers are so well written and now I go back into my existence patiently (not so patiently) waiting for book two.

Review will go up 28th January on instagram

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 2 ⭐️ soft DNF
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Format: ARC Ebook
Pages: 586
Spice: - 🌶️
POV: Double POV
S/S: The Ashes of Thezmarr #1
Check trigger warnings for any book.

This is currently a soft dnf, I’m not able to get into the story. I was told that I could read it without having read the previous series, but I believe I would be enjoying it way more had I read it before.

For the portion that I’ve read, it sounds intriguing. I enjoyed the writing style. I’ll give this another chance once I’ve read the previous books.

Leena - Leena.reader review - @leena.reader on tiktok / instagram / fable / storygraph

4.5/4.75⭐️ holy jesus that was so cool. I SO WISH I READ THE PREQUEL SERIES FIRST (even tho you don’t have to, i am going to right now!!)

the maps in this book are hands down some of the coolest maps i’ve ever seen!!

I LOVE anything in an academy setting and it had trials. i repeat trials !! and don’t get me started on the FORCED PROXIMITY MWHAAHA. GOD THE AGNST AND TENSION WAS SO GOOD

i adore the friendships as well and need to rea the first series to see more of literally everyone but mainly cal and kipp 🫶🏼

the ending has left me so mad but i have such high hopes for this series.

Torj - i love you 🧎🏽‍♀️
Wren - i want to be you

Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer is an utterly gripping romantasy masterpiece. From its fierce, traumatised FMC Wren to the brooding, loyal MMC Torj, this dual POV story is packed with emotional depth, found family dynamics, and so much yearning and angst. The alchemy, deadly trials, and slow-burn romance had me glued to every page.

Helen’s world-building shines—rich and immersive without a hint of drag—and the character development? Chef’s kiss. Wren’s journey from broken to fierce is unforgettable, and Torj’s cinnamon-roll-meets-grumpy-bodyguard energy is perfection. The twists and turns left me reeling (and emotionally wrecked), and that ending? 🤯😭

✨Tropes:

Found family
Forbidden romance (bodyguard + ward)
Hidden identity
Strong FMC + protective MMC
Angsty slow burn

This book is the definition of a page-turner, and I’m absolutely feral for the next instalment. Helen Scheuerer truly is the Queen of Romantasy.

Set five years after the events of The Legends of Thezmarr series, Wren Embervale has turned away from her alchemist roots, and become ‘The Poisoner’.
She has been using her expertise, for vengeance against those responsible for the deaths of her loved ones, but when a new form of alchemy is used against a royal, Wren must put her revenge plans aside.
The story is full of sabotage and deception, and I thoroughly enjoyed all the twists and turns - I also felt like I learned a lot about plant properties from this book!
Wren and Torj’s romance was such a good slow-burn, and of course I loved the forced proximity trope - I don’t know if it was intentional, but Torj was giving me Geralt vibes 👀
The ending absolutely broke me, so I am DESPERATE for book two, but in the meantime, at least I can get my fix from going back and reading the first series, as I’m super intrigued by Thea and Wilder, and I’d also like to know the history of the war in more depth!

Thank you, Pan Macmillan and NetGalley, for this arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

You finished Onyx Storm and don't know what to do with your life? Read this book (you're welcome 😂).

Iron & Embers follows the events after the Legends of Thezmarr series, but you don't have to have read it to understand Iron & Embers because it's the first book of an entirely new series. I didn't read the Legends of Thezmarr and didn't have any trouble following the story.

I liked that the action is set after a war because not many fantasy books do that. Most of the time, the events lead to an inevitable battle and then to peace without focusing on the impact of war on the characters, but here, the characters grapple with their past trauma and we see how it impacts their daily lives.

I'm a sucker for romantasy, and this book had everything I needed. The FMC is a badass alchemist and queen, the MMC is her grumpy bodyguard. The tension between them was INTENSE! There were so many moments that made me melt. Honestly, I'm a puddle because of Torj 🥵. I loved the alchemy, magic and dark academia setting. The side characters were hilarious, especially Kipp and Dessa. The ending broke my heart, and I'm so relieved that book 2 is coming in July because that was brutal!

Helen is the queen of fantasy. You can tell she is a seasoned fantasy writer and her books just continue to get better and better. Pick it UP

Before I dive into this review, I want to address a question that might be on some readers' minds: Do you need to read the Legends of Thezmarr books before starting Iron & Embers? While I’m leaning towards a "yes" due to the world-building, character backstories, and emotional depth, it’s not absolutely necessary. That said, be aware that this book spoils major plot points from the previous four instalments. So, read at your own discretion.

Helen’s latest entry into the Thezmarr universe picks up five years after the war, and right from the beginning, it's clear that a lot has changed for Wren Embervale. Gone is the sweet, idealistic alchemist; in her place is a woman consumed by vengeance. Living in isolation, she’s on a mission to exact revenge, poisoning her way toward those who played a role in the war’s atrocities. I was immediately captivated by this drastic shift in Wren's character—after everything she’s been through, it makes sense that something would have to give.

The story alternates between Wren and Torj’s perspectives, and I couldn’t get enough of it. Seeing their relationship from both sides, with all its longing and tension, made me root for them even more. I’ve been invested in these characters since the previous books and was thrilled to see that we’re getting books focused on their journey. The slow-burn dynamics between them, built up over <b>years</b>, have me SO eagerly anticipating what comes next.

The pacing in Iron & Embers is flawless. The story flows effortlessly as Wren starts her time at the renowned Drevenor school, where she’s working to find a cure for a new threat to Thezmarr. Unlike previous threats, this one feels right up Wren's alley, and the change of pace is refreshing. As she navigates the cutthroat world of Drevenor—a school as intense as Thea’s Warsword training—we see Wren struggle with her desire to keep everyone at arm's length, even as she begins to open herself up to new friendships. The school’s trials and challenges were a highlight, adding a fun, intriguing layer to the plot. I especially loved the small snippets from textbooks, Wren’s journals and even Warsword texts, that open each chapter—it’s a brilliant touch that I looked forward to every time.

The passage of time, which spans about six months, is handled beautifully. While the world-building doesn’t see much development here, I didn’t mind as much, since I’m familiar with the setting from the previous books. For newcomers, this might be more noticeable, but for fans of the series, it’s not a dealbreaker. I’m excited about where this story is heading—there is a new 'revolution' on the horizon which depicts everyday people rising up against royal magic users who have become scapegoats for the previous war’s destruction.

Of course, what really brought this book to life for me were the characters. Wren and Torj were fantastic, but I was also thrilled to see my favourite secondary characters back in action. Cal and Kip continue to wreak havoc with their antics, leaving me in stitches. They’ve truly mastered the art of stealing the show, even as side characters. Thea and Wilder make smaller appearances, but it's impossible not to love them. And, of course, we can’t forget the formidable Master Alchemist Farissa and Guild Master Audra. Helen’s ability to pair characters into small, dynamic groups has always been one of my favourite aspects of the series. That said, I felt we didn’t get as much insight into Zavier and Dessa as I would have liked. I’m hoping that will change in the upcoming books!

Now, let's talk romance. I can honestly say that this is one of the best romances I’ve read in a long time. I adored the previous Thezmarr books, but Wren and Torj's relationship is the highlight for me. The tension and yearning between them had me on the edge of my seat, and the emotional depth of their connection was astounding. The banter was delicious, and the spice caught me completely off guard (blushing, and blushing hard). Torj is essentially a giant golden retriever—soft and endearing—and I was utterly swooning over him. But it’s Wren’s growth and development that really stole the show. Watching her slowly let down her walls and open up to the man she’s longed for was its own beautiful story, especially when you realise the only reason she’s kept him at a distance is out of fear of losing him—just as she lost her sister and best friends.

Helen, I am heartbroken after that ending, and you are incredibly lucky that the sequel is coming in just a few months, or I’d be sending you my therapy bills! I should have known that if things seem too calm with 10% of the book left, something bad is coming. I can’t wait for the sequel—this is my first 5-star read of the year, and I have no doubt it will be one of my top favourites for 2025!

Thanks to Pan Macmillan, Helen Scheuerer and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC of Iron and Embers, the first book in Helen’s new series, The Ashes of Thezmarr.

What a fantastic start to this really exciting series which is a follow on from Helen’s completed series, The Legends of Thezmarr. As usual, Helen’s writing is so easy to read and just flows seamlessly, even with additions of flashbacks.

The emotional rollercoaster and trauma that Wren experiences after the ending of The Legends of Thezmarr is a really strong theme in this book, but the character development is perfect. Helen adds some really exciting tropes as well, like trials and bodyguard which I think was done so well. And I will say, this one was SPICY!

A heads up that the reader learns about the ending of The Legends of Thezmarr series, and some of the characters that we know and love make an appearance. So I highly recommend that you read Iron and Embers after The Legends of Thezmarr series if you want to avoid spoilers and have a better understanding of the characters.

This one is easily a 5 star read, and I know that Helen will not disappoint with the rest of this series!

Thank you Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for this ARC!

This book was an absolute treat to read! From the very first page, the writing drew me in—it’s exceptionally well written, striking that perfect balance of descriptive without being overwhelming. The story follows on from the previous series, bringing back some familiar faces but shifting the spotlight to Wren and Torj. Their dynamic is captivating, with a soul bond between them that neither is aware of. After avoiding each other for five years, something always seemed to pull them back together. That pull becomes impossible to ignore when Torj is assigned as Wren’s bodyguard, setting the stage for the story to unfold. The tension between Wren and Torj is set up brilliantly right away, pulling you into their dynamic and keeping you hooked.

There’s a lot of characters introduced early on (some following on from the previous series) but somehow it doesn’t feel chaotic or confusing. Each one is distinct and memorable (and hilarious!), making the story feel rich and layered without overwhelming the reader. And I have to say, the dialogue really stood out—between Wren and Torj and especially between their friends, Kipp and Cal. Their banter is clever, sharp, and downright delightful, with just the right mix of wit and humor to keep things entertaining.

I’ll admit, I felt the story was dragging a little in the middle for me, but just as I was starting to lose steam, it picked up again—and wow, I wasn’t expecting that ending, poor Wren left heartbroken. So much character development for her throughout the book, only to then have her heart broken in the end! You can tell this book is setting the stage for a series, and perhaps book 2 will see Wren returning to her old ways as the poisoner rather than the new Wren, the Alchemist. I cannot wait to see where this series goes next.

Overall, this is a beautifully written book with strong characters, great dialogue, and a plot that pulls you in from start to finish.

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!