Genres: Fantasy Romance, Romantic Fantasy, Epic Fantasy | Release Date: 28 January 2025 | Series: The Ashes of Thezmarr | Series Book: #1 | Pages: 614 | Publisher: Tor Bramble | Review
“There’s no light anymore. Only darkness.“
Helen Scheuerer
Overview:
A huge thank you goes to the amazing Helen Scheuerer, for letting me dive into an e-ARC of Iron & Embers! This fantasy romance marks the start of a new adventure in the midrealms, this time focusing on Wren Embervale and Torj Elderbrock, who were side characters in The Legends of Thezmarr quartet. I will tell you now, you do *not* have to read that quartet to enjoy this one! Wren’s story is designed to stand on its own, although Legends readers will have witnessed some of the past events as they happened. Now let’s give you an overview, shall we?!
Since the end of a war which saw her lose loved ones, Wren’s been hunting down anyone even remotely responsible. Becoming an assassin is easy, and revenge is hers for the taking. But when one of the kings of the midrealms is attacked, it’s time for Wren to come out of the shadows. A cure must be found for the dark magic at work, and the ancient academy of Drevenor awaits. But to remain at the academy? Wren must pass a series of trials known as the Gauntlet, and it could cost her everything, including her life. Can Wren survive the cutthroat nature of the academy and the alchemists who study there? Is she ready to find her way through past trauma and embrace life once more? And just how far can she push Torj Elderbrock, the Warsword assigned to protect her, before everything implodes — whether in hate or love?
Firefoot by Hocus Pony was a very necessary calming influence for this adventure!
Happiness Boost:
Iron & Embers delivers on so many levels, but the one I most love? Is the choice of Wren Embervale as our FMC. Although full of fire and grief, Wren isn’t your typical warrior. She’d much rather craft a deadly potion than wield a sword, and the complex trauma of her past colours every decision she makes. I witnessed her fracturing with my heart in my throat, and begged for her to catch a break. Just one. Anything that could make her come back from this darkness and live. Helen’s mastery over emotions and the darkest part of a person’s psyche is truly something to behold.
Within Iron & Embers we are told, again and again, to take nothing for granted. With a restless faction amongst the general populace eager to see the downfall of the monarchies across the midrealms, Wren must be on her guard. Because even though she is not a queen, her lineage means that she could wear a crown if she so chose. Add to this growing tension the jagged relationship between her and Torj? I was utterly spellbound, unable to move. It’s like Wren used one of her potions on me and rendered me speechless. No word of a lie, the words of this fantasy romance will sink into your soul and become a part of you.
I have so much I want to share with you, when it comes to this gorgeous tale. But spoilers are devious little gremlins, and I want to avoid them as much as possible. So what else can I tell you? Well… If Helen Scheuerer wasn’t a name already on your auto-buy author list, she better be now! Her world building is rich and distinctive, crafting a realm unlike any other. The characters are a perfect mixture of fractured hearts and indomitable spirits, just waiting for the right moment to do the unexpected. Iron & Embers is a fantasy romance to be treasured for decades to come.
Downside:
Is there such a thing as a downside when it comes to Helen’s writing?! No!
Final Thoughts:
Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer is a fantasy romance full of fiery characters, devastating choices and the will to survive it all. As a reader, I have been left in a messy puddle of tears. Did I expect that in book one of The Ashes of Thezmarr trilogy? A little, because I don’t trust authors not to hurt my heart. But for once I wasn’t actually crying from sadness?! I literally sobbed because it was so well written. And that has never happened to me before! Love what you’ve heard from my review? Click on any of the links below and pre-order this amazing book! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can pre-order Iron & Embers via these links:
