I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

3.5 Stars

Overall this was a good book. I think I would of enjoyed reading it more than listening to it. It was a little hard to follow at first. I felt like I was missing something like maybe it was not the first book in the series. I had not read any other books by this author. The narrators were great though.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book.

Really enjoyed this first book of the new series. It is definitely time for Wren to get her own story.

This book was amazing!! I was hooked from the very beginning and wanted more when it ended. I cannot wait for the next in the series! I listened to the audiobook and the narrators made it even better.

If I could give this book infinite stars, I would. It's gorgeous through and through, and I urge everyone to pick it up ... That being said, I don't think it's really the first book of a new trilogy, as the marketing suggests. Let's discuss...

Before going into Iron and Embers, I had read the author's other connected series, The Legends of Thezmarr. The Legends of Thezmarr is set in the same universe and takes place 5 years before the start of this novel. I devoured that series, and throughout reading it, kept feeling like it was reminiscent of Throne of Glass. I couldn't pinpoint what gave me that feeling. Was it the tropes used, or perhaps common story beats? But as I read Iron and Ember, I realized why it reminded me of so many icons of the fantasy genre. It's not necessarily because of the elements that Helen Scheuerer puts into her books, but rather how she combines them.

I've found that many books published in the last year or two have lacked the depth that I've wanted. Even some with great premises rely too heavily on one trope to carry the novel. Iron and Embers, however, does not fall victim to this issue. This novel is a tapestry of smaller stories that all work together to create a romantic, fantasy epic. Iron and Embers is full of numerous intertwined fantasy plot lines, mystery elements, romantic plots, character development and real world discussions. In fact, when I first started writing this review, I wanted to list all the engaging aspects of this book. But I've realized that no matter how comprehensive the list I compile is, it will not do justice to this book. Yes, there is a bodyguard romance, the second-chance trope, fated mates, deadly trials, royals with elemental powers, and so much more, but just listing these tropes doesn't convey the emotional journey this book will take you on.

I actually found that this story reminded me in many ways of A Court of Silver Flames. It is a love story between a man and woman with a romantic past full of yearning and almost confessions, that was then cut short at the end of a war. Flash forward to now, the woman is dealing with trauma, and as such, shutting everyone out. However, as the man protects and trains her, she slowly opens herself back up and allows herself to be loved. Sound like something you'd like? I thought so!

Funnily enough, I think this novel is much like A Court of Silver Flames in terms of its place in its series as well. Although Iron and Embers gives you lots of flashbacks and context as to the events of The Legends of Thezmarr, I don't think you get the full impact of this story without reading that series first. These characters have been growing with and against each other for multiple novels now. Although you can start here, you don't get the full impact if you do. I know that this book has been marketed as the first book in a new series and world, but really, I think it is more of a continuation of The Legends of Thezmarr series, simply from a new point of view, in the same way that A Court of Silver Flames is still an ACOTAR novel, just following a new character.

That being said, I do urge people to read this story. From the humour, to the fun tropes, to the earnest character growth, it has everything I could have asked for. If you don't want to commit to reading a whole series before this book, I totally get it and think you'll still enjoy this book. But, if you do have time on your hands, or have been looking for a new fantasy series to read, I really do suggest starting this universe with Blood and Steel.

I will be counting the days until the next book in the series comes out.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was great. I loved the FMC and how dynamic she was. At points it felt a little tropey, but the pacing and plot was really solid and fun.

This book exceeded all my expectations. If you were a fan of The Legends of Thezmarr series, it fit the bill. Wren is really working through her demons and emotional trauma while Torj is struggling with his future and what his life will look like. The banter between them is next level.

The best thing Helen Scheuerer does is create a found family, and that was not lost in this series. This book shows how the people you are closest with become your people in every sense, and the community around you can change your mental and physical health.

The storyline itself is very interesting and left me so excited for the next 2 books in this series. July cannot come soon enough!

I really enjoyed the setting and the vibes in this book. The characters and the voices were amazing as well.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher!

I'm a little torn on how to rate this because it did have potential and quite a few things I enjoyed, but also some things that didn't work for me and to be fair I think that might be because I shot myself in the foot by reading this book before the original series.

Wren and Torj had an interesting relationship but sometimes I feel like I enjoyed the premise of it more than the actual relationship. So much of the relationship was wrapped up in lust and those moments didn't work for me. I don't believe the whole relationship is lust, but I wanted to see more about the reasons why they should be together apart from the lust they feel.

I did like the idea of Wren being a poisoner and going to a school for alchemy. The backdrop of the academy was really enjoyable and I love a girl who takes matters into her own hands. I loved the people she met there and all the secrets and twists. The ending was also pretty epic.

Again, I do think part of why this didn't connect with me as much as it could have is because I didn't read the original series first. I am planing to go read it and I would recommend anyone who wants to read this book to read the original series first.

I absolutely loved the audio narration!!
Immediately buying a shelf trophy and will be recommending to all!!

Helen Scheuerer should be in your list of top romantasy authors. Iron and Embers is the first in a spin off series from Blood & Steel in the Thezmar universe. This series follows Thea’s sister Wren, heir to the Dalmarian throne. Ember has always had a way with alchemy. She is as creative as she is deadly. Since the war ended she has been taking her revenge on those that aided evil in the war. With the chance to grow her knowledge of alchemy and become a master poisoner she accepts a body guard. However will she manage that her body guard is also her insufferable crush & nemesis Torj Elderbrock.

Torj made his feelings for Wren quite clear. She is it for him. How will be stand to be around her as a her bodyguard?

I loved this book. I thought the mutual pining in dual point of view gave us excellent insight into how they both didn’t believe they deserved the other but dealt with it through snark. It was forced proximity, touch her & d!e with only eyes for them inside a world of mystery with a rebellion inching closer and closer to their doorstep. I highly suggest reading the Blood and Steel series first so it makes more sense before diving into this one. When you get here the tension slow burns us to crisp but the wit and found family within friendships will give you all the feels.

5⭐

I'm in my Helen Scheuerer era it seems! Thank you @netgalley for this #ALC

If you're looking for a fantasy read that will grab you from page one and not let go, this is it. I do recommend you read The Legends of Thezzmar series FIRST as this one will definitely spoil some things for that series.

First off, the plot? Super intriguing. There's magic, political intrigue, and a whole lot of "will they or won't they" tension that kept me up way past my bedtime. I was hooked from the start, trying to piece together all the mysteries and figure out what was going to happen next. And let me tell you, the author does a great job of keeping you guessing!

I absolutely loved the back-and-forth banter between the two main characters. Their interactions were so well-written and engaging, I found myself laughing out loud one minute, wanting to shake them the next and then swooning right after. Talk about emotional whiplash!

Wren is our FMC and she is EVERYTHING I love. Finally, a female main character who's strong, capable, and doesn't spend the entire book second-guessing herself. I love FMCs who aren't perfect, strong, and the best at everything naturally. I much prefer the underrated badass. She's smart, resourceful, and doesn't take any nonsense from anyone. She's the kind of character you instantly root for, and I loved watching her grow and evolve throughout the story.

Honestly, I devoured this book. I just couldn't put it down. The world-building is fantastic, the magic system is cool, and the characters are so well-developed. And that ending?! Helen Scheuerer, how could you leave me hanging like that?! I'm already counting down the days until the next book comes out. I need to know what happens next! If you're a fan of fantasy, slow burn tension filled romance, and strong female leads, definitely check out Iron and Ember. You won't be disappointed!

Troupes: slow burn, tension, bodyguard X princess, female assassin, magical academy, magic trials, political intrigue
Spice 3/5
Plot 5/5
Pace 5/5
Character Personality 5/5
Character Growth 5/5
Writing Style 5/5
World Building 5/5

This was amazing even without reading the prequel series. The ending killed me. I'm screaming. I was a little confused about the war that was mentioned not realizing this is a sequel series.

Thank you so much to Dreamscape Media for the ALC, all opinions are my own.

I have not read Thezmarr, and this stood alone well enough, but definitely could have made more sense if I read the other series first. I did really enjoy the storyline of going to alchemist school, and burly Torj vs Wren and her attitude.

Matt's female voice really grated on me. Some male narrators definitely don't have as much of a "natural" feminine voice. I really enjoyed the female narrator.

Iron & Embers picks up five years after the Legends of Thezmarr. I think you definitely need to read the Legends of Thezmarr series first before reading this book. I thought the narrators of the audiobook did a great job of bringing the characters to life. However, I think I would have enjoyed this book more had I read the other series first. This was pitched as a standalone in an interconnected world, but I don't think it can enjoyably be read that way.

Tropes found in this book:
-forced proximity
-dual POV
-Bodyguard romance
-found family
-slow burn
-scientist/alchemist FMC

I feel like this is a case of its me and not the book. For this reason I had to DNF this one.
I liked the narration, but the first few chapters were confusing as it was a lot of jumping back and forth and I never got to liking the characters or caring about what happened to them. There was a lot of insta-lust too which I am not a fan of. I kept trying to push myself into finishing this one, but there is nothing that grasps my attention unfortunately. I would still like to check out her other books because I hear great things about them all the time.

A fantastic spinoff of one of my all time favorite series, The Legends of Thezmarr, Iron & Embers is a new journey in the same world featuring Wren (Thea’s sister), and Torj. I didn’t think anything could top my love for the original series, but here we are. This first installment was exciting, filled with danger and adventure, but there’s an undercurrent of sorrow that runs throughout due to the aftermath of the war from the original trilogy. There’s also a fantastic revenge plot with Wren hellbent on poisoning anyone and everyone who had a hand in killing those she knew and loved, and I always adore a good revenge plot.

Wren and Torj were fantastic together and their chemistry is palpable from the very beginning. While the sparks do fly initially, it takes quite a while for them to make their way to one another. Their relationship is definitely a slow-burn one, but there’s loads of sexual and emotional tension along the way which really makes the slow-burn worth it.

All told, I adored this first installment in the Ashes of Thezmarr series and I can’t wait to continue Wren and Torj’s journey in book 2. This is an all new adventure within the same world, so it’s not necessary to read the Legends of Thezmarr series prior to this one, but do make sure to add it to your tbr because it’s a phenomenal trilogy. Pick this up if you enjoy:

⚔️bodyguard
⚔️only one horse
⚔️brooding hero
⚔️hairpin to the throat
⚔️forced proximity
⚔️deadly trials
⚔️academy
⚔️found family

I really enjoyed returning to the world of Thezmarr! We get to spend time while the cast of characters that we know and love from the Legends series. Though our main characters are Wren and Torj, there is still a lot of interactions with our side characters from Legends. I definitely think you should read the Legends of Thezmarr series prior to starting the Ashes of Thezmarr series. There is so many little (a couple) of big spoilers to that series. Plus you get a lot of added backstory on our main and side characters. This series is set up to be another epic story line where our badass FMC helps take down the enemy. I’m really looking forward to the next installment.

This book takes place 5 years after the end of the Legends of Thezmar series. I think the author did a good job explaining some of the history that happened in the previous series and I didn't feel like I needed to read the other series to understand this one. I do think I would have been more attached to the characters if I had experienced the back story by reading the other series first. I enjoyed the way Ren has to come out of her shell to work with her Academy team, and her post war trauma was represented well. Overall, I enjoyed this book and the narrators were fabulous!

"Even when I'm nothing but ash, I’m still yours"

AHHH. I am screaming, I loved Torj and Wren SO much. Dare I say I like them more than Thea and Wilder?

It had the perfect pace and balance between action and tension and spice. Definitely check out this book if you like the following:
-strong and witty FMC
-very protective and lyal MMC
-dual POV
-alchemist and warriors
-academy / training
-deadly trials

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC of this title. I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook and am happy to provide an honest review!