This was phenomenal!
I couldn’t put it down. The dual POV made the story so engaging,

The story follows Wren Embervale, an alchemist-turned-assassin who lives for vengeance after the death of her friends. Though the wars are over, her thirst for revenge burns on. For years, she’s found comfort in her poisons and potions, living in the shadows. But when an unknown form of alchemy is used to attack a king of the midrealms, Wren is pulled into the spotlight. She’s offered a chance to study at Drevenor, the ancient alchemy academy, to find a cure for the dark magic threatening the kingdoms. First, though, she must survive the Gauntlet—a deadly series of trials that could cost her sanity, her life, or both.

The stakes don’t end there. As magic wielders are targeted and conspiracies spread, Wren is caught in a dangerous web of deception and bloodshed that threatens the entire realm. But perhaps the biggest danger lies in Torj Elderbrock—the silver-haired war hero assigned to protect her. He despises her for assassinating his previous charge, and the tension between them is delicious.

I haven’t read the previous series, but you don’t need to! Everything is easy to follow, and any references to past events didn’t feel overwhelming or necessary to enjoy the story. The chemistry between the characters is incredible, packed with tension, banter, and yearning.
“‘Are our kingdoms too small for you now?’ she sneered.
‘Fifty kingdoms would still be too small with you sucking up all the air,’ he snapped.”
Chef’s kiss.

Thank you to the Pan Macmillan team for the ARC—I can’t wait for more people to experience this brilliant story!

What a great way to start your 2025 reading challenge

5 years after The Shadow War, we follow Wren, Thea’s sister, in her poisoner era. Which comes with some challenges, she is heir to a fallen kingdom, she is getting way too powerful for some people’s liking, so she is sent to a very powerful and very dangerous Academy For Alchemists. But she is not going alone, she going with a personal bodyguard and some old friends. After her arrival at the Academy, everything goes downhill from there. Someone wants to hurst her, she can’t stand her bodyguard ( or can she?), and she is looking for her place in this life.

I want to begin by saying i love Wren she is such a fierce and a breath of fresh air when it comes to female characters. Her development, her inner monologue, they are so powerful and i saw myself in her for quite a bit. I love that her strength comes from alchemy and herbs and everything that has to do with it. When it comes to her power, this a different subject and i was very intrigued reading about it.
Now, Torj is delicious, he is such a brooding warrior and i love seeing how Wren is wrecking his nerves
I enjoy reading about their powers and the aftermath of said powers.
It is such a great way to start this series

Are you going to read this??

This series can be read as a standalone but if you want you can read Thea’s story in The legends of Thezmarr series.

Only a good way into the book did I realize that there was another series by the author that could now be seen as a prequel to Iron and Embers. However, I did not have the feeling of missing out. So I'd say totally readable without prior knowledge.

It's a Romantasy book where the romance and spice does not take away from the plot - and if you've followed my previous reviews, that's high praise from me.
On top of that, Wren is a really strong character, and not just the 'oh I'm so chosen' type. The MMC, Torj, is also a very good protagonist - and behold the wonder: these two actually have chemistry. And somehow the author has managed to make it slow burn despite early spice scenes.

The best of it all though is the worldbuilding. It's intriguing, it's rich, and definitely full-fledged (now knowing that there's more books in the world, I'm not surprised anymore, yet no less in awe).

The plot twists and the ending are not too surprising, if you are familiar with these kind of fantasy books, but for me it didn't take away from the love I developed for this book.

Thank you @netgalley and @panmacmillan for the eARC!

#IronAndEmbers #Netgalley #Bookstagram

High praise and 4,5/5 stars

Any book that can practically break my heart gets infinity stars from me. That ending was cruel. Honestly, just stab me next time - it might hurt less.
This book was amazing. It got under my skin and toyed with my emotions. Well done, well written. I need to go hug a pillow or cry in a corner or something after that.
Wren and Torj's story was everything. The developments between them were so well done.
I also really enjoyed the development of the friendships between Wren, Dessa, and Zavier, and I look forward to seeing more of this.
I need the next book now and am so glad that I don't have to wait a year or more.
100% recommend this book if you're a romantasy reader.

This fantasy is well written with gripping characters. I was a bit annoyed to discover there was a whole series set in this world beforehand, but this book actually worked ok as an introduction to everything. I would have liked a bit more world building, but that might be found in the other books!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Rated 4.5 Stars

Where do I even begin? I loved Iron & Embers. It was an interesting, intriguing and engaging story. I devoured it. It kept me on the edge of my seat and fully invested from beginning to end. I'm still mentally and emotionally in the thick of it.

There was so much to love about this book. I loved the world, the characters and the magic system. I loved the science of it. It was a spin off of another series but I didn't at all feel lost, if anything I felt like I needed to go and read this author's entire backlist.

I loved that it was packed with action, pining, angst, steam, emotion and a suspense/mystery element to it.

I loved the tension, it was as much a character as Wren and Torj, the main characters.I loved how feisty Wren was and how growly and protective Torj was. I loved watching their relationship develop and so can't wait for the next book in the series.

I simply adored this and very highly recommend it. It was my first Helen Scheuerer book but it most certainly won't be my last.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️ - 4,5 stars

'You look like you’re going to kiss me,’ she said, her body calling out for his touch. ‘You look like you’d enjoy it,’ he replied, his fingers entwining with hers.'

‘I just want you to know that I’m yours. That even when I’m nothing but ash, I’ll still be yours.’

Review:
This was my first book by Helen Scheuerer and it did not dissapoint. I love her writing style and should have picked up her earlier work sooner.
While this series can be read without reading The Legends of Thezmarr series first, I would advise to consider reading it before picking this book up.
I think it gives more depth in the world and in the characters if you know their pasts.

This book follows Wren Embervale who is offered a place at the ancient alchemy academy of Drevenor to find a cure to the dark magic threatening the kingdoms.
Wren is also a princess and heir to a fallen kingdom.
And for that reason is Torj Elderbrock, the silver-haired war hero who has hated her since she assassinated his last charge, assigned to protect her.

Tjor gave me Geralt x Thor vibes and Wren reminded me of Jane (from My Lady Jane). The banter and tension between them were so good. And that combined with all the mutual pining and slow burn was perfection.
This book also has amazing side characters, and I just stories set in academies. The fact that this one is set in an alchemy academy makes it even better.

That ending tho was criminal 💔, can't wait for the second book to come out!

- Romantasy
- Alchemy academy
- Magic wielders
- Forbidden love
- Second chance
- 'Who did this to you?'
- Touch her and die
- Dual POV
- Haters to lovers
- Past vs now
- One horse
- Forced proximity
- Brooding hero
- Found family
- Deadly trials
- Hairpin to throat
- Spice

A very character driven story with lots of romance. I loved the alchemy part of it a lot and really enjoyed how Wren discovered her new path with poisons and potions during her time at the school! I loved how we got to see how the heroes of the war struggle with it afterwards and how it’s not always over after the war is won.
The tension between her and Torj was undeniable and I’m glad they got closer to each other emotionally and physically throughout the book. The forbidden love trope also always gets me and I love me a good “Fuck it” and “Who did this to you” moment and Helen Scheuerer delivered!
The school is definitely ruthless and I’m excited to see where it continues to go and how her friendship with Dessa and Zavier develops, bc I really think she will find some good new friends in them. The ending tho left me in absolute shambles bc wtf?? I need the next book asap
Hoping we get some more world building and excited to see how the love story will play out.

This book was interesting from the start I really like the author's style of writing, I am sad I didn't read the first series as I think it would give me more knowledge of the world but that doesn't take away the quality of this book

This was definition of a slow burn romantasy. Iron & Embers follows Wren, the reluctant heir to Delmira as she enters the famed Alchemy academy Drevenor. Set after the war of Thezmarr, the characters are still healing from the events of the war, Wren having embarked on a journey of vengeance by becoming an assassin. Wren is a very normally grey FMC which I absolutely loved.

I love the backdrop of alchemy, I’m obsessed with any alchemy and poisons so it was definitely something I enjoyed about the story. The tension and chemistry between Wren and Torj is fantastic and the friendships between the warswords and alchemists really sweet. The emotional journey Wren goes on is really well done.

However, the story was slightly too slow paced at points. I wish I’d have read the original series as I felt like I missed a lot, that being said the flash backs at the begging were done really well to try and catch up the reader but it wasn’t quite enough. I did feel like though it is an adult book, the characters could be slightly immature at times and it read somewhat like a YA fantasy at points. The ending was disappointing. I thought more could have been done to focus on the rebels.

Overall, I did enjoy this book and I’m looking forward to reading the next ones in the series.

I found this novel to be a significant step up from the author’s previous series, delivering a captivating and thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. The characters are well-crafted and easy to connect with, which makes their journeys all the more compelling. The storyline is expertly woven, maintaining a gripping momentum that keeps the reader invested throughout.

While the ending didn’t fully resonate with me in the way I had hoped, it doesn’t diminish the overall quality of the book. It remains an engaging and memorable read, showcasing the author’s growth in both storytelling and character development.

I got 30% through it and couldn't get into it. I lost all interest once I found out there were other books set in this world. You don't actually have to read the others, but if you are thinking about reading them after this, there will probably be spoilers.I can see myself trying to read this again in the future as there were parts I enjoyed, however right now it just didn't hold my interest.

I haven’t been this hooked on a romantasy since I first discovered Carissa Broadbent. Iron & Embers was absolutely AMAZING! I fell in love with the world, the setting, and—of course—the deliciously slow-burn romance between Tjorn and Wren.

Speaking of those two… they are <i>precious</i>! I adored them as individuals, and I was completely rooting for their relationship. The tension and longing between them were executed flawlessly, keeping me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

While the romance is incredible, it doesn’t overshadow the main story. I found myself equally invested in the central plot, which is enriched by a fantastic cast of supporting characters. I can’t wait to dive deeper into their stories in future books!

When I first picked up this book, I didn’t realize it was set in the same world as Helen Scheuerer’s previous series. Don’t let that stop you from reading it—<b>Iron & Embers</b> does a phenomenal job catching you up on the world and its past while keeping you curious to explore more. Yes, there are some spoilers for the previous series, but that only made me more excited to read it as soon as possible!

<i><b>Huge thanks to Pan Macmillan | Tor Bramble and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. </b>Now, can you please send me the next one? I need it desperately!</i>

- - - - - - - - - -

Pre-read:

My expectations are high for this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Well now I understand why everyone is in tears after THAT ENDING. Another 5 star read from Helen Scheurer. This author is a goddess, you can't change my mind.

First of all, the question everyone is wondering. Can I read this if I haven't read The Legends of Thezmarr? The answer is yes, you can!! The better question is if you should! Honest talk: you get spoiled for which friends of Wren's die at the end of book 4 of The Legends of Thezmarr and the kind of magic that Wren and Thea wield. You also get spoiled for Cal's Warsword status (does he become a Warsword or not?) and for who becomes the new Guild Master. To be honest, I truly believe you can enjoy and get addicted to this world by reading Iron & Embers first, BUT The Legends of Thezmarr is absolutely phenomenal!!!! I highly recommend that series no matter what!! I devoured that series, one book after the other, and then I dived into Iron & Embers immediately! It was an awesome reading experience! TO SUM UP: You can read and love Iron & Embers without having read The Legends of Thezmarr BUT The Legends of Thezmarr is too freaking amazing not to read!!

NOW LET'S GET INTO IRON & EMBERS AKA WREN'S & TORJ'S STORY!!

I am a Thezmarrian through and through, so I was bound to love this, too! What I didn't expect was to fall head over heels for Torj after being in love with Wilder and Thea! The Legends of Thezmarr is one of my top 3 favorite series of all time, and Wilder and Thea's relationship blew my mind away in every way that counts! But Torj is my man!!

Torj is the epitome of an overprotective oversize teddy bear who is too pure and too good!! I loved his chapters but I also empathized with him so much! Every second of pain and anguish and anger, I felt it in my bones!! And oh how he loves Wren! And how he has loved Wren for so many years despite Wren's iron walls. I want to give him the biggest hug and to be honest, I want a hug from him, too. There's something so genuine, so attractive, and compelling about him! Ofc he is ridiculously handsome and a phenomenal Warsword (name for elite warriors with powers from the Furies) but his heart is the best part of him. For me, it's Torj who carried this book, hands down.

Wren turned from a brilliant alchemist to a scheming poisoner and assassin targeting all those involved in the events that led to her friends' deaths. Not just deaths but gruesome, brutal demise. Wren is deeply traumatized and her grief is so great that not even she realizes it. She has closed off to everyone. She hasn't even seen Thea much during the 5 years since the last book in The Legends of Thezmarr. Even in The Legends of Thezmarr, it was said that of the sisters it was Wren who was the most dangerous, and we truly see it in Iron & Embers. Thea is deadly, too, but Wren is dangerous in a darker kind of way. Scheming, planning, and plotting.

I tried hard not to hold much against her because of her trauma, but I couldn't help but feel injustice for Torj in many, many scenes. And the new Guild Master, don't get me started. The new Guild Master showed a manipulative side, trying to use Torj and Wren, and when Torj finally exploded, I was all but screaming with him!

I did guess one or two things, but I also think that the author meant for us to catch some twists because the breadcrumbers were there. I love the plot, and where it's heading! I have full trust on this author to deliver excellence in every aspect: plot, worldbuilding, characters, romance, and spice, and she has already delivered excellence in this book in all 5 of them.

The yearning and longing in this book will have you pull your hair and scream into the void while loving the frustration every second.

And I look forward to seeing the real Wren in the next book after she shed her armor of grief and revenge. I am so freaking relieved that book 2 comes out in July!! Helen is a goddess and in her I believe!

It's the February pick for a romantasy monthly book box, and I renew without a doubt! I am only praying for a matching Legends of Thezmarr special set!

I love it when a new to me author just blows me away, and that's exactly what happened here! Intriguing, captivating and absolute ride of a book - loved it!

This book is excellent! The romance, the tension, the magic, I was engrossed from page one and quickly devoured the whole book. Only downside was I realised about 40% in that this is a sequel series and I haven't read the earlier books in this world, so I shall be promptly fixing this as I am now very intrigued by this worlds and the events leading up to Iron & Embers

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️.🫑

I am absolutely distraught and feral for the next book. Helen has outdone herself 🙌 I loved Legends of Thezmarr but this has raised the bar! Full review to come, I need time to emotionally recover from that ending 🫠🤯😭

Ok so full review time. From the moment I met Wren and Torj in Thezmarr, I adored them. They are such great characters and to go through the devastation of Thezmarr with them to Iron & Embers is such a unique experience as a reader. We often get our characters already damaged and learn retrospectively what has hurt them but with this, Wren in particular, you knew the girl before the trauma and the impact it has had on her in the present. Through Iron & Embers, Torj and Wren's found family help her to heal and to come into her own with absolute ferocity. There is so much growth for both her & Torj that is just so beautiful to see. I don't want to give too much away but Helen's angsty af slow burn was 🤌 Torj is definitely being added to the book boyfriend list, despite some of his questionable decisions towards the end. Below are what you can expect & a tiny piece of advice, make sure you're in a safe place with a furry friend and a stiff drink to finish the final 50 pages 😭🤯

🗣️Dual POV
🌶️🌶️🌶️.🫑 Spicy with LOTS of angst
👯‍♀️ Found family
😂 Banter
📚 Academia
⚠️ Forbidden romance (bodyguard + ward)
😭 So. Much. Emotional. Damage.
🌳 Growth + character development
🫣 Hidden identity
🧪✨ Alchemy + magic


✨Thank you Helen & Netgalley for this early review copy. My views are my own and I feel so lucky to have gotten read this ahead of it's release ✨

3.75 so rounding up to 4⭐️! Thank you NetGalley and PanMacmillan for providing an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Iron & Embers is EXACTLY what you expect when you pick up a Romantasy read! A magical world, political unrest, reluctant allies to lovers, and TENSIONNNN! The tension is off the charts, so good!

This story takes place 5 years after the Shadow Wars. Elwren Embervale has been keeping to herself since the war ended, enjoying her solitude and spending her time with her potions and poisons. Content in her secluded home, she receives news of a new form of alchemy being used to target the royal families of the neighbouring kingdoms. Knowing that she must help find the cure for this new form of poison, she is offered a spot in the most prestigious academy in the realms, Dravenor. Securing her studies will not be easy, as only those who pass The Gauntlet will be awarded a spot. Being a royal herself, her own life is in danger… queue the bodyguard!
Torj Elderbrock is the war hero tasked with protecting Wren. The only issue is… they really do not get along! Their shared history makes their interactions less than ideal, and they will be stuck together for the foreseeable future…

The story is well planned and it keeps the reader engaged throughout. I had not read the original trilogy before diving into Iron & Embers, so I found the first couple of chapters a bit hard to follow, especially because there are tons of flashbacks! I wasn’t sure if the flashbacks were new information, or whether it was something previous readers might already know. The story wasn’t difficult to follow once all the main characters were introduced, and once we get to the Academy setting it’s a very easy read!

I really liked both Wren and Torj, I thought they had distinct monologues and their end-goals were clear from the beginning. Their interactions were SO FUN! I couldn’t wait to get to their scenes, the tension was very well executed.

I think the plot and side characters were a bit weak. It gave me the impression that the author really wanted to tell Wren and Torj’s story and built the rest around that… which made the more action-packed scenes and the climax fall flat. I also wasn’t greatly interested in any of the side characters, but I am hoping we will have that found-family feeling in future books.

The story is definitely more romance than fantasy, but it is entertaining nonetheless! Extra points for making me want to read the Legends of Thezmarr trilogy :)

Helen knows how to create an Epic Fantasy that pulls you into its pages, weaving the romance in such a way that it is present yet never over takes the story.
witty dialogue, deadly trials and a slown burn romance.
a must read if you like those tropes and want to step into a lush and exciting world.

Wow just wow, I am so happy to be back in this world with these characters. I’m rating this 4.5 stars.

The tension has been building between these two characters since the war & I’m so glad in this book that it all finally comes to a head. Torj and Wren are a new fav of mine, the banter and connection is elite.

In this book Wren feels burdened by the past and the shadow war, still trying to achieve feats through alchemy that others could only dream of, but Wren only dreams of attending the academy but Farissa & Audra seem to stand in her way.

Torj is reeling from the war with the magic he experienced and shared with Wren. The two characters are thrust together in a new battle of wit, alchemy and the royals appear to be at the heart of it all again.

Fantastic read, this author is an auto-buy author for me and I cannot wait to read more by them.