I know Iron & Embers can be read independently without reading Blood & Steel so I went in blind. BUT it feels like I’m missing out on some backstory?? We are thrust straight into the fray at the beginning which I suspect was where the last series ended at?

It’s your typical bodyguard romance set in a fantasy realm with a couple of plot twists and I quite enjoyed it! Until things got repetitive. I was hoping for more action (not smut haha but action action⚔️), more development on the villain, and more backstory on the supporting characters too.

PSA: The tension between Wren and Torj IS TO DIE FOR! The slow burn transitioning to blazing inferno scratched that romantasy itch. My only wish was it to unfurl at a steady pace instead of a mad dash at the last 20%.

Thank you NetGalley & Pan Macmillan for this arc!

🫖 𝐼𝓇𝑜𝓃 & 𝐸𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇𝓈
@helenscheuerer

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Firstly! Thank you so so much @panmacmillan / @macmillanaus for this arc on NetGalley. It has truly started my year off wonderfully. I was also lucky enough to be on the cover reveal team for this book so I’m so excited to have received an arc!

Helen what are you doing to me!? This is my absolute favourite book in the Thezmarr world hands down.

After the first series, Wren has been struggling with grief after the war and not really having a purpose. She finally gets her letter of recommendation to attend Drevenor to achieve her dream of becoming a master alchemist. But since a royal was attacked, she is assigned Torj as a bodyguard to their ✨dismay✨. Queue the tension and loathing and annoyance that just buildsssss!

The characters that we all know and love had many appearances! But I was in an absolute chock hold with how much more in depth we got with Wren and Torj than anyone else. Helen has done such a fantastic job with showcasing all the different feelings Wren experiences and it felt like I was there holding her hand helping her through it. I also love that we didn’t have the typical ‘girl learns how to wield a sword with man’ montage because Wren is already deadly with her poisons and dare I say, just smarter.

The romance was a super super slow burn (as it should be), which helps the plot and world building establish properly and ugh it was done so well!

And the ending!? EXCUSE ME? I shall be sending you my psychologist bill within the next 5 business days.

What you should takeaway from this? Read The Legends of Thezmarr series and then IMMEDIATELY jump into this on 28 January. You’re welcome 💅🏻

Wow! This book felt like The Witcher at an adult Hogwarts that's run by Snape! I really loved how it dived straight into the story, without overpowering the reader with information and magic systems. The plot was fast and I was invested in the story from the beginning to the end.

The two main characters are strong and likeable. I was invested in their relationship and there was a great build up. They also have amazing chemistry!!

This book had chapters of spice that actually didn't lead anywhere. Yes, this book needed a bit of spice as the chemistry between the characters was on fire. But some chapters just felt forced. It was a push pull situation over and over. Some how in their heads, certain spice things weren't spice so that was okay & it meant they weren't emotionally attached.... If you like spice, you may love this book. I was skipping chapters of 'spice' and I'm glad I did as they never led anywhere.

It also contains one of my biggest book red flags. No communication or one character making decisions with no communication in order to fulfil their saviour complex.

The side characters are great and I can't wait to see if they are in the next book more after everything that happened. We didn't see much of them in this book as the focus was the chemistry between the main characters.

I loved the world building and how it focused on herbs and potions rather than magic. It felt unique. I was also glad there were others that were better at her at certain things. I've had enough of books where the main character is absolutely perfect and the best at everything! She had team mates that were her equal. She was good at some areas and they were good at others, this made them a great team.

I'm excited to see where book 2 will lead.

Absolutely incredible start to this new series!

I adored meeting Torj and Wren in the Knights of Thezmarr series and was so excited to see a new series with the focus on their growing relationship.

The shared trauma aspect of their relationship was handled beautifully. I loved how the trust rebuilt and how protective of each other they were despite initially deciding not to pursue anything.

Amazing plot. Wren is such a easy FMC to warm to and root for. I loved her more introverted methods of defending herself.

Will I be obsessed with this series?
Yes.
🔥 🔥 🔥🔥 🔥

2.5 stars, rounded to 3.

Iron & Embers is a novel set in the world of The Legends of Thezmarr. The summary sounded great - an assasin, a bodyguard, enemies to lovers and a deadly academy.

Sadly, the book disappointed me in almost every regard. I won't spoiler so I won't say everything, but the two main characters instantly having all the hots for each other whenever they laid eyes on each other was annoying. Part of the gauntlet was SO MUCH catching fire that it wasn't even funny anymore. The characters and especially every side character were so flat, I didn't connect to anyone and therefore didn't even care for the ending.

This series has a lot of potential though and using alchemy was very interesting and also the ways it was used.

Thank you to Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for the arc of this book.

I was excited to read this as I’ve heard many good things about the author.

I love how we get straight to the action and our FMC Wren is what I love to see in our female characters and takes no nonsense.

I loved the slow burn Romance.

I can’t wait wait to carry on with book 2.

This book was enjoyable and kept me hooked from start to finish. I loved the dark academia feel of the alchemy school—it gave the book such a cool atmosphere. Wren, the main character, was fantastic. Her grief and trauma from the events of the previous series made her journey of healing through friendships and love feel so real and meaningful. Watching her grow and rebuild herself was one of my favourite parts. The dialogue was fun and full of banter, making connecting with the characters easy. There was a good mix of action scenes and tense alchemy lessons, and the pacing felt just right. The romance was a very slow burn, but I didn’t mind—it made the payoff feel more meaningful and emotional.

Overall, this was a great book with an interesting world, strong characters, and a promising storyline. I’m excited to see what happens next in the sequel! Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading about Wren and Torj.

Their history was intriguing and I was rooting for them all the way through. The writing in this book is great; it's riveting and really sucks you into the story.

The world building is wonderful, I haven't read any of the authors previous books but I will now, as I really enjoyed the story and want to know more about this world.

I enjoyed the fated mates trope and I cannot wait to read more about what happens to them after that finale! I honestly don't know what to expect but I cannot wait to find out how Wren and Torj make this work as I really like them together 😊

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Helen Scheuerer is the undisputed Queen of Romantasy! The Legends of Thezmarr is my Roman Empire, and this next chapter was EPIC! From start to finish this story had me in a chokehold. Helen writes so incredibly the story plays like a film in my head, world building so rich and refined but it does not drag. Wren is fierce and determined and it was incredible to learn more about her! This first chapter in The Ashes of Thezmarr has me wanting more! I cannot wait for the rest to come.

Thank you so much for allowing me to read this! I was gripped from the start. Character development is strong in this book with their flaws and intertwined pasts being explored as the story unfolds, allowing the reader to understand them more as time goes on. The plot is romance heavy in this instalment of the series - I wouldn't describe it as enemies to lovers but there's definitely animosity! You have a fierce FMC, angry at the world and the bodyguard trope coming into play - you see where that's going don't you? I was kicking my feet! You have action and twists and enough frustration with the main characters but not too much to put you off! Slow burn vibes but you know it's coming and you don't actually have to wait too long! I've read some much slower slow burns!!

I enjoyed the dual POV - I always enjoy getting both characters' viewpoints in romantasy books as I think it helps with character development and readers' understanding of their actions and thinking.

Overall a great start to a series and it ends with you wanting and waiting for more....

Thank you to Helen Scheuerer, NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to read this book.
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This is the new Fourth Wing x Crowns of Nyaxia book.
It has a very slow burn, some good (and well deserved) spice. A very good world building that is just after a war and not like 1000years or right before. The characters are very realistic and have actual trauma that is realistic.
I like that not everyone has made it to the end and some characters death are very present in the book and are a big strength for others.
MMC gave some the Witcher vibes but I am here for it.
Kinda hoped the FMC wore something else and didn’t have a « messy bun » all the time. I kinda like the ones that are girly pops and not « she was naturally breaktaking I would go to war for her bare face look » kinda is too fanficish and also can be a bit harsh on some people
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Overall it’s a nice read I’d love to read the next books in the series.

This book follows Wren Embervale—assassin turned alchemist. She has been seeking revenge for the death of her sister and friends, lost during the War of the Mid Realms. When she is finally invited to attend a legendary academy to train as a master alchemist, it seems like the perfect opportunity.

Her invitation comes because a royal’s life has been targeted using alchemy, and they need Wren’s help to uncover how it happened—and to create a cure. To become a master alchemist, she must face a series of trials known as the Gauntlet, with six months to prepare.

Because of Wren’s status, however, she also needs protection. And who better to be assigned as her protector than Warhammer Torj Elderbrock, the war hero with whom she shares a very complicated history. Despite their mutual dislike, the tension simmering between them could be their undoing.

Was this a great read?

Absolutely. I flew through it for three main reasons:
1. I love an academia setting.
2. The tension throughout was chef’s kiss.
3. Trials? Sign me up.

Any downsides?

My only little bugbear—and maybe it’s not even a big deal—is that there wasn’t enough focus on the Gauntlet as the main event. But at the same time, it felt like the whole book was one big trial, so maybe I can’t complain? 😅

The characters?

Oh. My. God. I think I’ve found my new book boyfriend. A hammer-wielding, silver-haired giant blessed with the strength of the gods and covered in tattoos? Sign me up.

Beyond that, all the characters were so well-developed. They were unique, compelling, and I found myself rooting for every single one of them.

The setting and world-building?

I thought the world-building was great. It was descriptive without going overboard, making it easy to read and immerse yourself in. Also, wow—what a phenomenal place to learn alchemy.

Final thoughts?

I really enjoyed this book, but I am so mad at that ending. I don’t even know how to feel about it. I know it’s not the end because there’s more to come, but where this story is going? I have no idea. And honestly, that’s what makes it so brilliant.

I adored being back in this world!

I would 100% recommend reading the Legends of Thezmarr before this because you will miss so much if you don’t!

I loved Wren (our FMC) working through her past. The academic setting with the alchemy was brilliant. Our MMC was grumpy/sunshine. This book is about Wren and her time at an alchemy university, where she finds hidden secrets, our MMC is sent to guard her as there is a threat to the royals and the story unravels from there.

Loved it!

Absolutely devoured this book, as I knew I would. I loved the Legends of Thezmarr series and it’s become a favourite, so I was very excited to read Wren and Torj’s story. Though this is book 1 in an entirely new trilogy with a whole new plot and character focus, i do recommend reading the Legends series first to optimise your experience. This can be read separately, however for me the fact that I already knew the side characters, who feature right from the beginning of Iron & Embers, heightened my enjoyment.

This story delivered for me on the plot, I was so interested in the alchemy academy setting which is not what you expect. I also loved the tension, tease and slow burn between Wren and Torj, but also seeing the softer side of Torj too and the internal battles he’s fighting. Another love for me was the fact we still get our Kipp and Cal fix - excellent side characters. This book had me smiling, chuckling, biting my lip, tense and I just ate it up. If I had to say anything negative it’s that the use of the word “bodily” was a bit too often, as was the frequent references to Torj’s sea-blue eyes. But that’s me being picky because you gotta say at least one thing you didn’t like 😅

Overall I gave this book a 5⭐️, and this was an easy rating. It gave me all the vibes I hoped and I couldn’t put it down - can’t wait for the next book!

4.75

Wow. I didn’t think Thea and Wilder could be beat but Wren and Torj take the crown 👑 when people say they want yearning in a book THIS is what they are talking about!! The banter. The tension. All of the comedic relief littered throughout with our loveable side characters that had me literally giggling out loud. Take a bow Helen 👏🏻 👏🏻

I am so glad we now get Torj and Wrens story! The plot was so engaging and I loved the school setting. There was so much tension between these 2😮‍💨 I can’t wait for the next one after that ending😩 4.5 stars

Amazing! I am a huge fan of The Legends of Thezmarr series. This is a sequel with the MMC’s switching. I love Wren and Torj. I already loved them but now all I can say is wow. This book was everything I wanted it to be. I would definitely recommend this to everyone!
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Everybody said you didn’t need to read the other books to read this one BUT I personally think it would have been better going into it with the background which may have been why I struggled at points

“𝙞 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞’𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨. 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞’𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙨𝙝, 𝙞’𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨”

i was super excited to get my hands on the arc of iron and embers, and i’m happy to say it did not disappoint

set five years after the events of the legends of thezamarr series, this book dives back into a world i couldn’t wait to revisit

i was immediately hooked, eager to see where life had taken wren and torj, and helen did a phenomenal job bringing their story to life 🤭 the tension between the two main characters was brilliantly written, keeping me glued to the pages 📚 i also loved seeing cal and kipp again - having them play such significant roles made it feel like a warm reunion with old friends

however, the reason i gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is that so much of the story builds up to the gauntlet, but the event itself felt too brief, wrapping up in just two chapters 🥹 after all the intense lead-up, i was hoping for a bit more action and detail, so it left me feeling slightly underwhelmed

that said, this was still a fantastic read overall ♥️ the five-year time jump added layers of intrigue and depth to the characters, and the world-building and emotional stakes kept me deeply invested

while i wish the ending had gone in a different direction (if you know, you know), i’ll definitely be picking up the rest of the series

i can’t wait to see what’s next for these characters

“𝙞’𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙣𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩. 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪”

The Legends of Thezmarr has been one of my great fantasy discoveries these past year. And so, when I saw that a new series, written about Wren and Torj, I was so thrilled to receive this ARC.
Wren is serious, but can be fierce, she's loyal and smart, but the war has left her shallow. How can she be happy when her friends, her sister, has died ? During the 5 years since the war, she has sought vengeance... Some call her the Poisoner...

Some grave events towards the royals allow her to finaly go study at Drevenor academy, the famous school for alchemists. Being a royal herself, she is assigned a bodyguard, But to her disappointment, it's Torj, the Bear Slayer... And he can see through all her pretendings and fake smiles, and slowly but surely, he manages to win her heart, because they seem to be connected...

Slow burn, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, magical school, all is there for a perfect book. And now, I want to know how the story goes !