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!

I didn’t realize this book was a spin-off from another series when I requested a copy. I think I would have enjoyed Wren and Torj’s story more if I had read The Legends of Thezmarr first. I love Wren as a character. She’s fierce, strong, and her attitude is awesome. Torj is an amazing warrior who must protect Wren at all costs, even though he’s struggling with his own inner demons. Wren is invited to attend the alchemy academy of Drevenor, and I really enjoyed her time there. Some scenes dragged a bit, but overall, I really liked the book. The academy’s tests were intense, and I loved how the students had to race against time to save themselves. I plan on going back to read The Legends of Thezmarr before continuing with this series. The narrators, Matt Haynes and Emilia Bauer were great. They really brought the characters to life and made the story even more immersive.

SHUT UPPP SHUT UPPP SHUTTT UPP! TAKE IT BACK RIGHT NOW.
I'm so upset right now... RAW, Next book!

About this listen
“I’ve made no secret of what I want… You. It’s always been you.” Wren Embervale, alchemist-turned-assassin, finds solace in only one thing: seeking vengeance for the death of her friends. The wars of the past may be over, but her thirst for revenge is far from quenched. For years, she has been content with her poisons and potions for company, but when an unknown form of alchemy is used to attack a king of the midrealms, Wren’s time in the shadows comes to an end. She’s offered a place at the ancient alchemy academy of Drevenor to find a cure to the dark magic threatening the kingdoms. To win her spot, she must conquer the Gauntlet, a grueling series of deadly trials that could cost her sanity, or her life. More is at play than sabotage from fellow competitors. Magic wielders are being targeted and Wren becomes tangled in a dangerous web of deception and bloodshed that puts the entire realm at risk. But the biggest threat of all might come from the man assigned to protect her—Torj Elderbrock, the silver-haired war hero who has hated her since she assassinated his last charge. Their shared history ignites a simmering tension that threatens to consume them both. Peace is fragile, trust is scarce and enemies lurk around every corner… Will love heal all wounds—or will it be the most lethal poison of all?

Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the ALC of this book!

Iron & Embers
By: Helen Scheuerer
Narrated by: Matt Haynes, Emilia Bauer
The Ashes of Thezmarr, Book 1
Publisher: Dreamscape Media

Iron & Embers, alternatively titled "Hot Hammer Daddy + Even Hotter Poisoner Assassin Destroy My Life in 500 pages"

{Thank you so much to NetGalley and DreamScape Media for providing this audiobook ARC to me!}

Stars: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 3/5 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

Having not read Helen Scheuerer's previous Legends of Thezmarr series, diving into this book was a toss up for me. Unlike others who HAVE read the Legends of Thezmarr series, I had little knowledge of our FMC Wren Embervale and MMC Torj Elderbrock in this dual POV work. I decided to take the plunge and was SO glad I did! It didn't matter that I hadn't read any previous works of her's - Scheuerer did a fantastic job in orienting the reader regarding timelines, past encounters, characterizations, and motivations. Iron & Embers is the start of Helen Scheuerer's new spinoff Ashes of Thezmarr series - and DAMN what a start. An absolutely blazing blend of alchemy, assassins, and a romance that's as electrifying and stimulating as a certain alchemist’s lightning powers.

From the very first page, I ADORED our FMC Wren. "If poison was a women's weapon, then Wren Embervale was a woman through and through." Are you KIDDING ME???? One of the best opening lines I've seen in a long time, particularly because I love the history of the women's art of poisoning. What's further, I adored the usage of herbal knowledge and poison concoctions for alchemy in this book as I study traditional botanical medicine for my PhD and so much of this had me going "Oh!! Mmhmm. Yep. Oh yeah, that would work. Oooooh. Yesssss!"

A general, no spoilers summary of Iron and Embers is this: Wren is a badass alchemist-turned-poisoner assassin who finds peace in seeking vengeance for the death of her friends and allies from the great shadow war five years prior. Killing people to heal your inner trauma? GIRL SAME (for legal reasons, I must disclose that this is a joke). When an unknown form of alchemy is used to attack a king of the war-torn midrealms, Wren is charged with investigating the strange new alchemy used against him before more royals are targeted. As a royal herself - the princess and future queen of Delmira - she is to be protected too. Her protection? A bodyguard, who, of course, is none other than dreamy, Witcher Geralt of Rivia-esque (Henry Cavill version, mind you!) Torj Elderbrock, the silver-haired Warsword and war-hero who Wren left wanting five years prior and whom she cock-blocked from receiving an important promotion through assassinating one of his former charges. The absolute animosity this engenders between them is CRAZY HOT. And I do not CARE what anyone says I will ALWAYS ADORE a forced proximity, bodyguard romance. Give them ALL to me. I've dubbed their ship name EMBERBROCK but I did try out TOREN too - vote on your fav below hehe. Regardless of the name, I'm an Emberbrock shipper 4 LYFE. Anyways, Wren is finally offered a place at the ancient alchemy academy of Drevenor to research the alchemy used against the royals (bc her mentor FINALLY gives her a letter of recommendation -- I relate girl, the academia life is ROUGH). Wren must fight for and claim her spot at Drevenor with Torj lingering behind her on every step by conquering the Gauntlet — a grueling series of deadly trials that could cost her her sanity as easily as her life. Also, is it just me or are all fantasy/romantasy novels recently calling their trials gauntlets?? As she navigates not only her deadly studies at Drevenor, her super secret agent alchemy project to protect the royals, and her TUMULTUOUS feelings for her (hot) personal bodyguard, Wren finds herself pushing and questioning the boundaries of everything she knows and confronting the darkness of the past, present, and future to come (in typical academia fashion).

Wren proved to be a super fierce and complex protagonist, and I related to her super well. Wren is honestly Daddy. Her journey from vengeance-driven poisoning assassin to a key player in a larger conspiracy was so compelling. Her sharp wit and resilience was refreshing and made her a character to root for, as does her scathing one-liners.

Now Torj? Torj is BABY GORL. And yes, he can still be Baby Gorl while being a 6'6 (I don't remember his actual height but he's giving AT LEAST 6'5+) muscle daddy because his green flags were a'flyin. His and Wren's interactions were absolutely SUPERCHARGED with tension and made for a sizzling, electrifying, blazing DISLIKE-to-lovers dynamic. True enemies to lovers is NOT here, so ya'll diehard E-to-L fans come prepared. Fans of Geralt (Henry Cavill version ONLY) and a Cassian/Azriel hybrid will also find Torj to be as much a panty-dropping king as I did.

In all seriousness, the relationship progression in this book was super refreshing among an entire cohort of other romantasy books where everything feels rushed or stilted - Emberbrock felt completely natural, not too abrupt, and was TOO GOOD of a slowburn. What's more, the dual POV didn't feel forced like some novels and each character felt distinct in their headspace and narrative. I appreciated the book MORE for the dual POV aspect, which can very often kill my vibe for a book. The dual POV also made the tensioned and tender moments between Torj and Wren even more absolutely heart-wrenching AND heart-warming. Torj calling Wren by the nickname "Embers" was SO CUTE and it being a part of the title was the cherry on top of this delicious hot fudge sundae. Emberbrock are definitely going on the list as one of my top romantasy couples. *Cue Tyra voice* WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU.

The ending...RIP my heart and soul, I guess. The good news is, I'm not completely lacking in content to appease this book hangover and am super excited to dive into the Legends of Thezmarr series and discover Thea and Wilder's love story since they were featured so much in this book.

Highlights:
♥️ Dislike-to-Lovers Romance: The chemistry between Wren and Torj is HAWT, with their shared history adding an intense depth to their ever-evolving relationship. The push and pull between them kept the pages turning all on their own.
♥️ World-Building: Helen crafted such a rich, immersive world that was filled with dark magic, political intrigue, and a history that feels incredibly tangible. The alchemy academy of Drevenor with its deadly Gauntlet was a super interesting premise and managed to be a truly refreshing take in the oversaturated 'magic school'-based romantasy scene.
♥️ Mature Protagonists: Both Wren and Torj are in their mid to late thirties, which, COME ON, we soooo need in this genre! I'm sick of reading about 17 year olds saving the world when I didn't have my shit together until AT LEAST 23 (let's be honest...I still don't, as ever evidenced by this and my other reviews).
♥️ I was lucky enough to listen to the audiobook and the voice actors were PHENOMENAL for Wren and Torj. They made the book a perfect mix of spicy, moving, intense, hilarious, and engaging.

TLDR:
Iron & Embers is an absolutely ENTHRALLING beginning into the promising new series of the Ashes of Thezmarr, and is an absolutely PERFECT concoc(k)tion of fiery romance, intense action, and crazy intrigue. Those of you who like The Witcher and Bridge Kingdom will DEVOUR this epic romantasy from cover to cover. With its superbly-crafted characters, compelling romance, and immersive world-building, it's a MUST-READ for romantasy and low-fantasy enthusiasts. You absolutely slayed, Helen Scheuerer (I'm pretty sure you slayed all of us already with that ending *sobs*).

I am absolutely rabid, foaming-at-the-mouth for book 2: Thorns & Fire. Please send the ARC ASAP for the sake of my health - not even Wren could heal this book hangover.

Note: This review is based on an advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.

This is technically the first in a spinoff series from the Legends of Thezmarr series by the same author, but I think it was perfectly fine to read on its own. I’m sure I would have had more insight into Wren and Torj if I had read the first four books, but I felt like I understood their history and relationships based on the context of this story. I loved how *down bad* Torj was from the very beginning and watching him and Wren get closer throughout the book. I’m interested to see where the plot goes for the rest of the series after that ending!

I loved the dual narration for the audiobook and both narrators!

Okay, this says it's book 1 in a series, but technically, this is a spinoff of another series and so I felt a little lost at times. I don't think it's a REQUIREMENT to read the other series first, but I'm sure it probably would have helped, so fair warning.

It's a very slow burn but once it picks up the story gets much better. I'd really like to re-listen to this after reading the original series and seeing how I feel about it after.

Just brilliant!! I’m a huge audio listener and this will rank right I there as one of my favorites. The narration flowed and bright the story to life.