Iron & Embers (The Ashes of Thezmarr, # 1)
By: Helen Scheuerer
Publication: January 28, 2025 by Alchemy
614 pages
Genre: Adult, Fantasy
Source: Personal Kindle Library
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Goodreads description--“I’ve made no secret of what I want... You. It’s always been you.”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 grueling 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?
Iron & Embers is the breathtaking first installment in the epic fantasy romance series, The Ashes of Thezmarr. With its lush world-building, sizzling chemistry, and heart-pounding action it’s perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, From Blood & Ash, and The Bridge Kingdom.
Wren was one of my favorite character from The Legends of Thezmarr series. Torj also. But Wren has been through a lot. The war in the previous series left her broken and hurting. And as a result, she pushed everyone she loved away. She allowed herself to become filled with bitterness and anger. And she wanted revenge on those still alive who didn't "pay" the ultimate price for their participation in the downfall of the realms and ultimately the death of her sister and countless others. I don't do well with a victim mentality. And that's definitely the place were Wren started and spent a good portion of this book.
Because of the bad mental space that Wren finds herself in, Audra won't recommend her to the alchemy academy of Drevenor that has been Wren's dream for years. But she finally makes it in, and Wren must turn her mental state around or she won't survive. But her place isn't garunteed and she has to make it past the gauntlet to be allowed true entry into her studies.
Torj and Wren haven't yet shared too much together. But their draw to each other was obvious. Torj is assigned to guard Wren as one of the last Embervale sisters and heir to the crown. The tensions between them can't help but bubble to the surface with all of their close contact. Especially since not all the evil in the realm has been conquerered. Magic weilders have begun to be targeted. And that means Wren isn't safe anymore.
I liked Wren and Torj, but I was really, really annoyed at the decisions made at the end of the book. I know that's because the main characters in a series can't really be together in the first book. There must be some kind of conflict to split them apart that they must overcome over the next however many books. Yet it felt out of characters, out of the blue, and such an overused plot devices that I couldn't help but roll my eyes. I mean this event itself took down my Star rating an entire point. It took a perfectly good book into the "meh" category for me. And even though I plan to continue the series, this ending has me not rushing out to pick up book 2 even though it's been published for several months as this point.
On page spice and language are present in high amounts. More than I prefer. So if this is a deal-breaker for you then Iron and Embers isn't going to be the book for you.
Favorite quote:
-"I had no idea they would be used in this way." "Nor do most creators envision their work being used for evil when they're deep in the throes of innovation. But there is danger in inventions, risk in all design. You will come to learn that here at Drevenor."
I liked this quote because it is so true. Evil is evil. And evil people with evil intentions will find a way to accomplsih their evil purposes one way or the other. And it sucks when something was created for good but those evil people use it for their evil purposes.
-"Shut up and eat your sweets, Warsword."
Iron and Embers was overall a frustrating read for me. I was annoyed with Wren and her mental state through the beginning of the book. The middle of the book was the most enjoyable. That is about all I can say without spoilers. And the ending was a load of horse mess. I'm giving Iron and Embers 3 Stars. Have you read Iron & Embers? What did you think? Let me know!
This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.
