Iron & Embers

Darci's Review 

Helen Scheuerer, a well-known romance/fantasy author, has recently begun rising in popularity, with many reviews awarding her Blood & Steel series a solid 5 stars. Since I have never read her work before, delving into her upcoming release Iron & Embers, the first installation in her Ashes of Thezmarr series, was a welcome delight. Scheuerer’s masterful blend of heart-wrenching romance, succinct characterisation, and immersive world building has created an evocative tale of love, bravery, and sacrifice.

Following the life of Wren Embervale, we are introduced to the aftermath of the continental war in Thezmarr. Wren, heir to the throne of a kingdom razed to the ground, finds herself forced out of the dark shadows by the order of Warswords when a threat to royal lives is revealed. Abandoning admittedly villainous vengeance for the death of her siblings, Wren is offered a place at the prestigious alchemist academy of Drevenor. Taking part in a gruelling gauntlet and dangerous classes, Wren becomes an active target of the uprising, which increases the danger she faces tenfold. To Wren’s dismay, Torj Elderbrock is posted as her personal guard; the one person she swore she would hate forever. As their rocky alliance evolves, will Wren find herself in the light, or will darkness prevail?

Iron & Embers beautifully explores the psychological effects of war and its fallout. Grief from lost loved ones, regretted decisions, and missed opportunities are realistically portrayed in the context of the fantastical land of Thezmarr. Political landscaping is another theme explored, showcasing the power with which a common enemy can afford even the smallest of nations – as shown through Wren’s fallen kingdom. Scheuerer also creates a deeply tragic portrait of love and sacrifice, which personally made me heartbroken. A stunning romantasy for fans of Danielle Jensen’s A Fate Inked in Blood and Alexandria Warwick’s West Wind. Highly recommended. Iron & Embers releases on 28/01/2025. Pre-order your copy now!

Publisher's Review 

Wren Embervale, alchemist-turned assassin, finds solace in only one thing: seeking vengeance for the death of her friends. The wars of the past may be over, but her thirst for revenge is far from quenched. For years, she has been content with her poisons and potions for company, but when an unknown form of alchemy is used to attack a king of the midrealms, Wren's time in the shadows comes to an end. She's offered a place at the ancient alchemy academy of Drevenor to find a cure to the dark magic threatening the kingdoms. To win her spot, she must conquer the Gauntlet - a gruelling series of deadly trials that could cost her sanity, or her life. More is at play than sabotage from fellow competitors. Magic wielders are being targeted and Wren becomes tangled in a dangerous web of deception and bloodshed that puts the entire realm at risk. But the biggest threat of all might come from the man assigned to protect her - Torj Elderbrock, the silver-haired war hero who has hated her since she assassinated his last charge. Their shared history ignites a simmering tension that threatens to consume them both. Peace is fragile, trust is scarce and enemies lurk around every corner . . . Will love heal all wounds - or will it be the most lethal poison of all?