I can't remember all of the details. Since I have the audio version, hunting down the deets would be nearly impossible. Here's what I remember: a while back, a prophecy stated that doom would come at the hand of a woman holding a blade. And well, that happened already. And the evil that threatens this fantasy world has been creeping closer by the day ever since. And since then, women have been forbidden to wield a blade. Women who used to be warriors are relegated to librarians and teachers. But Althea has only ever wanted to be a warrior of Thezmarr. Her death year was prophesied, and now she's racing against her death to achieve legendary status.

Because Thea wants to become a legend, she has been practicing in secret. But she's not allowed to spar against a real opponent or actually train, so she's terribly behind all the other recruits. Thea stumbles upon a meeting between the three top warriors in the realm. Wilder spies her, but he doesn't draw attention to her...then. He does later catch her wilding a blade that he knows isn't hers. And he hauls her in to answer for her crime. Thea pleads to be allowed to train and is ultimately sent to appeal to the king. Wilder is forced to escort her there and back.

Once there, Thea has to convince the king to allow her to become a recruit. I can't discuss the details, but Thea is allowed to join the recruits. And well, not many are in favor of a woman joining the ranks of the men. She finds a few friends who help her, along with some old friends. Honestly, the friendships between Thea and the other recruits are probably the most well-developed pieces of this story.

Wilder and Thea's story was slightly more shallow than I wanted. They have a physical attraction, but there's not a ton of talking that is needed to develop those deeper connections. But I still wouldn't fully describe their relationship as surface-level because they do have several shared experiences that build a bond. I just know that for truly deep romantic characters that will always be the greatest of the great (think Freye and Rhys level) they need more than physical attraction and a few shared experiences. I would like to see this progress more throughout the series. As always, wondering how the romance will go drives me to read more and more.

And then there's Thea's sister. She is studying the potions aspect of the realm--a place where women have been relegated but not one where she is weak or a victim of her gender or circumstances. I can't remember her name, but she's hiding secrets from Thea while being a great sister.

The audio version was even more entertaining due to the dual narrators, Mollie Stark & Sebastian Grove. Sebastian's voice sounded familiar, but I've not listened to any other books he's narrated. I'd recommend both narrators. And I think I appreciated this book even more because I listened to it instead of reading it. I love multitasking by listening to a good audiobook while doing chores or, lately, crocheting.

Blood and Steel was better than I was expecting it to be. I think the audio version added to my appreciation for the story because I kept listening during times when I would have been stalled due to life circumstances. I've recently learned to crochet, and audiobooks are a great option to help me pass the time while crocheting. The audio narrators did a great job. And I can't wait to continue the series. However, I expect to have to continue in print because I don't know if I can wait for the release of the 2nd book on audio when I know it's already available in print. Blood and Steel gets 4 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) Blood and Steel by Helen Scheuerer? What did you think? Let me know!

Really fun book and a great start to a new series! I've been excited to read more Helen Scheuerer books after loving the Heart of Mist series.

There was a lot to enjoy about this story for me. For a start, I really jive well with the author's writing style. It's a pretty effortless, easy read. There were a lot of great tropes that I tend to enjoy in my romantasy reads, so, while the book did not feel entirely unique for this genre, it was great fun for me. I really liked the main character and her whole vibe. I do wish to see a bit more development and screen time for the side characters as a focus outside of the romance. There was some, but I loved a lot of those characters and hope to see more of them in future books.

As for the more if-y/could-have-been-better parts of the book, the romance was hit or miss for me. There was some solid build-up there compared to what I have seen in other books, but I wanted more from those interactions as the plot progressed. Regardless, I didn't hate the romance by any means and I am excited to see how things build in the next book.

I received a free audiobook of Blood & Steel in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the audio version a lot - it was easy to listen to. I think the FMC’s narrator did a great job overall, but there were some moments where a weird accent came through. The MMC’s narrator doesn’t speak much, and he wasn’t my favorite.

I love how fierce Thea is and was rooting for her the entire time. It was amazing to witness her become a lethal warrior and earn the respect of her peers. Wilder made me swoon, but it took a while to get over how awful he was in the beginning.

The magic elements and monsters are fascinating, and I get the feeling we’ve only glimpsed the fantastic aspects of this world. The author creates amazing action and battle scenes. I was kept on my toes the entire time.

I’ll be honest, this book sat at 98% for weeks because I wasn’t ready for the ending to split my heart in two. I finally got the courage to finish it - I’m glad I did, but now I have no choice except to start the next book, Vows & Ruins.

Thea and Wilder. What a pair. Love the magic elements in this one, and Wilder is my man-- quiet, a little broody, a little sassy, an excellent fighter!! And their chemistry and tension was amazing! Thea was a strong FMC and I loved her POV just as much as Wilder’s!

I also really enjoyed the found family in this one. Many times my heart was so very full for these characters and how they looked after one another! I’ve come to realize that this is one of my favorite tropes in a book, and Blood & Steel delivered it so well.

I’m so eager to see what’s next after that ending! Slaying the Shadow Prince is up next and then Vow & Ruin here I come!

REVIEW 🛡

Book: Blood and Steel
Author: Helen Scheurer
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*Thankyou to Helen Scheurer for sending me an audiobook in exchange for an honest review**

This was one of those books that really surprised me, but in a good way.

At first, I struggled with it a bit. The character didn't pique my interest, nor did the plot to much of an extent. The book read like a YA (in tone, themes and character voice), so the adult dialogue and elements could feel jarring and out of the blue. I also chuckled a little bit at hearing X's 'man voice', though that can't really be helped.

However, this was one of those books that gets better as you read it. The character development was fantastic and made her so much more likeable, I became engrossed in the world and couldn't stop listening. In fact, I binged two thirds of the novel in one afternoon because I just had to know what would happen next.

I would describe this book as Ranger's Apprentice meets Fourth Wing with a sprinkle of Arkarnae, and recommend it to anyone who loves darker romantasies, particularly anyone looking for a trilogy to get invested in.

I am so excited to read the next two books!!

🎧This book was interesting and the adventure was fun. The friendship and found family aspect was my favourite part of the story. The romantic relationship was quick and I’m not a fan of “spice” though it is lower in this first instalment. Audiobook narration was excellent as always with Dreamscape!

Author: Helen Scheurer
Publisher: Alchemy
Audio: Dreamscape Media

Thanks to NetGalley, author, & publisher for ARC to review

🔔Content notes: fantasy monsters, violence, some romantic spice, high language

I liked it, but sadly didn't love it...

I was very intrigued by the world and I liked our MCs! I think the pacing was little inconsistent so the middle dragged for me, but the ending was great and definitely intrigued me enough to read book 2!

I also think that because I read Slaying the Shadow Prince before this, I was a bit confuddled on where that takes place in relation to this and I found myself all turned around. I finally put it together lol

Overall, good romantasy with a good ending!

Rating: 3.5 stars

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Such a great journey and amazing on audio. I truly enjoyed from start to finish. This is my third Helen Scheuerer book and will not be my last!

you guys!! this was incredible - easily one of my favorite fantasy romances of the 2023! after being let down by several forced "enemies" to lovers in a row, this was exactly what I needed. While this wasn't truly enemies to lovers, it also didn't try to convince me that it was - so I didn't mind. Instead, it was strong dislike to lovers with a heavy side of longing which was *chefs kiss*.

Read for:
- angst and tension
- a woman out to prove herself
- tension-filled romance
- mentor/mentee dynamics
- long walks through the woods (a quest)

---4.5/5 stars

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

I'm glad I read the prequel, Slaying the Shadow Prince before this, because I felt like the world building in this was a bit lacking. We mostly stay in this small kingdom and know about wraiths, but don't really see them or what's going on in the rest of the world.

I liked Thea and how she pushed to be allowed to train with the men. She was smart and worked hard to prove everyone wrong. I also liked that she banded with a couple of guys who were nicer and they worked together to beat the jerks who wanted them to fail.

The romance was alright and didn't play as big a role as I thought it would, which is nice. Wilder was still moody and withdrawn a lot, but seeing into his head helped.

This was a bit long for me and could have been shaved down in some places, but the pacing wasn't too bad overall.

I'll be looking into getting the audio for the sequel when it releases!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the copy.

I loved Blood and Steel. It felt a bit different from the average romantasy. I liked the slow burn tension at the start, then the training and found family element in the middle, to the high stakes of the trials at the end.

The characters were all relatable and well-rounded. And I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

The narrators were really good too.

Helen is an auto-buy author for me, anything she writes I will read. I absolutely adore this book and I was so happy to go back to Thezmarr by listening this time around to Blood & Steel.

I loved the ruggedness to Wilder from Sebastian Grove and Mollie Stark's portrayal of Thea was great, I lived for her imitation of the men's voices because as a reader I do the same thing when trying to paint the picture in my mind.

Althea Zoltaire has always wanted to be a great warrior for Thezmarr, a legendary Warsword as a matter of fact. However, women have been forbidden to wield blades and she has had to practice in secret. Until one day she gets caught with a blade by Wilder Hawthorne, a Warsword, and has to face the consequences. But she is strong, undeterred and something is awaking in her begging to be released.

Helen's storytelling, world building, twists and turns really had me immersed and on the edge of my seat learning Thea's story and her relationship with the Warsword Wilder Hawthorne.

If you like enemies (ish) to lovers, found family, magic and a strong FMC then this book is for you!

This book is so great! I Instantly loved the female narrators voice. It has a different raspy sound that really captures the audience and pulls them into the story. She gave a flawless performance as Thea! The male narrator has a voice that was able to show how powerful and strong wilder is.

In a place where women are not allowed weapons, Thea dreams of becoming a warrior for Thezmarr. I was instantly captured in the world building and complex characters. This book monsters, magic, and a grumpy companion 😜 I already can’t wait for book two

Slaying the Shadow Prince was a companion prequel to this story. Very well developed characters. The story moves quickly and keeps you engaged. Full of adventure, shadow raithes and a failing veil.

What an amazing story! I loved the ambition, the challenges, and the relationships being built. The narrators were amazing and kept me captivated the entire book. I cannot wait for the second one!

Thea aka Althea Nine Lives is a daredevil. With the day of her fated death only three years away, she is determined to do everything in her power to become a Warsword of Thezmarr (aka a legendary warrior who is a master in all things war). The only issue? Women are forbidden from becoming warriors due to a foreboding prophecy that predicts that the end of the world will come at the hands of a trained and armed women. Wilder Hawthorne is a prickly Warsword with a dark past. When Thea and Wilder unexpectedly meet they find that each may be the key to the other's success. Dark forces are moving toward Thezmarr, and Thea is running out of time.

This book includes:
- fates and prophecies
- one horse trope and the “sleeping close to each other to protect from the cold” trope
- an atmospheric setting of a fort within a forest
- the complexities of sisterhood
- dual pov (with a unique narrator for each pov in the audiobook)
- reluctant romance
- a woman warrior in a world where women aren’t allowed to fight
- training, trials, tribunals
- depictions of PTSD

I've had "Blood & Steel" on my TBR for some time now. So when I saw the audiobook arc listed on NetGalley, I instantly requested it. The story is a great example of solid romantasy with a clear plot, believable goals, and grounded characters. I loved Thea, and although I was missing a bit of depth from her, I cant wait to see her growth in the next books. Wilder was an exciting love interest, and I appreciated that we were given glimpses of his POV: enough to draw us in, but scarce enough to keep his secrets hidden from the readers.

Beyond Thea and Wilder, I really enjoyed the side characters we met in "Blood & Steel" and I appreciated the honest depictions of trauma, sisterhood, and friendships we saw through them.

About the audiobook: The voice actors were fantastic and the production did a great job of conveying the sensations of each scene through the narration. The narrators didn't just read "she laughed" they also included a small laugh, and I think small details like that take an audiobook from good to great.

I recommend this book to fans of "A Crown of Blood and Glass," "Fourth Wing, "A Fate Inked in Blood," and "A Court This Cruel & Lovely." It includes so many beloved elements from the romantasy genre with just a dash of spice.

If you've read "Slaying the Shadow Prince" and aren't sure if "Blood & Steel" is for you, I recommend trying it. I found that the plot and the romance were more grounded in B & S, and I prefer it a lot over the Shadow Prince. I am looking forward to reading "Vows & Ruins."

I received this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Helen Scheuerer, and Dreamscape Media (my favs) for the opportunity to read and review this book. This review has been posted to GoodReads check out my profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863

So so excited we get more wilder from slaying the shadow prince! I'm not sure how far I'm the future it from that book but definitely read it first.

I love this one too!! And immediately need the next one this is very much one of my favorite reads of 2023.

Blood and Steel is full of monsters, intrigue, with heart and strength. I highly recommend it as your next read. Blood and Steel takes place at a war academy where the men have changed the laws to make the women in unequal standings, powerful monsters slip into the realm and magic is scarce and mysterious.

Althea must find her own way, will the attraction to the great Warsword be a hindrance? The author took great care to include poignant lines that I was highlighting throughout the book. 

“If you seek power in a world of men and monsters, there is nothing more powerful than knowledge and the ability to wield it.”

In the land of Thezmar, a once great society now lies in wait. Where once women guarded the realm along with men, they have now been shuttered away as alchemists. No longer able to wield swords due to the prophecy:

“In the shadow of a fallen kingdom, in the eye of the storm
A daughter of darkness will wield a blade in one hand
And rule death with the other
When the skies are blackened, in the end of days 
The Veil will fall. The tide will turn when her blade is drawn.
 A dawn of fire and blood”.

Althea Zoltare, abandoned with her sister as a baby, has grown up in Thezmar. Like her sister Wren, she goes to alchemy classes. However she doesn’t enjoy it. Althea sneaks off when she can to watch the guards, so she can train alone in secret. She feels it in her heart that she is meant to guard the realm. 

Wilder Hawthorne is one of the three Warswords left to guard the realm. It is his duty to rid the land of the monsters coming through the tears in the veil. A life of solitude and destruction means that when he is tasked to escort a woman to the castle his brash annoyance is at full strength. Althea are like oil and water and yet they are drawn to each other. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an epic fantasy romance, slow burn with high tension and a badass female main character.

4.5 Stars
I would have devoured this within a day if it wasn't for work.

Althea had always dreamed of becoming a great warrior, but fate had other plans for her. Althea has been devastated by a prophecy that predicts her untimely death at the age of 27. As an orphan, she had to rely on her own wits and strength to survive in a world that didn't favor women with the blade. Despite the odds stacked against her, Althea never gave up on her dreams. She trained tirelessly in the shadows, honing her skills in secret, knowing that if she was ever caught, it would mean the end of her dreams.

Now, at the age of 24, with only three years left to live, Althea must hurry to make her dreams come true. With her heart set on her goal, she dives headfirst into the world of warriors. Will she succeed in her quest to become a great warrior before time runs out? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – Althea is not one to be underestimated.

Wow! I can't express enough how much I loved the story! It was an absolute page-turner that kept me hooked from the very first chapter. If you're a fan of slow-burn romantic fantasy, then this is an absolute must-read that you won't be able to put down!

***Thank you to NetGalley, Helen Scheuerer, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 STARS

Genre: New Adult Fantasy Romance

What to expect:
Enemies to lovers, found family, slow burn, monsters, strong female character, one bed, warriors, banter

I listened to this one on audio and really enjoyed it! The narration was well done and easy to listen to. I like Helen’s story telling. I have a physical copy of book 2 already and will read it versus the audiobook to see if I like it even more. I heard it’s even better than this one.

Thank you NetGalley for the gifted copy! 🗡️