I’ll preface this by saying I did not read the Blood & Steel series (yet!) but there’s enough world building in this where the story moves forward seamlessly.

Great banter, smart & badass FMC, forward moving plot, intrigue, and romance. This has it all!! Narration was DUAL and was excellent.

I received an ARC directly from the publisher, Pan Macmillan, for Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer, and I was hooked by the premise: “I’ve made no secret of what I want... You. It’s always been you.” Plus, the beautiful fanart they sent me was a bonus. It took me a lot of time to read it because life happened, and then I had the publishing date right before me. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to get the ACL from Dreamscape Media, which helped me sit down and read and continue doing other things while listening.

I have to say—and beware, I will add spoilers [that this book felt like a second installment to me. I’m missing the whole shared history between Wren and Torj. I was hoping to see more of their connection, maybe with flashbacks or time jumps, to truly understand them beyond that whole "He wielded my magic like it was his" vibe, you know? While the tension was there and the tropes were perfectly written, I wanted to learn more about their backstory and connection. Perhaps there was a novella I missed, or maybe I just pushed through too quickly, but I couldn’t feel the bond as deeply as I’d hoped. (hide spoiler)]

Iron & Embers follows Wren Embervale, an alchemist-turned-assassin who finds solace only in seeking vengeance for the death of her friends. Though the wars of the past are over, 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 for 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. Meanwhile, magic wielders are being targeted, and Wren becomes tangled in a dangerous web of deception and bloodshed that puts the entire realm at risk. The biggest threat, however, might come from Torj Elderbrock, the silver-haired war hero assigned to protect her, who has hated her ever since she assassinated his last charge. Their shared history ignites a simmering tension that threatens to consume them both. In a world where peace is fragile, trust is scarce, and enemies lurk around every corner, Wren must decide: Will love heal all wounds—or will it become the most lethal poison of all?

Overall, while I appreciate the intriguing premise and the strong elements of tension and mystery, I just couldn’t connect with the character’s backstory and relationship as I’d hoped. I truly love Helen Scheuerer's work, so it saddens me to say that this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

Thank you so much to Pan Macmillan, Dreamscape Media, NetGalley, and Helen Scheuerer for sending me this ARC, ACL, and the beautiful fanart. I really appreciate the opportunity.

Thank you, Helen Scheuerer and NetGalley for the early preview of this audiobook.

Title: Iron & Embers
Author: Helen Scheuerer
Format: Audiobook

Review:
In the first book of this series, we return to the Midrealms and discover the long-lasting effects that the Great War had on survivors. We see characters and places that are well-known to readers of the original series.

I am so relieved and excited that Wren gets her time to shine. In so many ways, I feel that I relate to Wren. Helen’s writing is so addictive…. And can we talk about this spiiiiiiiice 🔥🥵 This story flowed so smoothly and I’m excited (and desperate 😭) to see where it goes!

This is one of the first audiobooks I’ve been able to keep connected with. I credit that to the amazing narrators Emilia Bauer and Matt Haynes.

I loved Legends of Thezmarr and am excited to return to this world with Torj and Wren. The narrators did a great job capturing both these characters and Scheuerer had me hooked from the very first line. I absolutely devoured this book, especially all the hot, tension-filled scenes between Torj and Wren. I can't wait to read and listen to the sequel!

This book was a truly excellent mix of fantasy, dark academia, and romance. Wren is such a great female lead. She’s smart, sassy, and strong. She has lightning magic and is an alchemist, and she’s been using her knowledge to poison her enemies to get revenge for her friend’s deaths. I love a book about female rage. Torj is broody, dangerous, protective, and secretly sweet. He has been pining for Wren for years, and he’s completely obsessed with her. Their relationship was the definition of an angsty, tension-filled slow burn romance. They hate each other because of their past, but they’re forced together because he’s her bodyguard, and they can’t keep their hand off each other. It was delicious. If you want a romantasy with dangerous outside threats, an alchemy academy, deadly trials, lovable side characters, witty banter, and the slow burn romance of your dreams, this is the one for you. P.S. I haven’t read The Legends of Thezmarr series, but I want to especially after reading this book. If you’re planning on reading that series, definitely read it first so the ending isn’t revealed in this book.
🪓
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🪓
Read if you like:
▫️female rage and revenge
▫️alchemy academy and magic
▫️deadly trials
▫️he’s her bodyguard
▫️they hate each other
▫️forced proximity
▫️dual timeline
▫️dual POV
🪓
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the ALC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Iron & Embers pulled me in with its rich world and compelling characters. Wren and Torj are both haunted by their pasts, and their slow-burn romance is full of tension and longing. The alchemy academy setting adds a fresh layer to the story, and I loved the mix of action, magic, and intrigue. The pacing kept me engaged, and the emotional weight of their struggles made it hard to put down.

The audiobook was a great experience, with the dual narration adding depth to both Wren and Torj’s perspectives. Emilia Bauer and Matt Haynes did a fantastic job capturing their emotions, making the tension and heartbreak feel even more real. Their performances kept me hooked, especially during the more intense and intimate moments. If you love romantasy with rich world-building and a gripping slow burn, this is one to check out. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next!

Welcome back to Thezmarr!

This was such a great start to the series and I loved seeing some of my favourite characters back in action. The banter is fantastic and Helen’s writing is sharp and witty. You do have to wait a bit for the spice to hit but it’s worth it once it does. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes - that ending has me gagged!

The narrators were fantastic and a nice addition to the action. I thought they were the perfect choice for Torj and Wren.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Helen Scheuerer for an early listening copy. These are my honest thoughts.

Academy vibes, forbidden love, unique magic, heart wrenching twists. Such a great start to this sequel series within the world of Thezmarr. I would definitely recommend reading The Legend of Thezmarr beforehand as there are spoilers within the pages. Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, but want a bit more spice.

I definitely recommend this one! It can be read as a standalone, but I think you get the best experience if you read The Legends of Thezmarr series first. You get a lot more of the world and the characters background/motivations if you read that first.
The romance in this book is so good. It’s slow burn and filled with all the tension and yearning. The setting is unique and we get so many old and new side characters. The ending made me insanely happy that Helen is releasing the next book this year.
🎧Emilia Bauer and Matt Haynes bring Wren and Torj to life. I will forever love tandem reading fantasy (audio + eyeball reading). It helps bring depth to the emotional scenes and excitement to action scenes. Plus I know how to pronounce all the fantasy words.

Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer – A Captivating Blend of Alchemy and Intrigue
Iron & Embers marks my first experience with Helen Scheuerer’s writing, and I was immediately drawn in by her engaging storytelling style. The novel provides just enough backstory to make it easy to follow past events, allowing for a smooth and immersive reading experience.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its rich incorporation of alchemy, which adds a unique and compelling element to the narrative. The protagonist, a formidable assassin and skilled alchemist embarks on a journey to a prestigious school for alchemists, making for an exciting and dynamic storyline.

The narration by Matt Haynes and Emilia Bauer is exceptional, bringing the characters to life with depth and emotion. Torj, the brooding and enigmatic love interest, adds to the novel’s slow-burning tension, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

And that ending… be sure to have tissues ready!

Overall, Iron & Embers is a fantastic read, blending action, intrigue, and slow-burning romance in a way that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

“I wasn’t meant to want this, to want you. But Furies save me, I do.”

This world was already so rich and captivating in The Legends of Thezmarr, but Helen said, “hold my sour mead,” and delivered another captivating fantasy with an alchemists’ academy and another call to solve a dark plot threatening the midrealms. Iron & Embers feels like coming home.

The story picks up in the aftermath of events from the previous series. Our two main characters, Wren and Torj, have trauma that cuts deep - they are darker, damaged versions of their previous selves, left with a constant longing of what could have been. They do the wrong things for the right reasons, and right things for the wrong reasons - it will drive you mad and make you scream, but you’ll yearn for more.

ALC Feedback
I enjoyed the narrators and think they did a good job portraying Wren and Torj. There were a few instances of mispronunciation (pronouncing draught like drought). The male narrator's female voice was not my favorite - but that's a completely personal opinion.

Oh my gosh, I loved Helen’s Legends of Thezmarr series, so I was really excited for this one. Let me tell you… it did NOT disappoint! I never thought anyone could outdo Wilder & Thea, but Torj & Wren were PERFECT. I literally couldn’t put this one down!

📚 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶 🌶🌶
📚 Iron & Embers is an incredible spin-off! This book did not disappoint. The characters, tropes, and dark academy setting had me hooked. I could not put this book down.
I was already in love with Torj and Wren and was so excited to see them get their own story. Torj is a swoon worthy MMC, and Wren is a fierce, deadly FMC. The slow burn was delicious, and I loved seeing our favorite side characters again.
This book was amazing and everything you want in a romantasy! I can't wait for book 2!
🎧 The audiobook is a dual narration. I didn't like the male narrators voice. Both the female and male narrators pacing was slow with lots of long pauses.

* I was honored to receive an ARC of this audiobook. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

“𝙂𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙯𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙞𝙧𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣.”

In case you didn’t already know, Iron & Embers is the first in a new series, set 5 years after the ending of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘻𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳 series. You don’t HAVE to read that series first, but I do think it would help to settle you into this world easier. Plus you will already know a lot of the characters. And it’s such a great series, so you might as well enjoy it too!

But like I said, this book takes place 5 years after that final devastating battle of the Shadow War, and Wren still isn’t over it. She has gone down a dark path, seeking vengeance against those who she sees as responsible for the war. That is until she is finally admitted to Drevenor, an ancient alchemy academy. And, let’s go! I love academia books!

This book may be set in the same world, but it definitely doesn’t feel like a retrod of the former series. Wren gets a whole new story for herself, with post-war trauma, academia, alchemy, but she still gets to be badass in her own way.

And Torj…just as smitten as Wilder, but with his own presence.

And there’s a definite plot difference to their love story. (But also, still very 🔥)

The ending has me so excited to see where we go from here. I am so intrigued by this new set of baddies, and instead of brawn, these new battles will be forged with minds and alchemy, and I can’t wait to see it all unfold!

Audiobook notes: Both narrators were fantastic. Emilia Bauer was great, but special shout out to Matt Haynes’ voice work, especially his voice for Torj…🫠

Thank you to @dreamscape_media for providing me an early copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

What this book is giving:
✅ Romantasy
✅ Dual POV
✅ 5 Years Post Shadow War
✅ Slow Burn
✅ Bodyguard
✅ Academia
✅ Alchemical Fighting
✅ Minds & Alchemy

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

I never really liked the first series and was hesitant to read tis one but one of my friends love this author so I really wanted to give her another try. You really should have read the first series before reading this book. I only read two of them so I recognize some of the characters but if you read the whole series I can imagen this book is even better. I actually liked this. I liked it better han the first series. Its a solid 4 stars. I listen to this as an audiobook and the narrators did an amazing job.

“Only a fool would look at you and see anything less than perfection.”

*It’s not required but if you’re planning to read the Legend of Thezmarr series- be sure to start with that first—this story picks up years later and comes with its fair share of spoilers.*

Out of the 6 books I’ve read by Helen Scheuerer, this is very easily my favorite.
Wren, the alchemist by day and poison assassin by night finds herself in the reluctant position of needing a bodyguard. Her assigned bodyguard is none other than Torj (the bear slayer.) Their past complicates things in the best way.

A lot of tension and longing, with that slow-burn vibe that really worked for well for this book. The dynamic between the two main characters is a mix of touch her and die paired with a fierce protagonist who insists she doesn’t need saving. And if you’re a sucker for cute nicknames like I am- he calls her Embers.

I was so excited to start this after binging the legends series. I wasn’t aware I needed to read that series first for maximum impact, but im glad I was able to!

I knew I would love Wren and Torj after meeting them in legends. They are both such complex characters and are written so beautifully. I felt some many emotions while reading their story. I was happy to see some familiar faces and meet new people and I am insanely excited to see where this series goes!

Helen is an instant fav author and her books will now always be at the top of my favorites lists.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer is a dazzling blend of romance, fantasy, and intrigue set against the backdrop of a magical academy. The world-building is captivating, and the tension between peace and chaos keeps you on edge. With enchanting narration by Matt Haynes and Emilia Bauer, the characters come alive in a tale filled with heart-pounding twists and unforgettable moments. If you’re a fan of epic romantasy with complex relationships and gripping stakes, this one’s a must-read. I can’t wait for the next installment in Ashes of Thezmarr!

Thank you Dreamscape Media for my #gifted ALC!

Wren, an Alchemist-turned Assasin is seeking vengeance for the death of her friends when she's invited to attend an honored Alchemy Academy to discover a cure for the dark alchemy over-taking the lands.

The Academy requires the students to pass through deadly trials and a gauntlet to graduate, but for Wren, she's also evading the threats on her life. The most dangerous threat might be to her heart from her assigned bodyguard, the war hero Torj, who she shares a past with.

I enjoyed the story with a different type of magic system and the whole concept of alchemy, especially when it's combined with magic. It was a bit of an enemies-to-lovers because of their shared past and forbidden romance. The slow-burn romance was great until it wasn't! I'm super curious where book 2 will take the story!

The dual POV narrators did a fantastic job and captured my attention the entire story!

Romance Content: 4-5 Open-door scenes with some language.

I enjoyed this so much that I felt the ashes of loneliness when it was over. The story was intriguing, the narrator was spot on and the characters were fantastic! I highly recommend and cannot wait for book 2!