Iron & Embers Review (The Ashes of Thezmarr)
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Available on Kindle Unlimited
What is Iron & Embers?
Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer is the first book in The Ashes of Thezmarr trilogy. Currently only the first book is available, but the second book is due to release in July with the third intended to be released by the end of the year. While the series is a spin-off of Scheurer’s series, The Legends of Thezmarr, it is written so that readers can enjoy it without having first read the original series. However, readers who have read The Legends of Thezmarr first will get the most out of this reading experience.
It is important to remember this is a dark, romantic fantasy intended for adults. As such, it touches on topics that may be sensitive or too graphic for some readers.
Iron & Embers Summary
Five years after the events of Shadow & Storms, Wren Embervale has become a recluse hidden away in her desolate kingdom. Once a promising young alchemist, she has spent the last five years seeking out and assassinating those responsible for the war. She will stop at nothing to finish off those on her list, even if it fills her once promising relationship with the Warsword Torj with more animosity. When a mysterious and dangerous new form of alchemy begins threatening the royals of the Midrealms, Wren is forced out of her solitude and sent to Drevenor, the academy for alchemy she has always dreamed of attending. Being a royal herself she must have a protector while she attends the academy. Who better to do so than the handsome and very angry Torj?
What did I like/not like about the book?
This was by far my favorite of the Thezmarr books! I loved learning more about Torj and Wren whom I found myself constantly intrigued by while reading the original series. Their love story seemed more authentic to me than that of Wilder and Thea. I loved the idea that people blamed the royals for what had happened and that there was tension in this world after the war. I loved that this story focused on Wren and the trauma she felt after the original series. Plus! You get more time with some of your favorite characters from the original series. That’s right you get so much more Kipp and Cal in this story and their dynamic is just as wonderful as in the original series. Of course, you get to see Wilder and Thea as well and will be happy to see where the last five years has taken them.
Interconnected series are my new favorite thing that authors are doing. I LOVE reading about side characters from the original series and often I enjoy these stories more. This story did not disappoint! It was tense, emotional, and at times heart wrenching. But beware, Scheuerer loves to end her stories with a good (or slightly devastating cliffhanger)!
This book is might be for you if you enjoyed Cassian and Nesta more than Rhysand and Feyre.
Tropes You’ll love?
Body Guard
Trials/Games
Academy Setting
Fated Mates
