Character dynamics are main focus, spice level is appropriate, and over all really enjoyable! There were a few scenes that I felt could have been developed better hence not the 5 stars.

Thank GOODNESS we have a new series for Wren and Torj because Legends of Thezmarr had me in a chokehold. What blossomed in the first series fully bloomed in Iron & Embers.

I have never felt so equally frustrated and enthralled by two characters. Wilder and Thea during Legends of Thezmarr were fine, but the banter… the tension…Wren and Torj are on another level. I relished that build-up throughout the book but was a tad disappointed in the ending. However, knowing that book 2 is on the way gives me something to look forward to.

Some of the beloved comedic relief from the first series is woven into this book– Kipp and Cal– and it’s for the plot! Numerous scenes with excellent conversation and banter featured these characters, which helped the storyline flow from the first series.

Miss Helen, you knew exactly what you were doing. I wasn’t sure where you were taking me at the beginning, but consider me sat for the duration of this ride. 

I didn't like Ren as much as I liked Thea, and it made the book a little harder to get through. I know she's the younger sister, but at this point she's older than Thea was in the Legends books, so her immaturity was just annoying. Lots of stupid and selfish decisions that just made me roll my eyes. I wanted to spend more time in Torj's POV, but not just him brooding over Ren. Having some of the other established characters involved was fun, too. 

I love the larger world and seeing how things are changing after the events in the Legends of Thezmarr series. But I do think that if this were the first book I read in this world, I'd be less likely to continue the series. I like the author's writing style and the twists-and-turns that kept me on my toes, this book just felt a little more trope-heavy with an annoying FMC who thinks she knows better than literally everyone. And since it didn't feel like she grew much by the end, it'll probably continue in the next book. 

Iron & Embers is the perfect book for anyone into spicy romantasy stories especially based in an academic setting. 

Wren Embervale is an alchemist turned poisoner who is finally accepted into the alchemist school of her dreams, Drevenor, just one catch though. She’s accepted only after the Royals of the mid realms start dying and she is forced to find a possible cure. Her bodyguard, a Warsword she has a tangled past with, is accompanying her and hopes the two of them can make it out alive. It takes all his willpower not to kill her. Or fall in love with her. 

The audiobook was wonderfully narrated by Emilia Bauer and Matt Haynes in dual POV chapters. They brought fantastic voices to each character that shaped the story into the adventure it is. Helen Scheuerer created a wonderful spin off series from her original series The Legends of Thezmarr. This story was fairly easy to dive into even without previous background, I do wish there was a bit more context added for extra understanding. It will be interesting to see how this new series progresses. The spice level was easily a 5 with those descriptions. The friends and side characters were entertaining and I had such fun with the unexpected twists and turns. 

Thank you Libro.fm and Dreamscape Media for the ALC and the opportunity to hear this story.