March Book Club: Iron & Embers
March was one for the fantasy girlies!!!!
I know lots of besties are apprehensive about fantasy and think ‘NUP NOT FOR ME’ but book club is all about pushing out of our comfort zones and trying some fresh and different.
Iron and Embers by Helen Scheuerer is book one of The Ashes of Thezmarr series with book 2 and 3 due out in the next 12 months (so no long waits if you’re keen to commit…. IYKYK). Think female lead with magic and of course, there is some romance weaved in there too.
Full synopsis below.
‘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 gruelling 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?’
There was SO much potential in the alchemy and I loved Wren as a strong female character. But god I found the strong line so cringe worthy and it lent into the romance leaving me wanting more MAGIC more POTIONS. The intimate scenes fell short and the ending? Obviously setting us up for a sequel that I won’t be reading.
I wanted to love it but 2.5/5 ⭐️ from me.
You can Purchase Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer here