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Iron & Embers. is the first book in The Ashes of Thezmarr series — a romantic fantasy (or romantasy, if you prefer). I managed to find it only in its original English edition in a few Croatian bookstores.
Iron & Embers. – steel and flame
The story takes place five years after a devastating war across the five kingdoms. Our main heroine, Wren Embervale, is both an alchemist and an assassin, driven by revenge for her fallen friends. Her biggest dream is to become the best alchemist there is. Getting accepted into Drevenor Academy might finally make that possible. She’s been preparing all year for the deadly Gauntlet exams to prove she’s worthy of the title and join those who fight to heal the dark magic threatening the realms.
But Drevenor Academy is no ordinary school. Its lessons are as dangerous as its secrets, and being the heir to one of the five thrones only makes Wren an even bigger target. That’s why she’s assigned a protector — Torj Elderbrock, one of the most impressive warriors of his time. Their partnership is supposed to stay professional. But what happens when the tension between them turns into something neither can ignore?
Brilliant worldbuilding
The author builds her world with amazing precision and creativity, guiding us through lands full of magic and power. This series is perfect for anyone who loves epic adventures and immersive fantasy worlds. Technically, it’s a spin-off from The Legends of Thezmarr (which is set a few years earlier). I haven’t read that series, but it didn’t affect my understanding of this story — some familiar characters even make appearances here.
Thezmarr lies in the midrealms and serves as a prestigious institute training elite warriors who protect the Five Kingdoms. Another key institution is Drevenor — an academy for alchemists who fight wars in their own way: through potions, poisons, and concoctions that can kill, manipulate, or reshape the world. Torj comes from Thezmarr, Wren from Drevenor, and together they’re part of a larger mission — rebuilding what’s been lost after the war and stopping new threats born from dark magic, rogue alchemy, and monstrous creatures.
Wren and Torj
The dynamic between Wren and Torj is pure joy to read. If Torj’s name rings a bell, that’s no coincidence. He carries a hammer that has no magical enhancements — except, of course, his own strength. He becomes even deadlier once Wren infuses that hammer with the power of her storms.
They’ve known each other for years, constantly dancing around the attraction between them. The war left deep scars on both, making it hard to be vulnerable or honest — until circumstances force them to spend more time together. Old feelings resurface, sparks fly, and the two of them manage to complicate things beautifully — as only true professionals can.
The best Poisoner
Wren completely steals the spotlight in this story. At the start, she’s emotionally shattered — closed off and merciless. Her path toward healing begins only after she earns her place at Drevenor, where she must also hide her true identity as the Poisoner — the mysterious figure who’s spent years after the war taking out war criminals with her ingenious poisons. At the academy, she finally gets a chance to refine her craft, and for the first time since losing her loved ones, she begins to feel a sense of belonging… maybe even family.
She’s a fantastic main character: strong but flawed, confident but human. She has purpose, willpower, and integrity. We see her doubts, her growth, and her brilliant moments. She’s exactly the kind of female lead more books need — not perfect, but real. She makes mistakes, she learns, and she stands her ground. She doesn’t just go along with what others expect of her. Partly because she’s a grown woman in her thirties with real life experience — and partly because this author actually knows how to write complex, grounded female characters. And honestly? It’s refreshing.
Iron & Embers. is only the beginning
The book ends on a cliffhanger — or more like a cold shower, a stolen moment. Just when you think the characters have finally earned a win, it’s ripped away, leaving you desperate to grab the next book. It’s a hefty one (about 500 pages), but there’s not a single slow chapter. Every scene connects beautifully, and the pacing feels natural and clear.
The dialogue is sharp and full of energy. Wren and Torj constantly challenge each other, never afraid to call one another out when needed. They know how to argue, set boundaries, and still respect each other. And as for the spicy scenes? You’ll be happy to know they deliver. Not overly explicit — just the right kind of hot.
I’m already reading the second book, Thorns & Fire, before finishing with Silver & Smoke. Some readers have compared this series to Fourth Wing, though I haven’t read that one myself, so I can’t say for sure how alike they are. If you love this genre, I’ve got more fantasy romance recommendations for you here.
Tropes: enemies to lovers, slow burn romance, forced proximity, soulmates, dark academia.
- Helen Scheuerer: Iron & Embers (The Ashes of Thezmarr #1) - 22/02/2026
- Helen Scheuerer: Iron & Embers. (The Ashes of Thezmarr #1) - 22/02/2026
- Tko zapravo piše “romantasy” naslove? - 12/02/2026