Book Review: Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer

Title: Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer

Release Date: 28th January 2025

Publisher: Tor Bramble UK

RRP: 34.99 AUD

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis:

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?

Review:

I have seriously heard nothing but amazing things about Helen Scheuerer’s books, so I was incredibly thrilled to be offered the chance to read Iron & Embers early! I was initially worried about not having read the Legends of Thezmarr books, but WOW did I feel truly connected to the story! I love how readable and seamless this book is and can only imagine for those who’s read TLoT - how much more incredible the feeling is to come back to a world you’re so in love and familiar with <3

There is SOOO much detail in this book and I LOVEEE it!! A lot of the romance fantasy books I’ve been reading lately have too little focus on the build-up and pacing of the story, focusing more on the romance - which is fine, but I definitely know now where my preferences lie with Romantasy books! Iron & Embers is SO well structured, with a fast-paced slow burn (if this makes sense?!), historical elements, fleshed out characters, and incredible writing. It is chef’s kiss in every way possible! I felt truly connected to the characters and the world. There is no rush to the character development or the romance - the author is so lovingly careful with introducing the right scenes at the right time!!! I love it SO much!!!

If I were to describe the book in one word, it would be thoughtful. The book carefully eases you into the world and its characters, slowly peeling away at their layers, revealing things about their past and secrets in bread-crumb like fashion while showing us their personalities through their decisions and conversations.

I loved getting to know about the war from the LoT books! I loved the exploration of trauma and seeing the way Torj and Wren grow from helping out one another. I loved learning about Wren and seeing what makes her feel comfortable, what scares her and what excites her. I loved learning about our broody hero Torj, whose soft side we get to explore in so much depth, how painfully careful he is around Wren despite the gnawing grudge he’s harbored towards her from the past. I loved seeing them get to know each other - like, REALLY getting to know each other - on an emotional level. I LOVE that while there is lust between the two, there’s an actual relationship between them that’s been building from the very beginning, and one that is sweet and wholesome and tangible, with the right amount of banter and a whole lot of care. Their romance has one of the most perfect pacings I’ve read in a while. The build up is SO satisfying, and the tension keeps you flipping those pages. The yearning and slow burn was SO good, you guys… I LOVE it!!!

After finishing this book, I can also safely say that I’ve got the answer to the question: “if you could master any skill in the world, what would it be?” To which I’ll say, “Alchemy!”

I love how nuanced the exploration of alchemy was! The way it has healing and deadly properties, and how we see these elements unfold throughout the story. I loved the ancient alchemy academy setting, the classes they take and seeing how each student prove that they have what it takes to graduate. I adored Wren’s sharpness and her motivation to be the best among her peers. I LOVE that she’s amazing at what she does but is also flawed in lots of ways! How many more times can I use the word “love”???? It’s such an incredibly written book with such a rich setting. Amazing characters. Very intriguing school setting with competitions and problem solving scenes (I looooooooooove).

I am forever grateful to Pan Macmillan for sending over an early copy to read. Thank you so much to the team! I cannot WAIT to read book 2 and 3 (both out this year?!?!? Hello?!?!?! Miss Helen you need a break but also ily so much for letting us indulge in more of Wren and Torj’s story 🥹🥹🥹)