Iron & Embers

The Ashes of Thezmarr, Book 1

De: Helen Scheuerer

Narrado por: Matt Haynes, Emilia Bauer

“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.

©2025 Helen Scheuerer (P)2025 Dreamscape Media

Amazing voices for storytelling

I cried at the end. Such an amazing story. The voices made this book even better

This was so good!

Very slow burn but great relationship building a bit of heart clenching moments and action! Love these characters. Torj is scrummy

My heart is broken

Love this story but you did us dirty with that cliffhanger. I been crying for the last hour and I don’t know how long I will have to wait for my HEA

HS does it again. Such a great read!!

This was like going to my favorite restaurant and ordering my favorite meal… and it was even better than I remember it!! If you enjoyed Legends of Thezmar you will not be disappointed.

Steamy and clever

Can’t wait for the next book. I really enjoyed wren and Torj’s story. The introduces some new characters and keeps many old favorites.

Iron and embers

I love this story, I love the Thezmarr world so much. The narrator for Wren was awesome, but I really, really struggled with Torj’s narrator. Torj always felt darker and harder. This narrator made him sound almost haughty sometimes. Cocky when I feel like Torj’s character was usually more earnest. I love this story but was really disappointed in the Torj narrator.

THE YEARNING

This was so beautiful. And devastating. I need book 2 immediately. I need to know what happens with these two. 😭

Oh my heart!

I know it did not just end like that and I have to wait on the next one.

5 freaking stars!!!!

I love being back in this world! I loved wrens story. I also loved that we still get some of the great characters from Legends of Thezmarr, like Kip. I cannot wait for more of this story.

Simply an ok storyline

This author quickly became one of my favorites with her last series, so I was excited to see her continue the story in this new installment. While I was looking forward to diving back into this world, I found the storyline a bit flatter than her previous work.

Wren, the main female character I adored from the original series, still shines with her strong, alchemist personality. She’s bold, intelligent, and consistent with how she was previously written. The male lead fits the classic brooding archetype—moody but with a soft side—which I didn’t mind. The tension between them is a very slow burn, despite their shared history, which made for an interesting dynamic.

That said, the plot itself felt a little forced, like it was being steered in a direction that didn’t fully develop naturally. It wasn’t bad by any means—still an enjoyable listen—but it lacked the spark and depth I expected. I’ll likely give the next book a try, just to see where it goes, but I’m not left with that “OMG, I need to listen to the next one right now!” feeling.