One line review – Do not read unless you've read the previous series (Blood and Steel)

Iron and Embers was an enjoyable read, and I particularly loved the characters and their development. However, I can't help but feel disappointed by how this book was marketed. It was pitched as a standalone set five years after the Blood and Steel series, focusing on side characters. Given that description, I expected a self-contained story that could be enjoyed independently.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. There are numerous references to the previous series. Certain events and characters were mentioned repeatedly. Because of this, I would not recommend reading Iron and Embers without first reading Blood and Steel. Despite being marketed as a standalone, it heavily makes reference to characters and events in the previous series, making it feel more like a sequel than an independent novel. I know I’m not alone in this opinion, as many other readers have expressed similar frustrations.

That being said, if you’ve already read Blood and Steel, you’ll likely appreciate the continuation of the world and the development of familiar characters. But if you’re new to the author’s work and were hoping to start here, I’d strongly suggest picking up Blood and Steel first for a much better reading experience.

There is no rhyme or reason to why people are taken from us.
No greater meaning,
no justice.

➼ dark academia
➼ forced proximity
➼ bodyguard romance
➼ dual POV
➼ alchemist
➼ found family
➼ slow burn