Love that breaks the rules: Wren & Torj finally get the spotlight they deserve!
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“There is nothing so poisonous as that which the mind conjures.”
― Helen Scheuerer, Iron & Embers
If Nesta and Cassian were your favorite pairing in A Court of Silver Flames, I’ve got your next scorching hot read right here.
It’s forbidden. It’s fate. And it’s finally their time. Wren & Torj finally get the spotlight they deserve, and you’ll never see the ending coming.
As the first installment of The Ashes of Thezmarr series, Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer continues in the world of The Legends of Thezmarr series. This time, readers are thrust into the world of alchemy following the former protagonist’s sister, Elwren “Wren” Embervale, and her less-than-subtle love interest and fan-favorite Warsword, Torj.
But if you think this book is just going to be a repeat of the Legends series, think again: The banter. The yearning. The spice. Not to mention Wren’s good-girl-gone-bad vibes; she’s one alchemist no one wants to cross. Wren proves to be no shadow to her sister Thea–she commands her own story and shines right through.
Continuing the world of Thezmarr also brings many of our beloved supporting characters from The Legends of Thezmarr to the forefront. Cal and Kipp return with all their comedic relief, and we’re introduced to some interesting new characters as well. Of course, Thea and Wilder make a brief appearance, and it feels like a true family reunion.
While Iron & Embers takes place five years after the War, we’re fed glimpses of what our characters have been up to for half a decade. Grappling with post-traumatic stress, Wren is finally offered the chance of a lifetime to study at the clandestine Drevenor Academy, but with one caveat–Torj has been assigned as her personal bodyguard.
You can imagine the tension building from this forbidden love already, can’t you?
Even though we know Torj and Wren will have to end up together somehow, the path is certainly not linear. I must admit, I was wondering how Scheuerer would make a full series out of this one. Boy, did this author deliver yet again. I’m glad that the next book of the series is releasing in just a few more weeks, because the way Iron & Embers ended had my jaw on the floor.
“Just like that, Embers', he told her recklessly as they reached the door to his room. 'No games. No secrets. You're what has been missing all my life. And I intend to keep you. Consequences be damned.”
― Helen Scheuerer, Iron & Embers
This book is more than just a forbidden love; it’s about the power of staying true to oneself, and unconditionally accepting another person as they are, too.
Put Iron & Embers on your TBR for 2025 immediately, and be sure to grab a copy of Thorns & Fire when it releases on July 29.
The Ashes of Thezmarr
Thorns & Fire
Kindle
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Meet Jessica Roman, author of Scorpion Grasses, a coming-of-age paranormal romance exploring LGBTQIA+ identity, abuse, and acceptance.