3.75 Stars ⭐️

While this is the second book in this trilogy, it is actually part of a spinoff of the original series -The Legends of Thezmarr. I only mention this because there is a lot of history and back story behind the storyline in this particular book. THIS series focuses on the other Embervale sister - Wren Embervale- and her relationship with the WarSword Torj Elderbrock - The Bearslayer.

I am a huge fan of this series as a whole, but there have definitely been good books in the series and then some books have fallen flat. Unfortunately, to me, this book fell in the "flat" category. This book seems to suffer from the middle book syndrome as it really felt like a lot of filler to get us to the dramatic conclusion of book 3.

I've mentioned before that one of my big complaints in this series has to do with the s*x scenes between the FMC and the MMC. It really doesn't seem to matter who the MC's are because it happens in all of the books with different MC's. I have absolutely NO problem with s*x scenes in general, more power to you. It is the fact that once they start to go at it - it is non-stop. They stop in the middle of action scenes - fights to the death with the bad guys and just can't stop themselves. Seriously, in one scene I was thinking, "really? With all the dead bodies right there?"

I bring this up specifically because one of these times in this book, there is another example when they just couldn't stop themselves. Beyond me thinking, "Seriously?" it actually impacted the storyline and created this whole new issue that was so unnecessary. It felt like it was thrown in for just that reason and those kind of scenes where it feels like the plot is forced are never good. It pulls you out of the story and for me, it is irritating. But, I have enjoyed the series as a whole and I will more than likely continue onward to see how things turn out.

This book was narrated by Matt Haynes and Emilia Bauer. They did a good job with the narration and they have been the voice of the last couple of books. It is nice to have a consistent sound for characters that we have come to know and like.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this audio ARC. This book will be out for publication on July 31, 2025.

4.5 ⭐️ This is the perfect follow up to the first book. I loved how seamlessly it continued the story without missing a beat. I’m obsessed with Wren and Torj. Their chemistry is still amazing and there might be even more yearning and tension in this one than the first book.
Wren continues to grow into her power, and Torj? Broody, complex, and impossible not to root for. Together, they light the whole book on fire. Can’t wait for book 3

Middle book syndrome? Not a chance. This book did not have any of the typical pitfalls often seen in middle books of a trilogy. It picked up right where Iron & Embers left off, and kept on running. Helen Scheuerer’s writing is always so well developed, incorporating action and romance in a vivid fantasy world.

The yearning, longing, and tension were absolutely torturous in the perfect way. The chemistry between Wren and Torj is unmatched, only amplified by the soul bond component. Their fiery interactions are SO GOOD that you can feel their desperation in a tangible way.

The side characters, as always, were hilarious and heart warming. I wouldn’t trade Kipp, Cal, Thea, or Wilder for anything! I love getting more of their stories in this series.

The audio performance included dual narration from Matt Haynes & Emilia Bauer, to portray the POVs of Torj & Wren, respectively. Whether it was dialogue, action scenes, or romantic entanglements, the inflection and voices were so well done! They were both such excellent picks to bring this story to audiobook.

Thorns & Fire releases on July 29, 2025, and on July 31, 2025 for the audiobook!

Thank you Dreamscape Media (via Netgalley) for gifting me with an ALC, all thoughts expressed are my own.

Oh my goodness this book right here is a masterpiece. There are not enough stars to rate my love for it!

The audiobook for Thorns & Fire was amazing. I did love the depth that listening to the audiobook provided for the story. I love listening to the narrators intonation, pacing and overall charisma and enthusiasm they bring to the character profile. And I am absolutely a sucker for that deep gravelly, male character voice.

Thorns & Fire is book two in the Ashes of Thezmarr series in this book gave me everything I needed after the ending of book one. The amount of yearning and groveling is next level amazing. Torj’s possessiveness and complete, touch her and be subject to not walking this earth any longer, attitude is utterly perfect. Really the chemistry between Wren and Torj is just something you don’t get as much in books anymore. Authors strive to create the chemistry but sometimes it falls short. Not here. You can FEEL the electricity between Wren and Torj with every interaction.

I was soo happy to see my other favorite Thezmarrians, Thea, Wilder, Kipp and Cal. Kipp steals the show at times, per usual, and I was all there for it! I LOVED the sisterly love that Thea and Wren have for each other and still enjoy seeing the little moments between Thea and Wilder.

Wren continues to grow her relationship with Dessa and Zavier but I’m keeping my eyes on Dessa.

Helen’s writing pulled me right in and every word had me longing for the next. It’s the type of book you just can’t buy down, the literal definition of “just one more chapter” but then staying up late finishing the whole darn thing!

This was a great middle book to a trilogy! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved that Torj and Wren weren’t apart for too long and that they were able to communicate like adults. I liked the female narrator more than the male narrator but they were both very good. Excited for the finale later this year to see how the story concludes!!

4 stars. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audiobook!

UGH! I’m so glad I was able to get an early copy of this book. I have loved Helen’s series, and I especially love Wren and Torj, individually and together. This book is a continuation of the spinoff series and we follow Wren and Torj navigate themselves, the new conflicts around them, and their feelings for one another. I am glad we were able to see Torj’s secrets from the first book come out and Wren dealing with them.

In the first series, I couldn’t wait for this spinoff series, and the second book exceeded my expectations! The little snippets of Kipp (<3) and Cal made me smile and I hope we get to see even more of them in the final book. Also, I have grown so fond of Zavier, and I hope he’s featured some more in the next book (and possibly a side character romance🫣) It has been awesome seeing Wren’s growth from the original series to the first book to now. She is so strong, intelligent, but still has her struggles. TORJ! I love u man but oh my god sometimes he makes me so mad, but I am glad he shared his thoughts, secrets, and memories with Wren. My frustrations with Torj made this less than 5 stars for me and also it did have some (needed imo) filler for their relationship and the buildup for the final!

I already know the final book is going to be gut wrenching and I absolutely CANNOT wait!!! Helen is such a wonderful writer and I always adore her books!

The narration was wonderful as well!

This was such a great sequel! I loved the tension and longing between Wren and Torj, there was so much emotion simmering under the surface . The dual POVs added extra depth, letting me really connect with both characters. And it was so fun to get more time with side characters I already adored from the first series, especially Kip, who completely stole every scene he was in. .
The worldbuilding keeps getting better, and the story pulled me in even more this time around. And that ending? I’m not okay. I need the next book!

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it! The narrators brought so much emotion and personality to the characters, and made the story even more immersive. I didn’t want to stop listening.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in an exchange for an honest review.

More great banter and alchemy from our main duo of this series. Ends on a major cliffhanger, I don’t know why I thought this was the end of the series. Loved the narrators and the surprises in this book. As always it’s great to see the characters from the former series and the fantastic side characters.

I can't possibly give this book less than 5 stars. The longing! Wren and Torj! They captured my heart and set it ablaze.

I also will refuse to experience the next book any other way than this one - as an immersive reading experience.
I need the book to catch all the details - but I'm also completely blown away by the narrators of the audiobook. They give all their passion into voicing these characters, and I found myself just stopping and staring while listening.
So if you get a chance - get both the book and audiobook. I promise you won't be disappointed!

I won't get into too much detail, as this is the sequel to Iron and Embers - but we're dealing with the aftermath of book 1, while also trying to find a new path, discover new strengths and uncover world-shattering secrets.

While we have a dark academia setting in book 1, now our protagonists are on a journey. And I will admit that much of this book feels like getting everything ready for the big finale. But I honestly don't mind! As long as Wren and Torj are at the heart of everything, I will even read them doing basic chores for 600 pages.
There's also side characters I can't wait to read more of in the next installment.
And the ending of the book has me buzzing for Silver and Smoke (which will be here in December - so the wait is not too long, thankfully).

5/5 stars

Thank you @netgalley and @Dreamscape_Mediaand @panmacmillan for the eARC!

#ThornsAndFire #AshesOfThezmarr #Bookstagram #Netgalley

Thank you NetGalley and DreamScape Media for the Audio Arc!
The narrators did an amazing job bringing this to life.
Helen Scheuerer is one of my autobuy authors and this books was a refreshing dive back into her world!

Thank you NetGalley and DreamScape Media for an Audio Arc of this story!

Diving back into the Midrealms healed part of my soul. The story was absolutely fantastic! It grabbed me right from the start and never let go. Helen’s story telling always top tier. Went through all of the emotions!

This is an absolute must read/listen.

The narrators yet again brought the story to life.

4 stars

I always enjoy Helen Scheuerer's books, and this was no different! I love that this series is bringing up all the unresolved things from the legends of thezmarr series. After reading this, I’m very glad I read it first.
This does feel a bit like a filler book in the fantasy department. With the way book 1 ended, it was needed to lean more into the development of their romance. I do think the reveals make it worth it and I’m excited about the direction the series is going in! I def think book 3 will be my fav of the series bc of how this ended!!

I have no words…this book was the perfect sequel to continue wren and torj’s story. it picked up right where book one left off and that was a painful reminder in of itself but then there was comedic relief, forced proximity, crazy reveals, and scenes that kept me on my toes. ofc that ending gave me no sense of relief and I need book three in my hands now.

not including any quotes for obvious reasons but let’s just say I highlighted a LOT of great quotes 🤭 huge thank you to helen and team for giving me an e-arc and for allowing me to be apart of the thorns & fire street team! and thank you to net galley for the sending me the audiobook.

Scheuerer delivered another smash hit with Thorns & Fire. I read this book start to finish in under 24 hours, and it would’ve been less but life got in the way of my reading time. This picks up following the ending of Iron & Embers as Torj and Wren are forced to navigate the fall out from Torj’s decision. I felt that Scheuerer handled the pacing in this book incredibly well. There was a lot that needed to happen in terms of character growth/relationship growth, but it was balanced beautifully with political machinations and fight sequences. I felt that the relationship between Wren and Torj was thought out and approached with care. Both characters needed to put in work, and I appreciated that it wasn’t an easy path to each other. I really appreciated that we got to see another side of Wren - she felt more vulnerable and relatable in this book while struggling with trying to get her alchemy just right. I also adore the cameos that Scheuerer adds to the story. I especially loved getting to see ore of the sisterly moments between Wren and Thea. I don’t think I can review a Thezmarr story without mentioning Kipp. He may be a side character but he brings so much to the story with his masterful strategies and expertly delivered comedic moments. I read this via audiobook and enjoyed the narration by both Bauer and Haynes. The narration was clear, easy to understand, and thoroughly immersed readers in the story. I was fully engaged and did not want to stop listening. Both Bauer and Haynes captured the essence of their respective characters and build on their chemistry. This book will rip your heart out by the end and have you begging Scheuerer to do it all over again.

*ARC and ALC review*
release date: 31 July

4,5 ⭐️

"Thorns & Fire" by Helen Scheuerer is the second book in the fantasy romance trilogy “The Ashes of Thezmarr”

Thank you Pan Macmillan for the e-ARC and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

You should read this series if you like:

- fantasy books with romance (and spice)
- academy setting
- magic, potions and alchemy
- prophecies
- hate-to-love
- bodyguard x princess
- forced proximity
- forbidden romance
- slow burn with a lot of angst

The book continues the story immediately after the end of "Iron & Embers".
I did not know how things will develop after Torj's actions, but I am glad that he did not stay away from Wren for long.
Wren is my favorite character in this series and she has such a great development.
She is physically stronger, but also became a leader with more confidence.
Torj is so protective, but also possessive and jealous. He tries to fight his feelings, but their connection is just too strong.

The book has a slower pace but we get new information, there is still action with a few twists and the tension between Wren and Torj is amazing.
I love Helen's world and that characters from the initial series are still an important part of the story (especially Kipp).
With short chapters, alternating Wren and Torj's POV, the story kept me engaged and interested.

The audiobook is narrated in dual style by Matt Haynes and Emilia Bauer and it was a good experience listening to it while reading the e-book.
Emilia Bauer is great as Wren and she also acts well in a male voice.
During the previous book I was not convinced by Matt Haynes as Torj, but now I liked it more.
He manages to switch from narrator voice to Torj's dialog so easy and it feels like a different person. Same when he narrates other characters.

The ending was full of revelations and made the connection with events from the beginning of the book.
I am so glad that the next book comes out this year because I need to know what happens next.

I absolutely looooved the Thezmarr series and Iron and Embers and was so excited to get an ALC for this. I absolutely loved it. Torj and Wren are amazing. I binged this. 5 stars!

Helen Scheuerer does it again! Thorns & Fire throws us right back into the brutal, breathtaking world of Thezmarr, where stakes are high, magic runs deep, and emotions cut sharper than any blade.

Tropes:
💙Soul bond
💙Found family
💙Grumpy x determined
💙He falls first
💙Morally grey villain
💙Slow burn romance
💙“I’ll protect you even if it kills me” energy
💙Dual POV / dual narration

The political tension, dark alchemy, and emotional gut punches are perfectly woven into a story that never lets up. And that villain?? Creepy, complex, and unforgettable. Add in subtle spice, zero miscommunication (thank you, Helen), and an ending that had me screaming, yeah, I’m unwell.

Special shoutout to the dual narrators in the audiobook, they nailed the emotional tension and brought Wren and Torj’s POVs to life in the most immersive way. Truly one of my favorite listening experiences this year.

And the side characters? Chef’s kiss. Kip, Cal, and that Bloodteller name drop had me begging for a spin-off.

Helen is releasing all three books in a single year, and somehow, each one just gets better. If you’re into dark fantasy with heart, rich worldbuilding, and slow-burn romance, Thorns & Fire is your next obsession.

I have been waiting on this book for what feels like forever (when in actuality it wasn't that long I just love this created world so much). Now that I've finished it, I want to go back and reread the series again, and probably not just Ashes of Thezmarr but Legends and the novella too.

Our story picks up not long after book 1 ends and we're right back in the tension and mystery. I loved every bit of this book, it's the perfect blended romantasy and the world-building leading up to this book helped give it so much more depth and allow for the characters to grow more naturally with the story. Plus we were introduced to some intriguing new characters, some of them I'm looking forward to getting to know more.

🎧 Emilia Bauer does a fantastic job narrating Wren's chapters, and while Matt Haynes doesn't do my favorite voices, it was a great listen overall.

Will definitely be rereading and looking forward to book 3! I can't believe book 2 left where it did - ahhhh!

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media & NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

Iron & Embers was my favorite book so far from Helen, so I was eagerly awaiting Thorns & Fire. Sadly, I was a bit underwhelmed. These books are still imminently bingeable and easy to devour though. The plot doesn't move forward a ton here, but we do get lots of character work on Wren & Torj as she seeks to mend what he broke in the last book.

We get tons of angst here. I was so relieved when the truth about what Torj did finally came to light. The man was a giant idiot for keeping those secrets. His actions may have been right, but OMG the lying about them was tedious. The good news is the spice was SPICIN, especially in the latter half of the book. Whew, these two set fire to the pages.

The ending sets up what will hopefully be an action-packed third book. And thank goodness Wren & Torj are on the same page too. I'm still hooked on this series and can't wait to see what happens next!

Rated 4.5 Stars

Thorns & Fire took my emotions on a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions. I didn't know it was possible to get whiplash from a book but here I am standing as living proof that it is in fact possible. I'm going to be in serious recovery mode until the finale. I will be counting down the months, days, hours, minutes and seconds to its release. This book was packed with twists and turns, action, adventure, steam and much more. It had me on the edge of my seat eager to know what would happen next. I loved it, throughly enjoyed and most certainly recommend it. The narrators were a joy to listen to first and foremost. They did a phenomenal job with this second book in the series. They voiced the hell out of these characters and their journey. I truly loved listening to them through the highs and lows, ups and downs and everything in betweeen. I can't wait to listen to them in book three.