This book made me laugh out loud then sob my heart out. Every time is came to a climax, there was somehow more afterwards. I need to read more of Helen Scheuerer's work asap. Although I read this book with no context of the other books set in this world, I am keen to learn more of the backstory to this one.

Wren's story is heartwrenching, and I loved the way her PTSD from the war is portrayed. Her love for alchemy shines clearly and the passion made me feel passionate about it for her.

I also love Torj and his steadyfast feelings and dedication. Some characters like him would be two-dimensional, but Torj feels well rounded and fleshed out.

The slow burn romance was amazing. The way the love story played out, and the hints that it was fated throughout were intoxicating. I guessed when Torj didn't say about the soul bond that there would be consequences, but I cried so hard at what they were.

The worldbuilding was also excellent. The school felt fresh and alive, with enough description to imagine the dubgeons, gardens, greenhouses and library clearly.

I can't wait to read the next book!

This book was an ARC, but all views are my own.

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. 

**𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘** 𝑰𝒓𝒐𝒏 & 𝑬𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒏 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒖𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒓 (𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒛𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒓 #1 )

Release Date: January 28, 2025

5⭐️4🌶

This book sucked me in from the moment the lost princess turned assassin via going to school to become a full Alchemist who can poison or heal someone in a moment. Wren has only ever wanted to go to Drevenor school to hone her skills with herbs, poisons, and potions. Prior to the war, she had been an apprentice in Thezmarr to become a healer, but after the war her focus became revenge. In the five years since the war ended, she has spent her time tracking down and poisoning all those who took her friends and family. 

Torj is a Warsword who has been enamored with her since before the war when they were living in Thezmarr together, but her path for vengeance did not allow for love and romance. So, he watched over her from afar.

Torj and Wren are forced to work together when Torj is posted as her personal bodyguard after an attempt on another royals life has put all royals in jeopardy. Torj is not thrilled with this post, because he has been avoiding Wren since she ruined his mission two years ago with her plans for vengeance.  

Themes/Tropes:
🍁Warrior-Warrior relationship
🍁Bodyguard Romance
🍁Lost Princess Trope
🍁Throne of Glass vibes
🍁Snape vibes
🍁Dark Acadamia Potion/Poison school
🍁Harry Potter/Hunger Games Vibes

TW:
✨Loss of family members
✨Murder by violence
✨Murder by poisoning
✨Battle Sequences
✨Physical Trials

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.

 

Helen has done it again! Another masterpiece! 

 

Set 5 years after the Legends of Thezmarr series, a new danger once again threatens the realm once more by targeting the royals. 

It felt great to return to Thezmarr, reuniting with my favorite characters—especially the hilarious duo, Kipp and Cal, who never fail to liven up the story with their antics! 

 

I’ve always admired Wren (FMC) from the previous series for her creativity and intelligence as an alchemist, a role that proved crucial in the last war. 

In this book, I get an up-close look at just how dangerous and cunning Wren can be when she wants to. 

This story is an emotional journey for Wren as she battles her grief, guilt and her need of revenge. But, she’s trying to find her true purpose again with the help of new friends and a certain lovely yet annoying Warsword!  

 

 

Now, let’s talk about the romance! 
 I adore the love-hate relationship between Wren and Torj—the bantering, flirting, and longing gazes create delicious tension. 

Their chemistry is off the charts! I love seeing them slowly open up to each other and explore their newfound feelings whenever they’re together. 

 

 

The last few chapters are action-packed, keeping my eyes glued to my Kindle. 

I didn’t want to miss a single badass moment from the alchemist and the Warswords fighting side by side. 

However, I wasn’t expecting that CLIFF-HANGER to drop out of nowhere, and now I’m in misery, waiting for book two to find out what happens next! 

 

Overall, this is a promising start for this new series! 

The sizzling slow-burn romance, rich world-building, and thrilling action are perfectly balanced, making this book so addictive that putting it down is the last thing I want to do. 

I’m really looking forward to the sequel, Thorns and Fire, coming out in July 2025! 
(I hope July comes sooner...!!) 

 

 

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Death, torture, murder, kidnapping, grief, brief mention of medical trauma and medical content 

A decadently lush, slow-burn romantasy with plenty of high stakes action that kept me on the edge of my seat —and feeling ALL the emotions, ‘til the very end.

This is actually the first of Helen Scheuerer’s books I’ve read. But with vividly immersive prose, an endearing found family-esque cast of characters (Kipp and Cal were particular faves) and simmering romantic tension between protagonists, Wren and Torj —she’s completely won me over.

I was especially impressed with just how much depth we explore in each of our MCs. Particularly Wren, who was such quick witted and determined character, with a heartbreaking backstory that’s really taken her to some dark places emotionally (and alchemically.) But watching her work through that trauma, and come out the other side stronger and ready to embrace her abilites was amazing. 

Likewise, I really adored Torj, our brooding Warsword who uses his rough physical exterior and battle hardened reputation to hide his vulnerabilities from the world. But inside he’s a gooey (and unrelentingly loyal) cinnamon roll who’s willing to risk everything (and anything) for the people he cares for most. Which I found super fun to explore, even if it resulted in some heartbreakingly emotional scenes. 

Not to mention their swoon-worthy chemistry! I waited with bated breath through every one of their interactions just so I could bask in that deliciously romantic intensity. We do get some poignant moments too, a few of which very nearly broke me— so do be sure to stock up on tissues! 

It is technically a sexier, more adult spin off to the YA The Legends of Thezmarr series (being set after the Shadow War that Wren and Torj were heavily involved in.) 

But was incredibly enjoyable, even without prior knowledge of that series, as Scheuerer weaves the backstory and lore so skilfully into the plot—bringing soo much depth (and dimension) without slowing the pace or getting too exposition-y (which I loved!) 

If you’re planning to read The Legends of Thezmarr, however, I definitely suggest waiting to pick this up until after you’ve finished, so as not to spoil that series’ ending. 

Overall, a phenomenal series starter that’s perfect for anyone craving a slow-burn romance with a side of epic fantasy, political intrigue, or high stakes (poison based) plots (Just be sure to check the TWs.) I honestly don’t know how I’m gonna survive the wait ‘til book 2! 

Also, a huge thank you to Tor Bramble UK / BookBreak UK for the incredible proof