This was my first Helen Scheuerer book and i’m happy to say it lived up to the hype! I loved how the fantast and romance elements were evenly balanced, plus this book had one of my favourite tropes for fantasy books: deadly trials!!
The romance between the main characters Torj and Wren was high-stakes, emotional and full of yearning. They’re both maddening and stubbord characters, which made their push and pull all the more enjoyable🤭

The worldbuilding was also so fascinating that I will be reading the Legends of Thezmarr books as soon as possible.

Thank you so much netgalley and the publisher PanMacmillan for a free earc of this book!

HS can do no wrong! Absolutely adored Wren and Torj’s story - thank you so much to Pan Macmillan, NetGalley and the author for my advanced reader copy!!

Full review to follow ♥️

I had such high hopes when going into this and I wasn’t disappointed at all! It has everything that you could possibly want from an epic romantasy book (and I’m pretty sure that this one relates to another series that the author has written?)

Its full of pretty simple tropes yet they’re done in such a way that the story feels really unique and interesting, and even though the tropes are ones we’ve read about a thousand times they still had such a positive impact on the story.
Were talking; bodyguard romance, forced proximity, fated love, trials and touch her and die. The other aspect that just made this even more of a joy to read was that it was DUAL POV!!! I love nothing more than when authors give us both sides of the story, in particular when it has romantic elements to it. Idk there’s just something about it and the story feels so much juicier when you can read about what each sides are feeling about the other and you get to experience all of the pining and tension almost first hand.

Having not read any of the authors other books I can really say that I don’t think you need any of the context or history to be able to dive into this one. It might make the story richer and I’m sure there are a lot of callback to other characters and events, but you can for sure enjoy this one on its own. Even more so because it does follow the standard “romantasy” formula, so if you want to read an epic fantasy that is easy to read/follow, not a great deal of complex things to understand, and a healthy dose of romance then this is definitely the book for you!

a huge thank you to the author, publisher, and netgalley for giving me the chance to read an arc copy of this!

Iron & Embers is top tier epic fantasy romance. This series is literally everything you need from a romantasy. I adore the characters this author creates, we have a morally grey poisoner seeking revenge, Wren, who is attending an academy involving deadly lessons to become an alchemist. Then we have a war hero, Torj, who becomes a reluctant bodyguard to her.
I have read absolutely everything by this author and at times I can see the all tropes she is adding in. I worry it’s too much but then I’m absolutely addicted and fully invested yet again. In this one there’s forced proximity, deadly trials, fated love and one horse (to name a few). With the way the characters are written, the complex back stories, relationships and Easter eggs we get from the other series I do sometimes wish this could be stripped back slightly and more raw/less formulaic. I want to be surprised by a book and the plot, especially the end was clear to see. Saying this I need the next instalment after that ending!!
So my one criticism, which I know I’m going into detail with, is that I want the story to feel less tropey/standard romantasy formula. I still rate this book highly, I will never forget these characters, I believe this will be an incredible trilogy and if you read romantasy and haven’t picked up this series then you should. But sometimes the tropes are taking away from some absolutely brilliant characters and scenes. The academy setting for example is amazing, we get the perfect blend of the lessons, mixing with other students and then general day to day living. The found family is amazing, plenty of banter not just between our love interests but the friends too. I could honestly read a story of the friends just living their lives with no peril in the pub and having a joke.
Also the dual POV is great. We get to experience all the pining and tension. The romance has that chemistry that just makes sense! Overall brilliant, also great you can jump in and start from here, but obviously I would recommend reading the other series first for a fuller experience. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

It took me a while to pick up, but once I did I read it cover to cover! It was fun and suspenseful, a fantastic start to this series. I absolutely recommend this book to lovers of Fourth Wing, and ACOTAR!

WOW THIS WAS AMAZING!!

I enjoyed every single second of this book and devoured it!! Literally read it anywhere I could just to get to the next chapter 🤩

This was a beautifully written book about loss, anger, love and all those strong emotions that sometimes are too hard to deal with and makes us lash out or be completely silent. Absolutely loved this queen!! Her character development is amazing and you can relate to her on a completely other level😩🙌

Now I love me a brooding man and wow this book delivered!! Going from pretending they hate each other to developing a real friendship over their time together was beautiful! And yess let’s be real I lived for the steamy scenes 😮‍💨🤌

Now I’m gonna have to read the previous series as I want more of this amazing world and I bet the books are just as good as this one 🏃‍♀️💨

Looking for your next romantasy obsession? Iron & Embers is the perfect book if you're looking for:
- Enemies-to-Lovers🥵
-"Who did this to you?"🥺
- LOTS of angst and yearning🔥
-Morally Grey FMC
-Broody but Sweet MMC
-Alchemists and Assassins💀⚔️

The ending was a bit of a let=down as it fell to a trope I really dislike in romantasy novels, but otherwise this was AMAZING. Such a thrilling story and characters, I cannot wait to see where the next book leads to!!

Thank you Tor Bramble for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

— 5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"In the aftermath of the war, where the world was muted in ash, Wren was a burst of colour."

📖 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 614 pages
👤 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Helen Scheuerer
⏳ 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡: Trilogy
🏢 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Bramble, Tor UK
📅 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 6 February 2025

What you can expect:
— Adult Epic Fantasy Romance
— Third Person X Dual POV
— Royal Alchemist X Warsword
— Hate-To-Love
— Reluctant Bodyguard
— Grumpy X Grumpy
— Forced Proximity
— Academic Setting
— Found Family
— "Who Did This To You?"
— Only One Horse
— Forbidden Romance
— Fated Love
— Deadly Trials & Prophecies
— 'Touch Her And Die'

𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: sexually explicit content, death, violence & gore, PTSD rep, threats of sexual violence, domestic abuse (discussed/side character), suicide (mentioned), dementia (referenced) and adult language.

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Iron & Embers is the first instalment in The Ashes of Thezmarr trilogy by author Helen Scheuerer. Whilst this series is advertised for its ability to be read separately from The Legends of Thezmarr series, I personally recommend reading that series prior to this one for better emotional impact and understanding. This book recounts the need-to-know events from that series for better understanding, however I personally think you'll achieve a much fuller reading experience with a better understanding for all of the characters by having direct knowledge on their origins which leads to the events throughout this book. I don't know what kind of sorcery Scheuerer puts into her writing because I need somebody to explain to me how I have devoured the entirety of the Legends series and its companion standalone alongside this book in less than a week. I'm a woman addicted and I'm already clawing at the walls for the release of the sequel which is mere months away and yet feels infinitely longer after that jaw-dropping ending. New favourite auto-buy author? Absolutely yes. I was immediately immersed into the expansive setting and ongoing world-building that takes place within this universe as we explore corners of the world we've not yet seen. I've always been a huge fan of an academic setting and I had a lot of fun exploring the cut-throat environment that is established within the walls of Drevenor Academy. The story felt well-paced as it seamlessly balanced the explosive forbidden chemistry between our two main characters and the ongoing threat that develops throughout the duration of the plot. The addictive character interactions and emotional vulnerabilities that are explored offer an intimate insight into our cast of characters that left me unable to put the book down and vying for more. I adored seeing the return of fan favourite characters within a found family unit whilst leaving ample space for the introduction for new characters to be welcomed and explored. I truly could not recommend this author any further as her seemingly effortless writing will leave you enthralled and desperate for more and I'm so unbelievably excited for the release of the sequel, Thorns & Fire, which is due sometime July 2025.

𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭:
The plot in Iron & Embers takes place five years after the events of The Legends of Thezmarr series as we follow Wren on her academic journey towards securing her dream as a Master Alchemist whilst battling with the rage and grief she has experienced post-war. When a King of the Midrealms is attacked by an unknown group who have used a never before-seen form of alchemy in their attack, Wren is tasked with uncovering a cure for the dark magic that once again plagues the kingdom by attending the ancient alchemy academy of Drevenor. Per the laws of the Midrealms; an attack on a Royal is an attack on them all and therefore, Wren is assigned a bodyguard to protect her during her stay at Drevenor. It's unfortunate that her assigned bodyguard is none other than Torj Elderbrook, a legendary Warsword and the very man she has spent the past five years trying to forget. I absolutely loved how the plot in this book developed over time whilst acting as a support for the character dynamics and development. Wren's task for developing a cure whilst putting everything she has towards passing the Gauntlet helped to showcase her ambition and drive which was vital for the ongoing plot. As somebody who has loved the previous connecting series it was a lot of fun to see how the past and the present connect whilst also standing apart on its own. Getting to see the focus on Alchemy was an interesting exploration as it shows that there is as much value in the power of the mind and intelligence, arguably if not more, as there is to physical strength and prowess. Wren's strength has always been her mind and keenness towards her pursuit for knowledge and I loved getting to see her grow in support of the ongoing plot. The suspense and intrigue was addictive as we investigate the building dissent across the kingdoms which is lead by a secret nefarious group who's ambitions very much still lay in the unknowns. I'm very excited to explore this group further and the alluded personal connection that definitely has me trusting a certain character significantly less than what I initially felt.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
Elwren 'The Poisoner' Embervale is a morally complex woman who we see undergo a great deal of change and development throughout her journey in Iron & Embers. The shadow war has left its scars externally and internally upon Wren and it truly broke my heart to see the largely self-imposed suffering that she has endured since. The survivor's guilt is strong within Wren's character and her self-loathing that she carries as a result was heart-wrenching as we follow her on her path for vengeance with a determination to rid the world of those who contributed to the wrong side of the war. Revenge becomes her sole-focus after continually being rejected from the academy that holds her dreams within its grasp, and it was interesting to follow a woman largely trained in healing and using alchemy for good suddenly use her talent for morally complex desires. The significant loss that she faced during the war results in Wren emotionally closing herself off and refusing to let people in out of fear of having to face that loss again. Her journey is not linear and I really connected with Wren throughout her struggles and determination to finally achieve her goals after being granted the opportunity to study Drevenor and once again help rid the world of dark magic. I loved following a main character who's main strengths lay within her mind as opposed to physical strength and there's no denying that Wren is not a character you want to find yourself on opposite sides of. She's a fierce and headstrong woman who is willing to do whatever it takes for the side of good no matter the personal cost. Wren's journey towards healing was a desperately slow-burn and it was a beautiful transition to see her finally come to terms with all that she has lost and endured. Seeing her slowly begin to emotionally lower her walls and once again let people in was such a rewarding sight to see and I cannot wait to see Wren continue to grow and learn in the next book alongside her peers. Her refusal to accept less than she deserves was everything I had hoped to see from a consistently strong character, and I have nothing but respect and belief in Wren in her pursuit for the truth. Elwren is a far from perfect character who makes a lot of mistakes and choices which we see her ultimately become forced to face the consequences of those actions. I could not love her more for it as her complexities only seek to add to her humanity and I just know that she is on the path towards growing into a woman that she can feel proud of becoming.

Torj 'The Bear Slayer' Elderbrock is the standard for all love interests and I will die on this hill defending my stance. You're telling me that this man has been pining for this woman for over five YEARS amidst all of the pain, trauma and circumstances that kept them apart? You're telling me that when given the opportunity to spend one night with her... he refuses knowing that one night will never be enough and he painfully walks away with the silent hope that she'll someday be ready to offer him everything? I didn't think it was possible to swoon whilst simultaneously wanting to cry and yet... here I am. Torj was one of my favourite side characters throughout the Legends series and I was thrilled to see him become a central focus in his own journey. His familial backstory took me by complete surprise and whilst my heart broke for his experiences, I was really grateful to be offered a deeper emotional insight into his character. Learning his backstory helped me better connect with Torj's character whilst having a better understanding for his actions and motivations. Torj is a protector at heart and it was hilarious to see his struggles trying to protect a headstrong woman who was adamant that she didn't need his help. His loyalty to the people he cares about was admirable and I adore how Torj is a man that can be depended and relied upon. What surprised me the most was the inner tenderness and softness that a man like Torj possessed despite being known for his fierce and aggressive nature on the battlefield, and yet at the same time I really shouldn't feel surprised. The way Torj is able to build up the people around them and encourage the best from them was everything I hoped he would be. His steadfast willingness to stand up for what is right and determination to protect innocent lives made him an easy character to fall in-love with and I'm very keen to see where his journey will lead in the next book. Torj's selflessness emotionally gutted me because all I wanted was for this beautiful soul finally achieve his every want and hope that he's carried throughout his life... but in Helen Scheuerer we trust because I refuse to accept any other alternative for his character. Honestly, I just wanted to give this man the biggest hug and reassure him that everything will (hopefully) work out for him in the end. I don't think I've ever emotionally rooted for a character as fiercely as I have Torj Elderbrook, and I cannot wait to see what more pain and torment this man endures as he fights for the life that he wants and deserves.

𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:
Iron & Embers is the epitome of an angsty forbidden romance filled with delicious longing and yearning which will leave you on the edge of your seat and vying for more. I swear I was tempted to bite my knuckles from the second-hand anxiety that I was feeling on behalf of these two characters. There's no doubting that Wren and Torj are bound by unknown forces despite their determination to hate one another as a result of past circumstances. I probably shouldn't have found it as funny as I did... but it was genuinely hilarious how at odds both characters were and the banter that manifested as a result. Their continuous attraction and sizzling chemistry left me swooning and desperate to see where their tumultuous dynamic was building towards despite how desperately both characters fought against their natural chemistry. There's a lot of pre-existing hurt and history between Wren and Torj and I was thrilled to see the deeper insight that was offered during past recounts and discussions. At their core, Torj and Wren are two deeply hurt individuals who were forever altered by the shadow war and ultimately don't know how to cope with and address those changes. Seeing their relationship develop and evolve through patience, understanding and vulnerable communication was a beautiful progression to follow and I loved every moment of it. Seeing them begin to lean upon one another during moments of strife was everything I had hoped to see and I loved how their peers were able to predict their growth before they ever could. There's still so much hurt that exists between both characters with a lot left unsaid so I'm very excited to see what comes next for Torj and Wren after that explosive ending. The insight into what their relationship can become over time was addictive and I'm truly rooting for them to heal independently and as a couple. There's no denying the strength that Wren and Torj possess as a couple and I cannot wait to see them grow into potentially the most powerful couple within the Thezmarr universe.

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
Iron & Embers has left me shell-shocked with an eagerness for the next book after this book offered the perfect balance between providing answers whilst leaving enough things left unsaid. There's so much unknown about the fate of the characters and the world that they reside in and I cannot wait to see the truth begin to be discovered. There's one character in particular that I'm feeling untrustworthy towards so I'm keen to see if my feelings are right or if I'll be pleasantly surprised by the outcome. The world of Thezmarr has continued to grow in strength and I cannot wait to delve further into the author's mind with the release of the sequel, Thorns & Fire, which is due sometime July 2025.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲.

This is a ♾️/5 book.

“𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕚𝕟 𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘”

This is nothing short of a masterpiece. Picture this: slow burn enemies to lovers tension so thick you can feel it, high stakes trials that kept me on edge, and banter sharp enough to cut glass.

Let’s talk about Wren Embervale—our lethal QUEEN. She’s an alchemist-turned-assassin with a dark, vengeance filled journey that earned her the name The Poisoner. Now, she’s battling her way through the deadly Gauntlet at Drevenor Academy (think The Hunger Games but with alchemy), all while dealing with Torj Elderbrock—the emotionally guarded, silver haired war hero she hasn’t seen in years but is now her assigned bodyguard. Their chemistry? Explosive. Their tension? Unmatched. And when that slow burn finally ignites? Perfection.

“𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝓀𝒾𝓈𝓈 𝓂𝑒.”
‘𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊’𝒹 𝑒𝓃𝒿𝑜𝓎 𝒾𝓉.”

Tropes and themes I loved:
🧪Alchemist and Warsword Bodyguard
🧪SLOW burn full of angst
🧪Nightmare comfort
🧪One Horse
🧪He trains her
🧪Forced Proximity
🧪Fu€k it moment
🧪Despise to love
🧪Brutal ending

Set five years after The Legends of Thezmarr, this story reunites Wren and Torj in an academic setting filled with intrigue and danger. The plot is engaging, but the real magic lies in the characters and their relationships. The romance between Wren and Torj is beautifully drawn out, with every glance, touch, and moment of angst building to a breathtaking payoff.

“ɪ’ᴠᴇ ɢᴏᴛ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴇᴍʙᴇʀꜱ.”

Seeing familiar faces like Kipp and Cal brought so much warmth and humor to balance the intensity of the story. I loved seeing Thea and Wilder again too, and the little pep talk Wilder gave Torj made my heart grow three sizes.

Whether you’re new to this world or already a fan, this book delivers. While you can jump in here, I’d STRONGLY recommend starting with The Legends of Thezmarr series for the full emotional impact. Helen Scheuerer has outdone herself again, this ending is literally giving me a book hangover and I am physically unwell with that ending- I need book two like I need air💨

I could not have ended my 2024 reading season on a higher note. Iron and Embers by @helenscheuerer is a contender for one of my top favorite books of all time and do you want to hear the kicker?!

I HAVEN'T EVEN READ THE PRE-SERIES. (Immediately moved to the top of my tbr, I like doing things backwards I guess?)

This book was everything my little vindictive, witchy heart wanted. It's like... If a magical school was just Snapes potions class, but add in vikings and a dash of smut.

Wren is angry, she is mad and vindictive against those responsible for the death of her loved ones. She will kill them all, even if it holds her back from her dream, they will pay. All she has ever wanted was to be a master alchemist, graduating from the prestigious alchemy school, but her anger holds her back and prohibits her from stepping foot on the school grounds. When disaster strikes and royals start being targeted, including Wren, the school knows they need Wren's insight and finally allows her to enter their grounds. If she is to become a master alchemist, she must face all matters of danger, physical, emotional, mental, the biggest one being love. When an old flame is assigned as her body guard at the school, their hatred for each other festers at the surface but something bigger is going on within their souls.

I cannot tell you how much I adored this book. It felt like coming home. I found myself giggling, kicking my feet, yelling at the characters (see previous video) and crying at the end. It is a CARDINAL SIN that the second book isn't in my hands immediately.

3.25 rounded down for goodreads and netgalley.
Overall, it was an enjoyable book to read. The main female character was mostly interesting even though I wished I had more of her, in a way. The main male character, however, was too cocky for me. I did not enjoy reading his chapters very much. The return of some characters from the Legends of Thezmarr series was nice, especially for two of them — no spoilers but they are male characters. I thought the plot was not present enough, I wanted more of it. The trials and the ending felt quite flat and anticlimactic and that’s quite a shame. The relationship between the two main characters was only sexual to me. It wasn’t the biggest issue of the book, but their feelings are not believable. And I wanted some other relationships and friendships to be developed more.
The writing is still engaging and so is the universe, but I thought the balance between the plot and the sexual relationship was not remotely even. That’s my main issue; but if you prefer character-driven romantasies I would very much recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

✨"Iron & Embers" by Helen Scheuerer✨ is a chef’s kiss 🔥 masterpiece. I’m talking slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension so thick you’ll need a knife to cut through it, deadly trials that had my heart pounding, and banter so sharp it left scars. Let me break it down for you 👇:

---

Wren Embervale? QUEEN BEHAVIOUR 👑
Our girl Wren is an alchemist-turned-assassin with a past drenched in blood and vengeance. She's called The Poisoner for a reason, y’all. 😤💉 She’s out here trying to survive the Gauntlet at Drevenor Academy—think The Hunger Games meets Alchemy 101—all while wrestling with her stormy history with Torj Elderbrock, the silver-haired, emotionally constipated, walking war legend 🐺.

Wren’s vibe: Stubborn, fierce, full of fire.
Her motto: "I didn't fight in the fucking shadow war so a man could tell me where my place is." 👏
And honestly? Same, girl. Same. 🙌

---

Torj Elderbrock? UGH, I’m OBSESSED 🫠
This man. THIS MAN. He’s broody, loyal, and hiding secrets so deep, even he’s drowning in them. His protective streak? Chef’s kiss. 😩 His history with Wren? Messy AF in the best way. The tension between them could fuel a thousand thunderstorms. 🌩️⚡️

Torj’s vibe: “Go up in flames with me, Embers.”🔥
Also Torj: “Do you mean to kill me, Embers? Because if you’re to be the end of me, it’s an end I’ll greet with open arms.” 🥵
Me, melting: Sir, stop. 😭💔

---

The SQUAD? ICONIC ✨
The side characters? 10/10, no notes. Kipp Snowden = the moment. 🦊 He’s got sass for days and lines that had me cackling:
"Not if I can help it, Flaming Arrow. Life is short, and you’ve gotta die from something." 💀🔥
Zavier and Dessa were ride-or-die teammates who grew on me like poison ivy (in the best way). 🌱💔

---

The World-Building? IMMERSIVE 🗺️
Dark magic, ancient alchemy, and a war-torn world filled with assassins and warriors? Scheuerer didn’t just write a book; she built a freaking realm. The Gauntlet was deadly and cinematic, and I felt every blade, every storm, every heartbreak. ⚔️🌪️

---

THE ROMANCE? SLOW-BURN PERFECTION 🥵🔥
Listen, the enemies-to-lovers trope is already my kryptonite, but this? This was a whole new level. Wren and Torj’s chemistry isn’t just sizzling—it’s a full-on wildfire. From their bickering to their stolen moments of vulnerability, I was 👏 fully 👏 invested 👏. Their shared scars and whispered promises? Ugh, my heart. 💔🔥

Favourite moments:
- "You look good in lightning." ⚡
- "In the aftermath of the war, where the world was muted in ash, Wren was a burst of colour."🎨
- "For theirs was a story told in scars." 🥀

---

THE ENDING? RUDE 😭
When I tell you the last few chapters wrecked me—I mean, I’m still picking up the pieces of my soul. Wren’s journey was all about survival, but that ending? It was pure devastation and hope rolled into one. Book two cannot come fast enough. Helen, please. I’m begging. 🛐

---

Final Thoughts
If you loved The Witcher, The Bridge Kingdom, or The Serpent and the Wings of Night, you NEED this in your life. It’s got everything:
✅ Sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance 🔥
✅ Dark, twisty magic 🪄
✅ Deadly trials and political intrigue ⚔️
✅ Banter that cuts deeper than blades ✂️

"Iron & Embers" = 5/5 stars. Absolute perfection. 🖤 Go read it. Like, now.

Helen has done it again 🙌🏻 This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2025 and it did not disappoint in the slightest!!

I highly recommend starting with Legends of Thezmarr before starting this series, as you will get some major spoilers to the overarching storyline during Iron and Embers, and honestly once you finish this book you're going to want to go back and read Helen's whole back catalogue.

If you love epic fantasy with female characters at the forefront of the story, you will adore Helen's writing. This book is slightly heavier on the romance aspect, but in a way that adds to the story, and creates a second shocking plot of its own.

I devoured this book, and I cannot stop thinking about it almost a month later. The story and these characters have me in a chokehold and I need to know what happens next for Torj and Wren! If I wasn't already so far gone over Wilder Hawthorne, Torj would absolutely have a shot at top book boyfriend!

There were moments I just wanted to shake these characters and bang their heads together, which shows just how invested I was in their story! I laughed, I cried, I threw my kindle, I screamed into the void. This book is easily one of my top reads this year and we're only a week in!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my e-arc copy.

Unfortunately I didn’t really enjoy this book and snf’d it around the half way mark. I tried so many different times to read it with no such luck.

I couldn’t connect to the characters at all

Impeccable. Immaculate. Incredible. 🖤

This book was literally everything I wanted in a romantasy book and more.

Wren is our fierce FMC, who gives off major Nesta vibes in ACOSF. Angsty, full of trauma, and she just wants to be alone after all she went through in the Legends of Thezmarr series.

Torj, our moody, broody MMC gives major Cassian vibes. He’s the classic over protective and grumpy bodyguard who’s a cinnamon roll just for her. He’s also basically Thor.

A woman on the verge - Wren is battling through trauma from the war, after losing her sister and two of her close friends, and gains power she doesn’t understand and can’t accept. All she feels in her heart is a deep desire for justice and vengeance. She’ll do anything to get it, even if that means betraying Torj to do so.

✨Our side characters✨
Kipp and Cal
They provide amazing comic relief to the story, and I love their interactions as a group! They’re the brothers and friends you would want by your side, whilst being complete troublemakers.

Zavier and Odessa
They compliment Wren so well; Zavier challenges her, Odessa brings out a softer side in her she never thought she’d see again. The ultimate teammates.

Iron & Embers is a fast paced, gripping, heart pounding romantasy novel. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this!

It definitely helped that the world building was already done during Legends of Thezmarr series.

There was so much yearning and angst! Every chapter felt like it had a purpose. There were no filler chapters, or times where I wanted to skim or just skip ahead. I was thorough invested the whole time, and I haven’t felt that way about a book in so long. There was so many twists and turns I could’ve gotten whiplash 🤭🤍

The only thing that bothered me was what happened at the end 👀
It felt like it was just a plot device to set the scene for the next book, and didn’t make total sense with the lore. I didn’t feel like that was a necessary action, apart from the fact that it would create tension for book 2. But, I’ll ignore that bc I loved this book so much.

I’m soooo excited to see what happens in the next one! 🖤

I absolutely love the Legends of Thezmarr series so I when knew there would be another series set in the same world but following side characters Wren and Torj i just knew it would become a favourite and wow it didn't disappoint. Helen Scheuerer is such an amazing author in the way she portrays such an immersive and engaging world and characters you can't help but love.

Set five years after the events of the last book Wren is an assassin of sorts a 'poisoner' dealing out vengeance on the enemies from the shadow war and not having hardly any interaction with Torj for those five years. Yet when a new threat arises they find themselves back together when Wren finds herself attending the prestigious Drevenor Academy for Alchemists and Torji is assigned as her bodyguard.

I really enjoyed the academic setting and found the plot so engaging and interesting. The best bit though that I absolutely loved was the tension, angst, longing glances, gentle touches and the unbelievably beautiful slow burn between Wren and Torji..it completely delivered on everything and so much more the romance has always been simmering for so long between them and the way it was slowly built throughout the story was so well done for when the spice finally hits a lot later in the book it's an all consuming need between them and finally pays off in such a good way! This is very much a character driven story so while there isn't as much action until the last part it sets up the story beautifully for what's to come next.

To see the best side characters Kipp and Cal return in this series made me so happy they are two of my favourites and bring such lightness to the series. I couldn't put this book down but also didn't want it to end, such an amazing start to the new series..I can't wait for the next book and what's to come. Highly recommend!

While this is the first book in a new trilogy and can be read separately as it focuses on a new plot, and characters and gives enough information throughout so it doesn't feel like you are missing out on anything important, I do really recommend reading the Legends of Thezmarr series first to get the full reading experience as knowing these characters beforehand really added to my overall enjoyment of this new series.

Thank you so much to the publisher for the opportunity to read this before release.

I’ve not read The Legends of Thezmarr series but it seems I’m about to because I couldn’t get enough of Iron & Embers. Scheuerer’s world is so immersive, and the banter and verbal sparring between Wren and Torj is so addictive and creates such wonderful chemistry between them that I found myself devouring this book page by page. The slow burn sizzle, the hate you but I actually don’t, the one horse, shared living space, joined bathrooms (!!!) bodyguard/protector x I don’t need protection dynamic is TOO GOOD. I mean it when I say, no notes. I usually hate a second chance romance, but when it has this much yearning: swoon city - I couldn’t stop myself from smiling at each moment of sizzle and spice and then SCREAMING at that devastating cliff hanger.

𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗿𝗼𝗻 & 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀

If you're looking for a new fantasy romance to sink your teeth into, 𝑰𝒓𝒐𝒏 & 𝑬𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔 is a fantastic pick —even if you haven't read the 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐳𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫 series!
As someone diving into this world for the first time, I found it incredibly welcoming.
The author does an amazing job weaving in just enough backstory to bring new readers up to speed without bogging things down. Through Wren’s flashbacks, old characters reappearing, and a few well-placed POV chapters set in the past, you get a clear picture of what happened in the previous series while staying fully immersed in the present.

The story picks up five years after the great war from the 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐳𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫 series. Our main characters, Wren and Torj, are trying to move forward while grappling with their past trauma.
Their journeys are emotionally rich and deeply character-driven, which makes this a slower-paced book, especially at the beginning. It takes about 110 pages for the main plot to kick off, but the emotional depth and character development more than make up for it.

The main plot revolves around Wren attending the Academy to hone her alchemical skills while Torj serves as her bodyguard. If you’ve read 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘨 by Rebecca Yarros, you might catch some similar vibes here—especially with the risky trials Wren faces at the Academy. However, while the setup is promising, I felt like the challenges were often resolved too easily. Even the final, high-stakes trial that the book builds toward was resolved so quickly that it didn’t feel as intense or rewarding as it could have been.

The characters—old and new—are all incredibly likeable! Wren and Torj’s POVs are captivating, and the way their individual growth is written makes you root for them the entire time.
Instead of wielding a sword, Wren uses her mind as her weapon, and as an aspiring Master Alchemist, her intelligence is front and center. Wren is fierce and stoic, making her an incredibly engaging protagonist. Her alchemical skills added such a unique flavor to the story—I loved following her journey through the trials of the Academy.

Torj, on the other hand, is all about restraint and control, and his dynamic with Wren was such a highlight. Their slow-burn romance is one of the best I’ve read. Torj’s self-control keeps them from rushing into anything, and their chemistry builds steadily over time. Even the spicy scenes follow a deliberate progression: from watching each other, to pleasuring the other, to full-blown love making. This pacing not only enhances the slow burn but also made the scenes much more enjoyable for someone like me who usually isn’t a fan of overly spicy books. Too often, books jump from a first kiss to heated love making, which feels rushed and out of place—Iron & Embers avoids this trap beautifully.

I couldn't help but notice some similarities to 𝘈 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘖𝘧 𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘍𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 by Sarah J. Maas. If you're a fan of that book, you'll probably adore this one too.
Personally, though, I wasn't a huge fan of 𝘈𝘊𝘖𝘚𝘍, and that colored my experience of the last 40% of this book.

The main drawback for me was the plot-or lack thereof. While the character work is
fantastic, by the end, I still found myself wondering, 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵? 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴?
The battles, while exciting, didn't feel like
they were building to anything greater, leaving the finale feeling a bit deflated after all that tension. I'm curious to see
where this series will go, but it didn't feel like a strong foundation for a larger narrative arc.

Overall, 𝑰𝒓𝒐𝒏 & 𝑬𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔 is a solid 4-star read for me. If you’re looking for a character-driven fantasy with a slow-burn romance and rich emotional depth, this is absolutely worth your time.
Perfect for newcomers and fans of the previous series alike!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Whilst I appreciate the chance to read this before the release, I’m gonna have to be honest:
I’m fairly disappointed by the last 100 pages of so… , I wish to read an enemies to lovers where the miscommunication isn’t the main plot and there is actual character development.
This was predictable (with the bond and the not communicating at all), and painful at the same time. Whilst the writing was enjoyable, the characters and the banter was not.

4.5 ⭐️

Magic, deadly trials, and academic intrigue—Iron & Embers delivers it all. Set in the same universe as Helen Scheuerer’s Legends of Thezmarr series, this first book in the Ashes of Thezmarr series works perfectly as a standalone (though now I’m eager to dive into the earlier series).

The story opens five years after the Shadow War, introducing us to Wren, heir to the Delmirian throne. Wracked with grief, she takes vengeance into her own hands as "The Poisoner". However, she dreams of becoming a master alchemist by attending Drevenor Academy. To get there, she must survive The Gauntlet, a brutal set of trials—all while dodging a rising threat to magic-wielders. Assigned to protect her is Torj, a Warsword of Thezmarr with every reason to dislike her. Their history is fraught, and their dynamic crackles with tension and simmering chemistry.

Despite its length, the book flew by thanks to its shorter chapters and relentless momentum. Scheuerer balances intricate world-building with sharp character development, creating a story that hooked me from the start. The side characters were equally compelling, adding humour and heart—I’d happily read spin-offs about any of them. And that ending? I’m already counting down the days until book two.

Thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the eARC—this is a gripping start to a new series!