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!

This is being promoted as the first book in a new series. Had I known from the start that it's a spinoff series, I likely wouldn't have requested it. The original series The Legends of Thezmarr is heavily referenced throughout Iron & Embers, and based on the vague details of the character backstories and world building, it's clear that it was written with the understanding that readers have already finished Legends. I would only recommend this book to folks who have read and enjoyed the original series.

That said, I did enjoy Wren's character and her journey. Her connection with love interest Torj was compelling. The audiobook narrators were both great.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for providing me with an advanced copy of this audiobook via NetGalley.

Thank you so much for an advance copy of this audiobook. I really enjoyed the setting and magic system created in this world. I think I may have gotten more out of this book had I also read the author’s previous works set in this world. I will definitely need to add those to my TBR.

✨𝒜𝐿𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: Iron & Embers (The Ashes of Thezmarr, Book 1)
🎙️: Narrated by Matt Haynes; Emilia Bauer

"𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐'𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘴𝘩, 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴."

In this spinoff series following the events of The Legends of Thezmarr, Wren takes center stage. As the Poisoner, her mission of vengeance can only be quelled by her thirst for knowledge. But the ghosts of her past and a certain lightning-touched Warsward still haunt her.

With the midrealms in peril yet again, Wren and her allies must unravel the mystery of the attacks against royals and face the threat of growing unrest. Please see my full book review on Goodreads and Amazon!

Tropes:
👀 Dual POV
⚔️ Bodyguard
🏫 Academy
🫂 Forced proximity
📍 Hairpin to the throat
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Found family
⚔️ Brooding hero
🚫 Touch her & 💀
🌶️ Steamy

I loved reuniting with these characters first established in the previous series as well as meeting new characters that further enrich this incredible story. I cackled at the convivial banter and felt the deepening friendships in every encounter.

The narrators masterfully portray Wren and Torj’s POVs. Both are irrevocably changed by the war and struggle with their own demons and painful memories. Most of all, they’re still haunted by what could have been between them. I could feel the tantalizing tension, electrifying chemistry, and all-consuming yearning.

This audiobook sent me through a torrent of emotions as the forbidden love and secrets unfurl between Wren and Torj.

In Iron & Embers, Helen forges a nerve-shattering, heart-stopping, and heartbreaking Romantasy that perfectly blends elements of academia, magic, and steamy romance.

Huge thanks to the author, Dreamscape Media, and netgalley for the audio listening review copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Wow. What a book. I went into this book without having read The Legends of Thezmarr series for full disclosure. Since this is the beginning of a spin off series with different main characters I figured I would be able to figure things out. There was definitely enough context and information given about The Legends of Thezmarr series when it was needed to help a reader understand how or why without giving too much. Obviously there are some things about TLOZ that I spoiled for myself (because now I HAVE to go back and read that series), but I still think it will be an amazing read - Helen Scheuerer is quickly jumping into a must read author slot.
Wren and Torj both bring their points of view to tell this new story and they are both such interesting and compelling characters. The beginning of the book jumped around in time a lot so having a printed version helped me to reference where we were in time because sometimes with the audio I would lose track. Once Wren got settled into Drevenor, the ancient alchemy academy where she is finally able to continue her alchemy studies, the action was non-stop. Whether it's her alchemy classes getting her into scrapes or the threats from outside Drevenor, Tori had his work cut out for him as her bodyguard.
Toward the ending I was wondering if The Ashes of Thezmarr was going to be a standalone book to wrap up the story of favorites side characters from the original series because everything was tying up nicely into a neat little package, but then I looked at how much book was left...Scheuerer then proceeded to rip my heart out and stomp all over the pieces.
The narrators were great and really added depth to the story. If you like audiobooks I would definitely recommend these narrators.

Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer is the kind of book that pulls you in from page one and doesn’t let go. Set years after the events of the Legends of Thezmarr series, it follows Wren, a former assassin grappling with the trauma of the Shadow War, as she’s called back to complete her alchemy training at the prestigious Drevenor Academy. Along for the ride is Torj the Bear Slayer, her grumpy, protective, and utterly swoon-worthy bodyguard. Their slow-burn romance? Absolutely chef’s kiss.

The tension between Wren and Torj is everything you’d want from the bodyguard trope—lingering glances, stolen touches, and so much longing that it hurts. When the romance finally boils over later in the book, it’s all-consuming and so worth the wait. Torj is one of those characters who will stick with you for years. His quiet strength and unwavering devotion to Wren make every scene with him unforgettable. And Wren? A socially awkward, introverted poisoner-turned-alchemist? Her complexity makes her one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a while.

The world-building here is top-tier. The academia vibes at Drevenor Academy are immaculate—potions, alchemy, and all the intricate details of Wren’s training bring the setting to life. The plot is a bit more character-driven at first, with the action ramping up toward the end, but it’s so engaging that you don’t mind the slower pace. Plus, there are plenty of breadcrumbs and callbacks for fans of the Legends of Thezmarr series, giving longtime readers that “aha!” moment of piecing it all together.

And the ending? Pain. Pure, heart-wrenching torment. Helen Scheuerer doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings—she shreds them. I’m still recovering, and I need book two like I need air.

Whether you’re new to this world or a returning fan, Iron & Embers is a fantastic start to a new trilogy. That said, I highly recommend reading Legends of Thezmarr first for the full emotional impact—seeing familiar characters like Kipp and Cal pop back in is a real treat. If you’re into slow-burn romance, incredible world-building, and just a touch of emotional devastation, you’ll love this book. Highly, highly recommend!

This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I ate up the dynamic between the two main characters, bodyguard and royal poisoner? Yes please. And the plot and setting kept my interest the entire time. I loved the journal and book excerpts at the beginning of every chapter and the flashbacks of the love interests. This book put me in my feels and I need book two yesterday.

My review in a nutshell - when readers ask me for a fantasy romance recommendation, this will immediately come to mind.

This is a book that touches on the topics of PTSD and trauma after battle, the power vacuum after a war, the tentative peace, and finding who you are and what you want when the smoke has cleared and the wounds have healed. The romance is intricately woven through the journeys taken by the characters to find themselves and their purpose. Finding the strength to carry on again and carve a new path in the world.

Secrets are kept but it makes sense to do so. How can you trust again after what they've seen? The secrets are not there to increase the tension of the romance, but because it is a logical decision on both of their parts.

While I am not usually a fan of mutual pining, this book did it perfectly. The tension was there but not so much that you started to get frustrated. Perhaps because as I mentioned - their actions and decisions made sense and were true to their characters and lived experiences.

My favorite romances are where two independent individuals come together. Instead of merging themselves into one person, they keep their autonomy and independence but come to find that life is better lived with the other in it. And Torj, my sweet summer child - between the battle hammer, long nights in the library, and picking lavender, you are the pinnacle of fantasy romance MMC.

I rarely stop a book at 90% simply because I don't want it to end yet. I read an entire book while this was sat at 90% and all I did was think about it the whole time...

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an advanced audiobook copy. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.